Anahata Katkin

Year of the Water Dragon

(Chinatown print) Happy Dragon Year.  For some reason the change over in Chinese New Years really has me thinking.  I'm considering a lot about Chinese astrology and the symbolism of 2012. (My son is also a dragon baby- so it's a family curiosity)  As I head off to NYC this morning I'm reminded to take with me bits of Dragon ideas and consider collecting more inspiration for upcoming explorations into the new year.  xoxox...

Enough is Enough...

It's show season again.  And the PAPAYA! teams are on the road both buying for our boutique and strutting our stuff at our PAPAYA! booths.  So in the little time between hoping cicties I had a chance to finish this painting I've been meaning to get to the past couple months.   It's my way of saying things either way.  It's either enough to be what you are, who you are and what you're doing to get it done, or that's all one can take!  Either way it's been a good mantra for me as of late.  I'm sure you'll see this guy cropping up on products in the coming months...xoxox

Winter Break: Belize

December was such a whirlwind with our first x-mas at PAPAYA! LIVING.  We decided to get away for a little bit recently to soak in some sun and escape the daily grind. It had been over a year since heading back to our playground of Caye Caulker, Belize.  Old friends, new friends, old boats, new boats.  A touchstone in my life, I appreciate the rekindling of a place and its effect on my life over the years.
My sweet heart was able to calm his home sickness for a while with old family and friends.  Even I had a chance to see my Dad since he was on a cruise stop over for the day!  

A series of long breakfasts, lazy days and even time for some doodling...Now I'm finally taking down the Christmas tree back home in gloomy, sweet Ashland.  Thank you Belize for always giving me delicious food and food for thought!

Can't get enough...

The house is full of them, the store is full of them, my artwork has more and more.  I can't get enough of decorated Indian elephants.  Not sure if the elephant feels pretty or not.  I like it in a mythical sense though.  Just beautiful.

Take me with you: Huipil Weekenders

This week I had a quick trip to LA and had the rare ability to carry on my luggage! (I'm an over packer) Hooray!  I brought my recycled Huipil luggage.  Huipils are indigenous Maya blouses from the Yucatan.  Hand loomed, hand embroidered in keeping with their village and family style.  Add a little leather, a lining and voila! Heirloom quality pieces. I call them my Guatemala-Gucci!  We have a few on our website for those of you who need some handmade bling for holiday travels or your world traveler loved ones. 

Giving Art!

I'm in a bit of a pickle this year.  My 11-year-old son is no longer a little boy in search of toys and games.  Well unless they are video games. He's of course just fresh with outlook and trying to find glimpses of an older identity. So this year I am trying to think of more mature and meaningful gifts that fit the "cool" bill.  I'm a long time fan of Blaine Fontana above.  And he has some incredible new giclee's available for the season.  I'm thinking a couple of these will give my sons room that fresh start he's reaching for!  And I love the idea of collectible artwork he can grow up with and hopefully treasure later when they are "vintage". But if that fails I can put them in my own collection!

Paper Bag Wreath

So cool!  This lovely and easy wreathe was posted and made by Giddy Giddy.  Instructions here. Super!

Making Time...

Being a full time artist has it's variations.  And as of late actually making art has been taking a back seat to other responsibilities that the job entails. Finding time to make art can even be a challenge for full time artists.  But this week I've managed to take over a portion of the living room to tinker around with opening up again.  It's a muscle so they say and I'm in need of some flexing.  And inevitably I'm a bit tight this month.  Always takes a few hand projects to loosen back up and go with the flow.  Thanks to these old shooting range charts I dug out of a flea market I've been inspired to play.  I'll show you the end result when I get there in between evening episodes and chores!

Flora online course!

As most of you here know we've been tooting Flora's Bowley's horn for a few years now.  Loving everything this talented (and focused!) artist is up to.  Her fine arts career quickly blossomed into worldwide workshops, a new book and now...an e-course. Now you can take Flora's workshop from the comfort of your home!  Also a deeply meaningful Christmas gift.  I intend to take this course myself. Congratulations Flora on an impressive line up for 2012!

Sabrina's on Apartment Therapy

Thanks to the ever wise and online savvy Kathleen, I was told about Sabrina Ward Harrison's feature on Apartment Therapy.  A wonderful peek into Sabrina's ever changing, world of magic. There's nothing I like more than seeing someone through the window of their home...And this feature is of course fantastic!  Sabrina has a another book coming out this spring.  This is big news for us fans.  Excited to have another in the Sabrina trilogies!  "The Story is Happening" is available now for pre-order!