Anahata Katkin

Photo Albums

Just a heads up to let you know that I did some updating to the albums here on the left.  If you come here often you've probably seen most of it.  Otherwise enjoy some new images and pics in there.

Du Buh Du Dolls

Though the doll world is huge and as of late a booming creative mecca, I have never been drawn to it.

But thanks to a comment in an earlier post I stumbled on Du Buh Du Dolls by the very talented Christine Alvarado.  Not only are the dolls incredible ( Like paintings come to life) but the photo's are equally interesting.  I can almost see her little people on woodsy adventures and textural escapades!  Just beautiful.  Have a look at this snappy blog and artwork right here.

Belonging

I came upon some incredible new faces recently and I am soooo thrilled.  That's really what I need when I am messing around.  A person's face makes all the difference.  This woman is particularly striking but most of mine are not.  I like trying to make a mundane and plane face turn into something more fantasy like.  Some of my favorites come from the most simple looking cabinet cards.

Ban.do

Stephanie was nice enough to post a link to Ban.do for me today under the previous artwork.  I'm in LOVE!  How cute right!  In this post a while back I was fantasizing about creating real life models of my illustrations.  Ban.do makes this an everyday possibility.  We all need heads o flowers and feathers.  So clever they are!  Check out all there pieces right here.

Headbands are the new black

My can-can revival image.  Part can-can dancer, part Woodstock.  

Earthquake Update

All is well here on the island I live on here in Belize.  Some of you have written me email following the insane 7.1 (!!!) earthquake from last night  and the 4.8 that followed, started in neighboring Honduras near Roatan.  I live in a wooden house on high stilts and the quake was felt good and strong here in the middle of the night.  Our house sways when you walk around let alone in an earthquake.  After we resolved that the shaking wasn't a robbery (which we've had lately)  I did worry about Tsunami following the shake but felt some silly relief in knowing we are indeed on hurricane stilts.  But thanks to low buildings and simple construction there was very little damage considering the magnitude of this earthquake.  Belize and effected countries are in good shape following this quake.

Being Bold

Fruits for the day...

Though I have little idea of what the next chapter in my life will hold, I'm beginning to feel this segment coming to an end.   I gave myself until September of this year to be here without thinking ahead too much.  (Something I am obsessed with usually.  I LOVE thinking ahead.)

So this weekend my close friends and my sweetie and I all took a trip inland to the Cayo districts of Belize for a little jungle fun.   In the nine months I've been here I rarely leave the island and have yet to spend much time inland ever.  We had a really nice trip and tried hard to see as many things as we could without overheating.

Much of the time was spent zooming around dirt roads to get to hidden lagoons.  This picture was taken when we passed through what seemed to be a Menanite Valley complete with all the wild images you would expect from an 17th century lifestyle.   Sooo many cool pictures where missed as we drove past their villages.  But the people feel it takes their soul if you take pictures.  How then could I roll up on them and snatch it up.  But man it was hard.  One young fellow had some kind of ancient scooter type mobile he was headed up the hill on with his straw hat and suspenders.  The whole time blaring dance hall from our very 21st century vehicle and trying to stop our Rasta friends from hollering at them out the window.  Things like- "EH! Mon me gat a lee niyce dentist fer yu."  (picture me cringing from the backseat while trying to hide my camera.)

There's simply no such thing as "politically correct" here.  The wide array or races and people here still stirs a frenzy of curiosities and commentary from all parties.  We drove, we swam, we ate and ate and ate...

My nephew Jake and I playing photographers at Rio on the Pools.  He's a natural!

I now feel like at least I have some new places and memories off this little island to keep in my lifetime bag.   Not knowing what's around the bend comes much easier when the path feels good.  

Oh!  And I guess silly American me.  I sort of thought Toucans only existed in post cards or something.  This little guy was a friendly visitor at our dinner table near the Cayo river.  They say she's expecting hatchlings.

This little fairy thing is growing up right in the Mayan rivers complete with rope swings and lagoons.  What a life indeed!

PAPAYA Presents: Sabrina Ward Harrison

It is with so much excitement that I get to announce a new collection we are offering at PAPAYA.  We have teamed up with Sabrina Ward Harrison for an exclusive line of gift goodies that are simply going to knock your socks off.

For nearly a year I have been sitting on my hands trying to keep my anticipation from the rest of you while Sabrina's line has been coming to life behind the scenes.  

We created boxed sets that are more like keepsake treasures, special prints & large giclee's, thick sketchbooks & handbags of Sabrina signature pieces.  All in all a kick off range of nearly 30 items that capture her beloved style and hand written sentiments.  

A creative pioneer, Sabrina has been sharing her life experience and adventures through a vivid interplay of artwork, photography, writing and video.  Sabrina's authentic approach to life & art

has encouraged people all over the world to come from a place of honest expression and what Sabrina likes to call...True Living.   

Sabrina's groundbreaking books include, Spilling Open, Brave on the Rocks, Messy Thrilling Life & The True & the Questions.  

You will be able to order Sabrina Goodies in a couple months time.  We are just launching in NY,NY this week at the National Stationery Show @ the PAPAYA booth!  (if you are a buyer there is a giclee signing event with Sabrina on the 19th!  Sorry open to trade only.)

I'll be sure to post when the online shops are loaded up.  And a big shout out to all the PAPAYA peeps who have made this launch so rich!  xoxoxoxo

Beware The Hammock

Yesterdays activities ended in a tragic hammock accident. I dropped a plate of rice and shrimp on the way down and caught myself with my chin on the edge of the table.  Niiiiiiiiicee.

Despite nearly falling unconscious from the blow I managed to still feel that irrational sense of embarrassment in between tunnel vision.  Today I'm tending to my split chin and rope burns from the hammock as well as my bruised pride.  

A little sticky bun from Glenda's cafe was al I needed to start with a fresh new day.