Rita's Drawing Board

Treasure Box - Pretty in Pink

2008-12-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

I had a request this week for a custom order - a pink treasure box for a woman who was finishing up her treatment for breast cancer. What a wonderful thought and perfect fit for a treasure box!

So here it is the Pretty in Pink Treasure Box
....as always custom orders are welcome!
(Repurposed cigar box from Nicaragua transformed with paint, bangles, recycled rolled glass, and petals from flowers very much cherished)

Visit the Svasara Treasure Chest site to see more styles.

as always the insides are really beautiful as a representation of each individual and their inherent beauty.

Created with the belief that everyone should have a beautiful, unique and special place to keep the things they treasure...something visible and alive, becoming part of your story. Each is always unique & handmade with an element reminding us that we are all connected and part of something bigger. For example, the treasure boxes are all the same on the inside - just as we are all very different on the outside but consist of the same elements within.

****Each is priced $99 or less****
contact rita@svasara.com

trunkt.org

2008-12-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

Very excited!!!

I am a member of Trunkt now! I'll be showcasing and selling my treasure chests through here. Will be updating to a premium account soon ----

The Wholesale Directory of Exceptional Art and Design

Trunkt is the easy, elegant and affordable way for artisans to present their products to wholesale buyers.

Thousands of boutique buyers, gallery owners and merchandising professionals browse through the amazing portfolios of our member artisans looking for fresh products for their retail establishments.

Treasure Chests

2008-12-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

Come over to my new website and check out the Treasure Chests & Boxes I create.

I recently launched my company Svasara, Inc. Svasara means your essence...
The Treasure Chests & Boxes are

created with the belief that everyone should have a beautiful, unique and special place to keep the things they treasure...something visible and alive, becoming part of your story. Each is always unique & handmade with an element reminding us that we are all connected and part of something bigger.

Svasara Offerings
1. Embellish: existing & traditional chests, trunks & boxes
2. Couture Design: from the ground up Svasara one of kind designed treasure chests in wood or metal in abstract forms and shapes. (more detailed info & images from Elephant Collection coming soon)
3. Completely Custom: you bring me your chest and/or materials and we can work to create a personalized treasure chest

Check out & join the Svasara facebook group & the Svasara facebook page!

Kiva Fund update

2008-11-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

A year ago, I decided to take a portion of my sales (10%) and place them in a fund to help other entrepreneurs in developing parts of the world fulfill their goals and dreams. To date I have made 18 mini-loans from the fund. As I received money back into my fund from groups over the worldthat I had loaned to I was able to re-loan. 18 different people/groups!!!! Click here to see the details of all the loans. It truly feels great to make and sell and then take some of that money and recycle it through kiva continually helping different people.

I am thinking of starting a kiva lending team to coincide with the launch of Svasara Treasure Chests - conatact me if youa re interested. In the meantime, I continue to add to the fund as sales happen!

Svasara Treasure Boxes - Bells Collection

2008-11-02T15:15:00.001-08:00

I just launched the first collection of Svasara mini-treasure boxes ---The Bells Collection---

Check it out!

Svasara Treasure Chests & Boxes are created with the belief everyone should have a really beautiful, unique and special place to keep the things that they treasure about themselves. Not hidden in a shoebox in a closet but something visible and alive-becoming part of your story...staying connected to oneself.

Complete Svasara Offerings:
Embellish: existing & traditional chests, trunks & boxes
Couture Design: from the ground up Svasara one of kind designed treasure chests in wood or metal in abstract forms and shapes. (images from Elephant Collection coming soon)
Completely Custom: you bring me your chest and/or materials and we can work to create a personalized treasure chest each is always unique & handmade

New Work: Acrylic on Bamboo

2008-04-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Below is my first paintings on bamboo. [I will be showing these with other art at the annual Spring Gallery Stroll in Rochester, MI Friday May 2] I painted in my feathery style that people have found popular in the past and because of the slats the iridescent bits of paint through add even more dimension and variation in different lights. These pieces are versatile in that they can be hung on a wall as art or used as floor mats. Each one comes with a protective backing and the front is treated with polyurethane to protect the bamboo and art...more to come! Below are 4 pieces...

[1] dimension:3.94' x 5.90'

[2] dimension:3.94' x 5.90'

[3] dimension: 1.96' x 2.95' each

Commissioned Art: Celestial

2008-04-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

Here are two new pieces that I was commissioned to do --- something that reminded me of her. My first image when she spoke to me about doing the work was something blue and celestial with birds. The works change more than some of other work because of the amount and type of iridescent paint I have used - I wanted to get the effect of how the sky really look so different depending on the light, so very magical and lovely...so above and below are two images keeping in mind that there are many more:

Untitled 69
Series of 2 (12" x 36" each)
acrylic on canvas

It has been sometime where I have painted images not my work the are somewhat representative of anything. I used to do a lot of birds and it was nice to feel that in my hand as I painted these. I love birds. I was thinking of this feeling while I was driving and noticed how many more birds were out...maybe because it is warm and springlike here. Here in Michigan there are so many different kinds that it makes me so happy as my imagination just goes...

here are the two of the birds closeup:

Gift Bag inserts: Notecards

2008-03-27T08:13:00.001-07:00

5.25"x5.25" ivory notecards hand block-printed front and back with flower pattern

(in packaging with business card and postage info)

I've found a new way to contribute and get the word out about my style. I have been offering up my notecards as items for gift bags at different events. So far, this year I have sent cards for the bags for six events. I am enjoying getting my cards out this way. At the very least it is usable and someone will hopefully appreciate getting a personal message in my card sent by a friend. If you have an event coming up and are interested including my cards in your gift bags - give me a shout.
(the above cards were for the Vegas event listed below).

The six events were:

Sanctuary for Families Valentine's Dinner in NYC (they do amazing work to help women who have been the victims of abuse and domestic violence, relocate and get back on their feet).

Ichiche, and Stil Distinctive Clothing Trunk Show & Cocktail at the Desiron Showroom in Soho (NYC) sponsored by Pearl Vodka (I actually own an amazing piece of jewelry from Ichiche - really beautiful and original - I get compliments everytime I wear it!)

American Resort Development Association Conference in Las Vegas(the governing body for the Vacation Ownership/Fractional Ownership industry). This is an executive networking reception for the women in the resort industry (Marriot, Hilton, Hyatt, Disney, etc.)

"Glorious Health and Glamorous" living event brought Laughing Sage Wellness Group and Modern Venus Ltd. Lifestyle Coaching benefiting Circle of Health International, a dynamic grassroots nonprofit that supports women's health in disaster and war-torn areas.

Desiron ICFF party on March 17, 2008

Event at SFactor to benefit Feel Your Boobies on May 18. 2008

Happy Spring: magical, joyful painting

2008-03-20T13:31:00.001-07:00

Untitled 64 (closeup)

I was planning on posting this painting that I absolutely love and makes me so happy when I think about it. (I was smiling when I painted it!) There is something different about it although still very much my style. I feel that when I painted it there was feeling growing in my heart and a blossoming. I have felt that grow stronger and stronger and the year passes. I made it at the end of 2007 at a time that I can only describe as magical...a bit like spring.

Today is the first day of spring and although it is cold out - the snow is melting and the grass underneath is green and the birds are chirping - there is that feeling again. I came across this poem posted on the Habitually Chic blog and it seemed to capture it all for (especially the last two lines) - the feeling of this new art piece:

Daffodils
by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud,

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they

Out-did the sparkling leaves in glee;

A poet could not be but gay,

In such a jocund company!

I gazed—and gazed—but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

...and the art, two versions
Untitled 64 (acrylic, beads, flower petals on canvas):

Group Show at Cary Gallery

2008-03-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

I met with the owner of Cary in Rochester, MI last week. He selected the below piece to be in a group show beginning April/May 2008. He really liked my white pieces - which have always been the most popular. I really enjoy making those partly because the movement of painting them is very freeing and then I enjoy viewing it because my eyes dance around the painting seeing so much. I hope that others will enjoy it at the show.

(click here to purchase)

Untitled 60; 24"x 48"
$800

Untitled 60 (closeup)

Journals & Onesie Sets at Elements

2008-03-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Last week I visited shop called Elements in downtown Lake Orion (also another location in downtown Rochester) to show them some of my products that I sell at my online shop. I was really happy that Bonnie (one of the two owners) liked my style and decided to try and see how my hand designed journals (faux suede and faux silk) and the onesie sets (hand printed short sleeve tan & chocolate piping onesie with a matching hat) will do in the shop. The shop has a very French feel and reminds me also of Anthropologie.

Here are a few of the images of the faux suede journals that are on consignment at Elements (the rest [including the pink ones] are online at my esty shop):

Here are a few of the images of the faux suede journals that are on consignment at Elements (the rest are online at my esty shop):

Featured on change the mold

2008-03-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

Doing Good, While Doing Business: Support Socially Responsible Companies

There is a blog called changethemold.com that features companies that give back or do good in some way while doing business. My company was featured recently on the site because I place 10% of all sales into a fund to loan entrepreneurs in developing countries through kiva.org. To date I have been able to make ten loans and all are being paid back at this time (my kiva loans). Once fully paid I can make some new loans (as well as when there are more sales :)).

thanks to everyone from the bottom of my heart for your support...it goes a long way.

Plexiglass Art: Mootzies Gallery

2008-03-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

I am excited to be showing my plexiglass pieces as art at Mootzies Gallery in Owosso, MI. Up until now the pieces have mostly been seen as tableware and soon (Summer 2008) on Sweetriot tins. I have also sold them as beautiful clipboards - something to really bring a smile in the office.

From my statement on my plexi-art:

...central to the overall theme of my art is the constant flow of unanticipated images that fade in and out---the inherent beauty of change…

Challenging the viewers ideas of perspective and change is more obviously addressed in my works on plexiglass. A piece of art created with plexiglass changes so much that at times it does not even resemble itself from one perspective to another; passing from transparent to translucent to opaque. With light entering at every angle and backgrounds easily altered by where the work is placed, each piece is mesmerizing and the images seen are ethereal. These characteristics make them difficult to completely capture and duplicate with film. Like much of our experiences an aspect and perhaps a resemblance is captured while the complete essence is only inside of us. With these works I hope to highlight the idea of being present in the moments and the surprises that happen then which emphasizes the special-ness of first hand experiences.

Below are the four pieces I will be showing over the next three months at Mootzies. there are two images for each piece - one where more light is passing through than the other - really changes the work:

Untitled P1 view 1

Untitled P1 view 2

Untitled P2 view 1

Untitled P2 view 2

Untitled P3 view 1

Untitled P3 view 2

Untitled P4 view 1

Untitled P4 view 2

Art Donation: COTS

2008-03-15T05:04:00.001-07:00

COTS - Coalition on Temporary Shelter is having their annual fundraiser (ImaginAide) on April 19, 2008 at the MGM Grand in Detroit. I have donated the two paintings below for the live silent art auction at this event. Through case management and a wide array of supportive services and housing programs, COTS helps homeless individuals and families break the cycle of homelessness by addressing the causes of their homelessness.

Untitled 42

Untitled 43

Sweetriot: Rock the Art Vote!

2007-11-27T21:26:00.000-08:00

I am so excited!!!! [UPDATE - I WON!!!! The tins with my work will be sold in 3-6 months. I will post more details soon]

I've been selected as a finalist (one of two) in the sweetriot art promotion! Sweetriot is a company that sells 100% dark chocolate covered cocao nibs in cool little tins. So in the final round, everyone gets to decide in the Rock the Art Vote!, whose art will be on the tins!

You can go and vote here: http://www.sweetriot.com/art/rioters-vote-for-art.php . The vote will be live until December 8th. If selected the art that will be places is my plexi work. Here are the three contenders:

And learn more about sweetriot's great product and about the company's mission based philosophy. (Also a great gift idea!)

Untitled 4

Untitled 1

Untitled 3

More Aprons

2007-10-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

Below are some new aprons that I have hand designed (closeup image of the design next to each one). On the lighter ones I have hand drawn the pattern in in fabric pigment ink and then either dyed the apron in tea or turmeric. the tea gives is a various shades of light brown/tan and the turmeric gives the fabric light shades varying between yellow and red. On the black ones I have both hand designed and block printed with my own patterns. Some of the black ones below have metallic fabric ink on them. (All items are machine washable and dryer safe)

Some of these will be on sale at my shop and the others will be sold at the Detroit Artists Market (DAM) for the Holiday Show. Prices range from $35 (black) to $50 (light). If you have any requests or custom orders, please contact me at ritagpatel@gmail.com.
See details below:

Bottom border and abstract line of people (see closeup above) and middle larger 'people' in iridescent fabric ink.

Circle pattern in paisley shapes in light pink, lavendar and gray block print of one of my designs.

Signature squiggly pattern both hand drawn in iridescent copper and block printed in light blue.

Signature squiggly pattern both hand drawn in iridescent silver and block printed in light lavender.

Hand drawn design in green and pinkish/red permanent fabric ink and with blue on the back side & dyed in turmeric giving light reddish and yellow hues. The design on th both sides and dying give the apron more texture and depth. (reversible: either side can be worn as front)

Block printed in light lavender of 'people' design.

Hand drawn design in blue and light blue permanent fabric ink and with red on the back side & dyed in turmeric giving light reddish and yellow hues. The design on th both sides and dying give the apron more texture and depth. (reversible: either side can be worn as front)

Hand drawn design in apricot and red permanent fabric ink and with purple on the back side (see below images) & dyed in turmeric giving light reddish and yellow hues. The design on th both sides and dying give the apron more texture and depth. (reversible: either side can be worn as front)

Happy Diwali

2007-10-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to design a line of Diwali cards for a years now and a friend of mine knowing this commissioned me to make one for him this year..as a way to get me going on my idea. It serves as a soft launch for a series for next year. Hopefully these cards will fill a missing gap and also provide a means of creating awareness of a holiday outside of the community that normally celebrates it...by people who do not celebrate the holiday to give to those that do or even companies that do work in India and to give them as a holiday card.

I am selling these at my etsy shop as single and bulk...Diwali this year is November 9th - stay tuned for next year!

The card is a soft mustard color with a black paisley and floral design. There is a quote about light inside the card:

front

inside

New Plexiglass Tableware

2007-10-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

I created some new tableware out of plexiglass - a centerpiece slate (layered to add more dimension) to place food or candles---here are some different images. The dinner parties are getting larger and with that so has the table...

The bottom layer has the red color in it and the top layer has more of the blues and greens.
Below are more images:

Below is an image of the top layer on the floor of my studio:

Below is an image of the bottom layer of centerpiece in my studio:

Here is another closeup of the placemats (the reddish ones I had done before) on the table and in my studio:

Other plexiglass art/products

Kiva Update

2007-10-02T11:30:00.001-07:00

I sold two paintings yesterday (Untitled 23 and Untitled 35) which was great for me...but what got me even more excited and happy was that meant I was able to make two more loans through kiva.og (3 total since I have committed to 10% of my sales to help entrepreneurs in developing countries):

So here are the three people and their projects that I am helping fund (So amazing and makes me sit back and wonder at each of our impacts when I see how making the painting led to helping someone around the world build a better life while someone else is enjoying my art in their home - priceless!):

1. Sevil Qurbanova was born in 1955. She lives in Aksu. She is married and has 2 children. She sells clothing on the central market. In 2005, Sevil took her first Normicro credit. This is her third loan application. Sevil plans to use the money to expand her business.

2. Rosa Ponce: Senora Rosa sells clothing door to door. Having a fixed group of clients, her deliveries are monthly. Many of her clients buy on credit, so part of Rosa's job is to identify the clients who need to pay and then make the collections.

3. Fadia Al Sayegh is a married woman living in Sharoun with her family and her 4 children. Fadia used to sell cosmetic products from door to door. When this activity ended, she started knitting and doing crochet, skills she learned from her mother at age 15. She either sells her work at home or she passes her creations to a woman in charge of selling them. Fadia needs to buy the necessary materials and accessories to sustain and gradually develop her small business. Fadia is part of a group with 5 other women from the same village. Her group's name is 'Al Eman' which means faith. The requested loan is for this group of self-chosen women, living in vulnerable conditions, mostly in rural areas. Group lending is based on incremental increase of loan amount and group solidarity to guarantee repayment. The strength of the group loan is that it encourages a collaborative approach in the borrowing community. The group loan is a very powerful tool towards the economic empowerment of women.

Plexiglass Art/Clipboard for CARE

2007-10-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

I will be attending the NYC Ladies Who Launch LIVE event on October 18 this year and during the event there will be a silent auction benefiting CARE. For the auction I decided to donate one of my favorite plexiglass art pieces...I am showcasing it as either art or a funky clipboard or anything else the one can think to use it for.

I am hoping that people will be able to see how it versatile, durable and fun the pretty art work can be. It is one thing to tell people but it is more effective I think if people try it out on their own...hope it works! See two versions of the piece below:

Prints for Sale

2007-09-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

I am selling selected photographs I have taken over the years as numbered prints - all are matted and 8.5" x 11".

In honor of Autumn I have the below two:

Pumpkin Patch Fall Print
$20
I love how the baby and mamma pumpkin are crisp in the forefront and that you can see the water drops on the mamma pumpkin. The photo was taken in the fall of 2005 in San Mateo, California the day afte a friend's wedding.

Autumn Squash
$20
I like the range of color and textures here - this photo was taken the same day and place as the mamma and baby pumpkin one above. This one also inspired me to do a series based on color (coming soon...)

"Swirly Paris Sky"
$20
I have had this photos as one my favorites that I have ever taken --- it was taken in 2002 during the evening in the plaza in front of Notre Dame in Paris. I love the surreal-ness of it and eery time I look at it feel really magical and full of the potential of the night!

The below three are variations of one digital photo I took on a walk in 2006 in San Francisco that I am selling as a series of 3- I really like the interest the texture and curves of the leaves and digitally altered the original to create the series so that the eye can see different aspects of the same image highlighted through color:
"Greenery Color Study Series"
$50

Cloth Napkins

2007-09-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

I have some new home goods that I started to sell at my etsy shop (just click 'home goods' on the right hand column on my etsy site). They are all $25/set of 4 napkins. the gray ones I can make more of (or less). I also think it is nice idea to have a nice cloth napkin for those of us who take our lunch to work...environmentally friendly & elegant - making all more enjoyable.

Below are some images of three of different ones:

Cotton cloth napkin with a circular navy blue print pattern

Gray linen & cotton cloth napkin with a darker gray swirly print pattern

Light mustard yellow cloth napkin with a blue print pattern that reminds of either grass or people

Floor Cushions

2007-09-25T11:22:00.001-07:00

I have designed the patterns on some more tufted silk floor cushions - I like the effect of the raw silk - shimmery in a textured way and in different lights. These are 22.5" x 22.5 inches and there are two of each - you can get one ($60) or both ($100/set). I'll be loading different colored ones in the next few days onto my etsy shop. I have here two different colors. For the yellow one I use a dusty rose and teal pigment fabric ink to hand design the pattern.

For the images for the chocolate brown cushions here I have used a metallic copper pigment fabric ink to make the hand designed pattern.

Apron

2007-09-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of aprons and for someone who cooks so often I never wear one...I think it is partly because I have not come across something that I really like & that I associate it with something more frumpy...and I want to be anything but frumpy. So, as I have been designing clothing items and other textiles I thought about making an apron - a really pretty one that is exciting to put on and fun to wear. A friend recently remembered me mentioning that and gave me two blank ones - a white one and a black one. I designed the white one and have pictures below and it is for sale at my etsy shop.

This one is white (cotton & polyester) that I have dyed with tea (unevenly) to give a textured & layered look. The pattern on the apron I hand designed pigment ink in black and gray on the front and purple in the back. It can be worn either way (reversible).

There is a pattern on both front & back so the design can show through each side adding another dimensional layer to the piece.

I am hoping that people will find that wearing something they find beautiful be inspiring and lead to some fun cooking moments. Here are some more images:

Uptown Liz

2007-09-24T03:13:00.000-07:00

Uptown Liz is a great shopping site. It's goal is to be place where people can shop for a cause. ("where shopping gives back"). The company was started by the founder, Ramona Russell, to promote products from companies whose proceeds directly give back to charitable organizations in memory of her sister who died of stage IV breast cancer.

I was fortunate enough to have many of my products chosen for the site...check out all the different products at Uptown Liz! If you are shopping by cause all my products fall under women's empowerment (You will still purchase through my etsy shop and 10% the purchase will go to kiva.org.)

Commissioned Art

2007-09-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

Each painting is 3' wide and 6' tall. I finished these pieces earlier this summer for my friends' living room - the room has very high ceilings (I believe the highest point it 40') and also has a lot of natural light. They go well with the decor and I was really happy with the outcome.

Painting Untitled 49 (series of 5)

2007-09-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

This series of five paintings have more of the iridescent paint than I usually use. What that does is it gives the pieces greater range of variation in hues and and subtler color (which makes it even more difficult to photograph). The views will change dramatically depending on the lighting and perspective - each painting in this series has layers of color that range from imperceptible to transparent colors including metallics (gold) appearing...the ink images on each are abstract drawing with ink of people and/or buildings...take your pick (some even say horses).

Acrylic on stretched Canvas

Series of five paintings
Each painting is 5" x 5"
$250 for the set

Series 1 of 5

Series 2 of 5

Series 3 of 5

Series 4 of 5

Series 5 of 5

New Large & Small Paintings

2007-09-06T13:32:00.000-07:00

I completed 4 paintings today and uploaded them on my etsy shop for purchase (10% of each purchase will go towards helping other entrepreneurs through kiva.org). Here are some images of the new work:Untitled 45
5" x 7"
$50

Untitled 46
5" x 7"
$50

Untitled 47
5" x 7"
$50

Untitled 48; Series of 2
24" x 48" each painting
$1,000

Kiva.org----help empower others!!!

2007-09-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

buy here...help there

at my etsy shop

As of September 2007, I will loan 10% of each purchase price to businesses in developing areas through kiva.org and when any loans are refunded to me I will re-loan those out to other underprivileged entrepreneurs looking for funding...

As an entrepreneur, I am know of the difficulties involved in starting and building my dream into my own venture. So, as I am building my design house I decided I want to help others who also are trying to build their dreams. You can look at my profile at kiva.org to see how everyone's purchases are helping low-income entrepreneurs worldwide. (Click here to see what's for sale)

More info: Kiva.org allows individuals to make $25 loans to low-income entrepreneurs in the developing world (microfinance). By doing so, individuals like you provide affordable working capital for the poor (money to buy a sewing machine, livestock, etc.), empowering them to earn their way out of poverty. It's a new, direct and sustainable way to fight global poverty, and help someone build a future.

Link to Ladies Who Launch

Svasara Test Party (two): 7 year old birthday party

2007-06-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

We had our second test party last week (Sydney's 7th birthday party) and the theme was 'fashion'. So there were about 15 girls between the ages of 5 and 8 who were the designers/design directors. Each girl got to pick out a tank baby doll style top and then had the choice of designing it herself or tell me how to design it. It was really cool seeing their faces light up when they saw the what they had done...Really priceless and filled me with such joy - validating again why we chose to setup the design business as structure for people to create beautiful items themselves.
You can see the photos of the shirts that each girl designed.

Now we are working hard on fine tuning the product and structure...stay tuned...

Svasara Test Party (one): baby shower

2007-06-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month we had a baby shower for a friend and we decided to make it the first unofficial test/focus group for Svasara,Inc. After all the guests arrived we told them that they would be designers for the new baby. We gave each of the them two baby clothing items and then showed them how to design using the tools that we had created. I was really surprised at how besutiful everything came out, how each person really enjoyed and liked the idea a lot. It was really very good feedback and surpassed my expectations.

In addition, people loved the designs (patterns) that I had developed for them to use and the most amazing part was seeing how each person used them on the clothes - ways that I would not think of & truly depicting how everyone has an unique creative sensibility. It was great to see how when given the tools and techniques how creative each person is - the best items were designed by people who said that they did not have a creative bone in their body.

The mother-to-be was really happy as well and now she has unique pieces designed by her friends and family.

You can see the photos of each individual item that each guest designed for the new baby (with some close-ups)(all designers are adults except for one 7 year old and one 8 1/2 year old).

Svasara, Inc.

2007-06-30T18:27:00.001-07:00

Bare your design sense...

Svasara meaning the essence of you the name of the design company that Doris and I are building together. It provides a platform for people to create their own personal and home fashions. We provide the tools and techniques in an non-intimidating and fun setting for each person to be a designer and truly create items that represent themselves.

(more to come...)

The Pink Door

2007-06-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

When I was a vendor at the Country Day Fair at the Kingsbury School last month, I met Juie Durham of the The Pink Door. The goal of The Pink Door is to be able to provide funds for screening mammography for the uninsured and underserved. On July 10, 2007, there will be a golf outing fundraiser for The Pink Door. I will be de donating a painting for the event to help raise money for mammographies.

Julie really liked my work and is looking to also sell my notecards and hire me to do designs in the store as well.
I hope my works out and brings more people in to raise awareness and funds. UPDATE: Met with Julie this week and there is much more she would like me to involved in - as we figure out the details I will post the new relationship and work to come from it (involves both my art/design & food)- It is very exciting!

In addition, I am thinking that the women of the Pink Door might really enjoy having a designing party - where they get to embellish & style their own clothing. So perhaps as we build Svasara, Inc. (the design company Doris & I are building together) - we can have these women have a party - fun and creative times together...

UPDATE: Donated painting ----

Untitled 40; 16" x 12"

100 Wall Street: Art on Loan 2007

2007-06-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

I found out yesterday that three of my pieces have been selected to be displayed for one year in the Garvey Schubert Barer Law offices at 100 Wall Street (so excited! - one of 12 artists selected). It is part of the 2007 New York Art Expo.

It is really nice to know that it will be on display and seen! (I also have photographs that are on display in one of the lobbies of the NYSE that they bought two years ago - photos of the fall in Central Park). It also feels good to have my work out there in NYC even though I no longer officially live there...

The opportunity was provided by Robin Wilson Home - who coordinated the art selection process. (She is a fellow Ladies Who Launch Incubatress) They will be on display until June 1, 2008 and they are still all for sale.

Untitled 31

Untitled 29

Untitled 23

My work on view...

2007-06-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

I have some of my paintings on view at the McEntire Method Pilates Studio in downtown Rochester, MI.

I will rotation different work over time. We talked about showing my plexiglass pieces in the windows of the studio - which I am very excited about - I think the style and the changes will go really well with the atmosphere in the space. The light coming through the window changing over the course of the day will really show off the pieces. Yo ucan see more of the images on my flickr site.

It is a really beautiful space and the owner, Trent McEntire, is very passionate and has created a comfortable environment to really pay attention and train his clients. My meeting with him turned out to be a great synergy-filled time and it looks like it will be positive (I will update as more things happen). I hope also to have a show of new art in September this year at the space.

New Paintings: Untitled 40 to Untitled 44

2007-06-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

I have some new art work on my etsy shop. These five below are of similar style and could go well together as a series. Some of the work I have incorporated flower petals and leaves. The color is spare but dense and really has some nice effects as the light changes:

Untitled 44; 12" x 12"
$175

Untitled 41; 16" x 12"
$175

Untitled 42; 16" x 12"
$175

Untitled 43; 16" x 12"
$175

Untitled 40; 16" x 12"
SOLD

Squiggly People Unleashed

2007-05-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

(Abstract design of squiggly 'people' interacting in a way that they spell out 't-shirt')

...So, I have a few different products for sale that have the 'squiggly people' that I have been creating for a few years now ---- I am bit by bit letting them out for everyone else to enjoy. I'll post the others later, for now...

't-shirt' at my zazzle boutique

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Children's Trunks: Kingsbury Auction

2007-05-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that I have been researching and working on developing my vision for children's trunks since last year. Earlier this year I finished my first two samples where I designed the surfaces of in collaboration with the 1st & 2nd grade students at the Kingsbury Day School in Oxford, MI. I asked the students in each class to make a a drawing based on a theme. For the 1st graders it was trees and for the 2nd graders it was fantasy/magic. I then incorporated each child's interpretation in the design of the trunk for the class -

The items will be auctioned on June 3rd to raise money for the school - here are some photos. The many subtle layers if color do not photograph here - I used a technique with wood stain and fabric dye to obtain the same effects that I do in my paintings where the lighting and perspective will affect the what you see - an ever changing piece. The whole process was challenging and educational - now I am looking for a woodworker/carpenter to work with me to build more trunks that I can design...more information on that in another post.

I'll be adding better images of the Kingsbury trunks as I receive and will post an update after the auction -

UPDATE: Here is a link to photos taken of both trunks

1st grade

2nd grade

Fundraising for Charities

2007-05-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

I am behind in my posts and plan to put up my new work here by the end of the month (but it is at my online shop)

…in the meantime, I have a quick post because I am so excited about the results of a charity event that took place tonight in NYC: Sensi - to benefit Meir Panim - an organization which offers aid to those living below the poverty line in Israel through programs such as soup kitchens, free lunch programs and vocational training. Unfortunately, one in every third child lives below the poverty line. Relief Centers in Israel provide the needy, regardless of background, with a comprehensive group of social service programs located across the country. I was informed that the art I donated raised $1200 for the organization & 100% of the sale of the will go to the charity. The event had 100 pieces of art and you can see all the wonderful works donated at the site: www.sensi6.org Here is the piece I donated to Sensi:

Untitled 28: 30' x 40" acrylic and flower petals on canvas

There is another benefit for SAYA that will be held on May 23 in NYC at the Altman Building - I am donating the below art for this event:

Untitled 37: 18" x 14" acrylic & ink on canvas

Plexiglass

2007-04-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to photograph my work on plexiglass and it has been difficult because how completely different it looks in varying lights and angles - from transparent to opaque. So for people to get an idea, I have taken photographs from some of these perspectives of a few of my pieces.

Right now I am working with individual customers to make placemats, pool table covers and dining table covers of my art. I am also looking to partner with or work with a furniture maker to incorporate what I do n the plexiglass/glass into furniture like a coffee table. If anyone knows anyone out there, let me know...

Here are some images (each one with two or more versions):

Plexiglass 1:Plexiglass 2:

Plexiglass 3:

Plexiglass 4:

Click here for some more images

www.flickr.com

Dinner Party Accessories

2007-03-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

We had a dinner party in February where I made 6 different pizzas from vegetarian to gluten free to thai which were accompanied with two different soups (recipes will be posted soon). For this dinner party I also made the dinner plates and serving platters. the plates were made from plexiglass that I painted in my usual style using acrylic paint with some iridescent. The plexiglass really allowed the light to hit it from all different angles and truly create a very different piece of art and keep you visually interested. the pizza was served on long glass plates that I painted in similar style. They were setup hight and below we had placed candles to have light from the bottom and all around hit each piece...again creating the same effects...Here are some photos below. Once I figure out how to photograph them better I will post more. Anyone interested in some custom serving, dinnerware - please contact me.

My Gallery on Saatchi

2007-03-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

Saatchi has a way to showcase your work to the many people who visit the site everyday..their is even a regular showdown for which people can vote for...check out my gallery.

VataLife.com...NEW WEBSITE!

2007-03-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

I have updated my old website (ritapatel.com)....The new site is called vatalife.com
(either domain name will get you to the same place):

Coasters

2007-02-26T20:19:00.000-08:00

I have created tiles with images of selected sections of my paintings on rolled marble tiles. You can hang them as art or use them as coasters - each has a cork backing. So far I have 9 different ones...
you can see them all at my etsy shop...each one is $10
below are a few samples:

Photos from the Opening at Madame X

2007-02-26T19:24:00.000-08:00

Below are some photos before the show started, to see more photos click here.

I also made marbled tiles of selected sections each of my paintings in the show which can be purchased at my etsy shop

Art to be shown at Madame X

2007-02-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

The art I have chosen for my show at Madame X is below...I have also decided to sell ceramic tiles that have images of closeups sections of the paintings I will be showing. I'll have all the items up for sale at my etsy shop.

Untitled 18: 24" x 36" (acrylic on canvas)

Untitled 29: 24" x 36" (acrylic, tissue paper on canvas)

Untitled 31: 24" x 36" (acrylic, tea, rose petals, ink and glitter on canvas)

Untitled 28: 30" x 40" (acrylic, flower petals on canvas)

Untitled 30: 30" x 40" (acrylic and india ink on canvas)

Untitled 23 30" x 40" (acrylic on canvas)

Untitled 24: 30" x 40" (acrylic on canvas)

Art Show

2007-01-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

I have a solo exhibition of my new paintings in New York. I am very much looking forward to showing the newer pieces.

Dates: February 20th to March 20th
Opening Reception: February 24th, 7pm
Location: Madame X, 94 West Houston St.

As I finish the pieces for the show I will post the links.

New Large Paintings

2007-01-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

Here are two of my newer paintings.
They are larger format...you can see all the new ones at my etsy shop.

Untitled 15

Untitled 22

"Untitled 27"

2007-01-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

click here to purchase

5" x 7" acrylic on canvas
$75

"Untitled 26"

2007-01-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

5" x 5" Acrylic and fabric on canvas
SOLD

"Untitled 25"

2007-01-06T07:57:00.000-08:00

I have two photos of these paintings - depending on the light , the colors/view ranges between the two images here:

view 1

view 2

Acrylic on Canvas
Series of 2: 5" x 7" each
SOLD

Children's Play Mat

2006-12-16T19:43:00.000-08:00

Alphabet, Numbers with Center Rainbow of People Holding Hands 5' x 8.5'
Custom Designed
SOLD
Contact me for custom orders & personalization

Hand Designed White Onesie: Purple & Gold

2006-12-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase & for more colors, sizes and styles

Contact me for custom orders & personalization

Cotton White with Yellow Trim Long-Sleeve Miniwear Onesie
Hand Designed with India Ink
Size M: 3-6 months: 13-17 lbs
SOLD

Hand Designed Blue Onesie: Blue & Pumpkin

2006-12-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

Contact me for custom orders & personalization

Cotton Blue Long-Sleeve Miniwear Onesie
Hand Designed with India Ink
Size L: 6-9 months; 17-20 lbs
SOLD

Hand Designed Pink Onesie: Army Green & Evergreen

2006-12-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase & for more colors, sizes and styles

Contact me for custom orders & personalization

Cotton Pink Long-Sleve Miniwear Onesie
Hand Designed with India Ink
Army Green & Evergreen
Size L: 6-9 months; 17-20 lbs
SOLD

Hand Designed Yellow Onesie: Gray & Blue

2006-12-16T19:06:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase & for more colors, sizes and styles

Contact me for custom orders & personalization

Cotton Yellow Long-Sleeve Miniwear Onesie
Hand Designed with India Ink
Size M: 3-9 months; 13-17 lbs
$20

Untitled 10

2006-12-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

12" x 16"
Acrylic and cotton thread on canvas board
SOLD

Adult Women's T-Shirt: Rose & Navy on Charcoal Gray

2006-12-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

Contact me for custom designed adult garments
Sample below (click for larger image to view detail):

Cotton/Modal Charcoal Gray Long S;eeve T-Shirt
Hand Designed with India Ink
Small
SOLD

Hand Designed Onesie: Navy & Blue

2006-11-30T12:39:00.000-08:00

Contact me for custom orders & personalization

Cotton Gerber White Tagless Onesie (Short-Sleeve)
Hand Designed with India Ink
Fits 3-9 months; 12-18lbs
SOLD

Hand Designed Onesie: Blue & Gold

2006-11-30T11:40:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase & for more colors, sizes and styles

Contact me for custom orders & personalization

Cotton Gerber White Tagless Onesie (Short-Sleeve)
Hand Designed with India Ink
Fits 3-9 months; 12-18lbs
$20

Hand Designed Pink Onesie: Pink & Chocolate

2006-11-30T10:42:00.000-08:00

Click here for more colors, sizes and styles

Contact me for custom orders & personalization

Cotton Miniwear Pink Long-Sleeve Onesie
Hand Designed with India Ink
Fits 3-6 months; 13-17lbs
SOLD

Hand Designed Onesie: Pink & Green

2006-11-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase & for more colors, sizes and styles

Contact me for custom orders & personalization

Cotton Gerber White Tagless Onesie
Hand Designed with India Ink
Fits 3-9 months; 12-18lbs
SOLD

Hand Designed Onesie: Purple & Green Gold

2006-11-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase & for more colors, sizes and styles

Contact me for custom orders & personalization

Cotton Gerber White Tagless Onesie
Hand Designed with India Ink
Fits 3-9 months; 12-18lbs
SOLD

Hand Designed Onesie: Pumpkin & Chocolate

2006-11-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase & for more colors, sizes and styles

Contact me for custom orders & personalization
(click on images for larger size)

Cotton Gerber White Tagless Onesie
Hand Designed with India Ink
Fits 3-9 months; 12-18lbs
SOLD

Christmas Tree Ornament 5

2006-11-26T15:08:00.001-08:00

Click here to purchase

Front

Set of 5 wooden ornamants
acrylic paint & ink on wood
$30/set

Christmas Tree Ornament 4

2006-11-26T14:59:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase

Front

Set of 5 wooden ornamants
acrylic paint & ink on wood
$30/set

Christmas Tree Ornament 3

2006-11-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase

Front

Back

Set of 5 wooden ornamants
ink on wood
$30/set

Christmas Tree Ornament 2

2006-11-26T14:27:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase

Front

Back

Set of 5 wooden ornamants
acrylic paint on wood
$30/set

Christmas Tree Ornament 1

2006-11-26T13:55:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase

Front

Back

Set of 5 wooden ornamants
ink on wood
$30/set

"Untitled 9"

2006-11-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

I have two photos of this painting showing how it looks in different lighting:

view 2

12" x 12" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

"Untitled 8"

2006-11-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

Series of 4; each 5" x 5"
acrylic on canvas
SOLD

"Untitled 7"

2006-11-06T12:54:00.000-08:00

I have two photos of this painting showing how it looks in different lighting:

view 2

12" x 12" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

"Untitled 6"

2006-11-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

8" x 10" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

"Untitled 5"

2006-11-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

12" x 12" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

"Untitled 4"

2006-11-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

8" x 10" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

"Untitled 3"

2006-11-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

8"x 10" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

"Untitled 2"

2006-11-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

8" x 10" acrylic & paper on canvas
SOLD

"Untitled 1"

2006-11-04T03:39:00.000-08:00

12" x 12" acrylic & paper on canvas
SOLD