Category: Uncategorized

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Sailing Wood Block Prints: Port Hole

If you are friends with McCarty you may be a lucky recipient of one of 24 Wood Block Prints of a sail boat viewed through a port hole, that i made for his holiday gifts.

The Port Hole series is inspired by our Caribbean sailing adventures.

I used Purple Speedball block print ink, Distress Stain, Gelatos, Watercolors, Acrylic paint on Hamilco white card stock. Each 7″x5″ print is unique.

Here are a few shots while in process…

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2018 International Juried Exhibition

Out of nine hundred entries from over three hundred artists from across the United States, Canada, Italy, France, Japan, Korea and Singapore, Side Eye won one of 40 spots in 2018 International Juried Exhibition curated by Dr. Midori Yoshimoto at The Center for Contemporary Art this November.

The exhibition dates are November 8th-December 22nd. Please join me for the opening reception.

OPENING RECEPTION: November 8th, 6:00-8:00PM

LOCATION: The Center for Contemporary Art;  2020 Burnt Mills Rd, Bedminster Township, NJ 07921

Side Eye
For a perfect side-eye you have to keep your head steady and straight ahead and do it all with your eyes. Side Eye 24 x 20 x 1 in Aluminum Print Subject Matter: Identity 2015
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Vacation Inspiration

I’m never doing nothing. Even on vacation, I like to capture the moment with a quick sketch or watercolor story. Long after, I’ve returned to real life, when I review these works, i’m still whisked away to the beach.

Here is the view from my most recent trip to Christiansted, St. Croix.

“Ocean Front View, #1”
This was the view from the beach front condo in Christiansted St. Croix. Can you see the palms, people, beach and surf?
“Ocean Front View, #2” This was the view from the beach front condo in Christiansted St. Croix. Can you see the palms, people, beach and surf?
“Ocean Front View, #3” This was the rainy view from the beach front condo in Christiansted St. Croix.
Can you see the palms, beach and surf?
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My Boots Are Almost Ready

Over the past two months my boot samples have been in construction. All that remains is the heel and notes for the final tweak.

I can’t wait for you to see the finished product. Planet Cowboy will be taking pre-orders shortly. DM to let me know if you are interested in pair.

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Selfie Joy Celebrates Talent of Black Women

I am honored that BET selected to gift “Selfie Joy” to recognize women who have moved the needle in the music business at the BET Awards this year.  My piece, “Selfie Joy,”  celebrates the unique strength, endurance and talent of Black Women as a whole and individually.

Thank you, Juliette Jones- Atlantic Records, Ethiopia Habtermariam -Motown/Universal and LaTanya Newt- BET for your examples of strength, endurance and talent. Your talent and greatness is not limited or defined by gender or color, but is enhanced by these attributes. You embody the woman who is Selfie Joy. Bravo.

Selfie-Joy
24″x 36″ Fine art print
AVAILABLE on https://thedasandifordart.com/products/selfie-joy
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Im Obsessed with Lino Prints

I’ve got a problem. A new obsession since taking a wood cut workshop at Guttenberg Arts  this Winter, cutting linoleum for lino-prints.

I’ve carved a Picasso inspired self portrait, Left and right Converse for this series of cards.

These are not just any cards… they are black Converse, white laces Jedi R2D2 cards …

Today I glued down stars punched from recycled envelopes. I’m finishing these up with Yoda and R2D2 stamping.

Check my Insta Story on MissTheda this Friday evening when Im back from Nashville for the next episode of the black Converse, white laces Jedi R2D2 experience.

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See my Pinterest Inspirations

When asked, what inspires me? The first word that comes to mind is beauty.

I see beauty everywhere; in a shimmering oil slick floating in a street puddle, the shape of clouds, a killer nail design, street fashion and even retail product packaging neatly lined on shelves. I know this probably is weird, but whatevs.

I choose to see beauty in everything, especially the garbage, I recycle into art supplies.

Take a look at my Pinterest boards for a glimpse of my inspirations.

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ART BENDER 2018: MAY 5-6, and PARTY MAY 11

Each year I participate in Art Bender, a 24 hour marathon of art making to raise money for the programs at Arts Unbound.

The goal this year is ambitious. We hope to raise $50,000 and we need your help! There are lots of ways to participate.

You can help spread the word by telling your friends about ArtBender, join the 12-hour art-making marathon at Arts Unbound’s gallery on May 5, attend or host an ArtBender party, help raise funds, or attend the silent auction on May 11. And most important, make time that weekend to celebrate your creativity!

Details can be found on the ArtBender website here: https://www.artbender.org

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Garden Level Gallery Open For Studio Visits

I have been driving around Jersey City looking up old buildings on Zillow for 4 years reciting the words, “it would be nice to have a my own gallery for my work…”

Well that day has finally come. In January, I took over the lease at _gaia and have been hard at work decluttering the studio and overhauling the space to accommodate larger art shows. Like Garden Level Gallery on Facebook.

Our first show is Hoboken Arts’ “New Works” for JCFriday’s on March 2, 2018. The opening is 7:00pm-9:00pm. Please come.

Once Spring arrives, McCarty plans to get busy in the garden. given the Pinterest board action i’ve seen, I can’t wait to see what he comes up with. The garden oasis is going to be awesome.

DM if you would like to schedule a studio, playlist and wine pairing visit. I’d love to host you.

315 3rd Street, Jersey City NJ, between Cole & Monmouth Streets.

From NYC: take Path Train to Grove St stop and walk up Newark Avenue, Rt on Cole Street, Lt on 3rd Street to 315 3rd Street.

Step down to the Garden Level.