 “Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete? Proving nature's laws wrong, it learned to walk without having feet. Funny, it seems to by keeping it's dreams; it learned to breathe fresh air. Long live the rose that grew from concrete when no one else even cared.” ― Tupac Shakur Hello everyone!!! It’s been awhile since I posted and there have been a lot of great things going on. The opportunities keep coming and the inspiration keeps flowing. The holidays are here and I’m vending a few pop up shops and doing a few commission pieces. I’ve been mainly taking some time to work on pieces that mean something to me and rebuilding my abstract collection. I really do enjoy making custom art for my customers, but’s it’s time to get back to my original roots and create more art from the soul. I want to learn new patterns and experiment with new mediums after the new year. So I’m in the process of a lot of doing a lot of research and experimentation. I’m very excited for my upcoming projects and taking my art to a whole new level. Muse I am the featured artist at MuseJar in East Aurora for January. I created several new abstract pieces for the show. I’m calling this new generation of records, Muse. Over a year ago, I lost the first 20 abstract records I made. Over time, my drawing skills have improved and how I created these have changed. I hope to grow this series and have many more shows with them. There will be a separate gallery on my site once I’m done promoting on social media. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek: Buffalove Guitar I’m in love with my guitar and had a blast drawing on it. I did learn a heartbreaking lesson. There was a guitar before this one. When I finished it, I took it outside to spray some sealer on it. As I sprayed the guitar the design began to melt off. There was nothing I could do but watch. The finish on the guitar that was there already had some sort of chemical reaction to the spray. So next time, I’ve been advised to sand it down first. I was able to recreate the design and this guitar came out great! I brought it along to the WNY Guitar show and everyone loved it. Towards the end of next year, I’m doing collaboration with a local Buffalo band and I will not only have a solo art show with more guitars and records, the band will donate and play instruments that I’ve made into art. I can’t wait for this!!!  Commission Pieces As I stated before, I’m cutting back on commission pieces for the next year. I want to focus more on my own personal work, the guitars, and vending at events. If there is a piece that you would really like to be made, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m open to working with you. Growth The flower series has been something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I finally made time to create 10 pieces. I was inspired by another artist who I follow and she talked a lot about personal growth. I’ve done a lot of my own growth this past year and have been accepting to change. I’m getting to a point in my life that more change is needed and I’m ready. These are all my favorite flowers that inspire me to keep growing. (These records have been added to its own gallery)  Malta Speaking of personal growth, I just came back from once of a life time trip to Malta, including a full day in New York City. This trip was very eye opening. It has always been my dream to travel and thanks to my records, it’s now possible. This trip has shown me what other great opportunities there are out there and inspired many new ideas for my art. I hope to incorporate Mediterranean patterns into my abstract pieces. All I can say is that I’ve never seen water so blue and peaceful. It has a mixed of British, Roman, Italian culture influences. The food was delicious. I had my share of gelato for breakfast and authentic Italian dishes. The beautiful ancient architecture of the cities of Valletta and Mdina (Kings Landing from Game Of Thrones) were breathtaking. Malta is also famous for their doors. No two are the same. Here are some photos from my trip, enjoy! Happy New Year
I want to take time to reflect on what a successful year 2018 has been. It stated off in a rough place and ended my trip to Malta. 2018 was the year of my Tangled Rock Goddesses, the launch of this site and blog, Buffalove records, two group shows, live stage art, and being introduced to the world of vending and Pop Up shops. I sold over 60 records and 2 mannequins. My confidence is high for 2019. New opportunities come up every day and new followers who support my work. I have many art goals for 2019. There will be more events, festivals, guitars (with a special show), more travel, and of course, new records. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to read this and your support. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Be safe and keep on believing in yourselves!!! XOXOX
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 "Work hard for what you want because it won't come to you without a fight. You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to. If somebody puts you down or criticizes you, just keep on believing in yourself and turn it into something positive." -Leah LaBelle October was a catch up month. I’m not sure how to describe how I’m feeling, but is it possible to burn out from being overly inspired? I put a hold on commission pieces to work on records I wanted to make and prepare for projects for 2019. I have two big shows coming up and wanted to make sure I have enough pieces ready. Thank you to everyone who has been patient and understanding. Since my inbox is filling up with requests, I’ll be starting commissions before November. As I stated in my last blog, all commission requests are due November 15th. I will not be accepting anymore until after the New Year. The Pineapple Company I submitted a Harry Potter inspired record (Slytherin) for the upcoming group show, Fandemonium. The show is based on movie and comic fan art. It will be at The Pineapple Company, November 2nd. This will be up the whole month. Here are the other Harry Potter records if anyone is interested in purchasing. Please send me an email through my contact page. Chalkboard Vinyl Records I had a stack of special records that I didn’t want to just draw on. I finally found this cute idea and turned them in chalk boards. There are magnets on the back of them so you can hang them on the fridge. These are particular records are a limited. I have The Doors, Billy Joel, Jimi Hendrix, Harley Quinn, Elvis, Simon and Garfunkel, Tom Waits, and Pink Floyd. I will also make a few more vinyl chalk boards that are completely covered. New Animals Records I sold most of my animal pieces at an event. So I have been taking time to create some more. I plan to have a few more done for an event in December that I’m finalizing the details with soon. Guitar Series As much as everyone loved my mannequins, I’ll be taking a break from them for a bit. I sold 2 of them and need to make more room in my work space. I definitely plan to return to them towards the end of 2019 but in the meantime I’m planning a guitar series. Many local musicians have approached me with this idea and I’ve decided to give it a try. I’m very fortunate that local music shop, Allentown Music, donated these awesome guitars. I’m planning to have one done for the WNY Guitar show in November.  Guitar Pick Earrings I go back and forth with my music inspired jewelry collection. Its very time consuming and it’s hard to focus on at the moment. I received a Guitar Pick maker from a friend as a gift. After playing around with it, I made a few sets of earrings with it. It will be a fun thing to sell at the Guitar show and I’ll have them available for purchase soon.  Muse Jar As I announced last month, I’ll be the featured artist at The Muse Jar in East Aurora in January. I’ll be getting down to my roots with this show and only submitting my abstract pattern pieces. There will be some old and some new records. I won’t reveal the new records until its closer to the event. 200 Records!!! I have officially created 200 records over the past 2 and half years. I can’t wait to make 200 more!  Muse Jar As I announced last month, I’ll be the featured artist at The Muse Jar in East Aurora in January. I’ll be getting down to my roots with this show and only submitting my abstract pattern pieces. There will be some old and some new records. I won’t reveal the new records until its closer to the event. Malta For Thanksgiving, I’ll be traveling to the Mediterranean to visit the small Island of Malta. I busted my ass for months, just so my records alone could pay for this trip. I’m very excited to experience another culture and see another part of the world. I can only thank my customers and supporters for this opportunity. Thank you all for believing in me and helping me make one of my biggest dreams come true. I'm already planning my next trip for next year!   Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen... yourself, right now, right down here on Earth. -Bradley Whitford Hello everyone! September has been my busiest month yet with all the events and new ideas. Even though, I vendor at Mr. Goodbar for Vinyl Night once a week, I worked my first big event at Chalkfest last weekend. I have been afraid to participate in these events and this experience really opened my eyes on the opportunities that are out there. I met so many new faces who were interested in my art and original ideas. Many people recognized me from Music Is Art (September 10th Blog) and they finally had an chance to introduce themselves and take a closer look at what I do. I was very overwhelmed with compliments and words of encouragement. I decided that I’m going to make it a point to be a vendor at more events, no matter how big or small. September Commission Records Buffalo Love Records I have been making a series of Buffalo records to sell at vending events. They were a big hit at Chalkfest and I can’t wait to make more. Instead of overwhelming everyone with Buffalo record posts; I’ll be creating a separate gallery on the website for you to check them out.  Purrfect Café: One of the Buffalo records has been chosen to be hung up at the new cat café, Purrfect, on Hertel Avenue. Please stop by to check out their gallery and support the cats! The Rise of the Tangled Rock Goddess I announced on Facebook that I canceled my mannequin art show in October at Gypsy Parlor. My records are my top priority right now and with vending events and the new Buffalo Love series, I can’t commit to finish the mannequins I wanted for the show. I plan to reschedule the show in the springtime. WNY Guitar Show I’ve been invited to participate in this event on November 18th 2018. More Details coming soon. 
MuseJar I applied to be a featured artist at MuseJar gallery a few months ago. They finally emailed me back and invited me to do a month long show in January 2019. We a still working out the details and I will have more information soon. Commission Records After the New Year, I’m going to tone down the amount of commission work I do. I really want to focus more on vending events and projects I enjoy. I am not saying I won’t be doing anymore but they won’t be a top priority. Since the holidays are approaching, I’ll take one last call for commission records. The deadline is November 15th. I will be going to the Mediterranean for Thanksgiving and I will be gone a whole week. I will not be taking any work with me on this trip. I highly recommend that you contact me ASAP to make sure I have enough time to get them done before by Christmas. As always, thank you for stopping by! xoxox  This past Saturday was The 16th Annual Music Is Art Festival. I had an opportunity to debut my mannequin series on one of the main stages and do live art. For 12 hours, I drew on Fiona. This was the longing drawing session I’ve ever done and challenged myself to see how long I can go. With 2 breaks and cold weather, I made it through the day. I would have to say, she is only half done. Here was my progress throughout the day: The best part of the event was at the end, a group of people came up to me and told me they have been watching me throughout the day. They asked if my pattern choices were based on the music I listening to on stage. It was really nice to hear people who understand what I'm trying to do! “I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint—and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.”-Oprah Winfrey  My last blog inspired me to write about the progression of my work. I’ve always been attracted to shapes, patterns, and abstract designs. I often find myself doodling on paper while I’m supposed to be doing something else. I find it very therapeutic and relaxing. Recently, I found an old computer hard drive that had the original drawings that started my journey of becoming the artist I am today. I was deeply blown away how far I have come! Back in collage, I was a graphic design major for 3 years and hated it. I enjoyed the design classes but when it came to drawing people and real things, I lost interest. I decided last minute to combine my art credits into a fine arts degree. I had to take one more elective to qualify, so I took an art therapy class. This class had seriously changed my life. I discovered that just because I was a failed art student, it didn’t mean I failed as an artist. I was introduced to zentangles and how to make art with patterns. After I was done with the class I still continued to make art on my own while I took an on a second major. Here is my progress over the past 10 years: 2008: I used to draw a lot of patterns and abstract designs during class and then I would turn these drawings into something bigger. At times, if I didn’t like how sharpie looked on paper, I would Photoshop the drawings to clean them up. 2012: After working on other art projects throughout the years, I went back to zentangle designs. I didn’t want to draw on paper anymore, so I found some broken pieces of dry wall in my apartment attic. (Please click on the image to get a better look) 2016: I took 3 years off from creating art (Please see pervious blog, “Why Vinyl Records?). Here are the first few records I created with plain white acrylic paint and sharpie markers. 2017: Here are the first colored records. I experimented with a variety of markers that would work on top of the spray paint. 2018: Here are my present day records! I still have a lot more to learn and hope to experiment with new tangles to incorporate into my future work. Thank you all for stopping by and please stay tune for more updates.
 “Everyone has a purpose in life and a unique talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.”- Kallam Anji Reddy I have been trying to find new ways to sell my artwork, so I decided to try to promote my work on a Vinyl Collective message board. I got a lot of compliments and a few commission pieces to work on. One guy sparked an in-depth conversation about why I would do my art on vinyl records. He didn’t believe that records were “intended for visual art.” After thinking about it, I never really explained why I use vinyl records so decided to explain why through a blog.
To be perfectly honest, I have no idea why I choose vinyl records. I always felt that vinyl records chose me. It took me up to a year into creating these when I realized that this was going to be my “thing”. I spent years experimenting with several different mediums and finding what I like to do. All I knew was that I was an artist and I was meant to be creating something. I wanted to be different. I wanted to have a special niche. I wanted to catch people’s attention and show them something they haven’t seen before. I used to DJ and I discovered records when I was being taught how to spin them. During this time, I gave up on art for three years because I felt uninspired. I wanted to start doing art again and knew that abstract patterns were what I wanted to do. I’ve been searching for new canvas to do my work on and it just clicked when I held a record. It took me 8 months and many records later, I finally had my “thing.” This is why records work for me: 1. There Is A Connection My work has an emotional factor that makes you think and take a closer look. What connects my work to the record is that I name the piece after the name of the album. I consider my work to be a “hand’s on experience”. When you first look at my work, you have your own personal thoughts on what it is. You flip it over and see the title of the album, and then you look back at to the art and you see something different. 2. The Music Music is one of my biggest passions in life and I have no musical talent. Drawing on records keeps me connected to music. My designs bring what I hear to life. One of my winter projects that I have plan is to learn how to make time lapse videos so I could show you what I feel and see. 3. Repurposing I have many friends and local record shops who donate records they can’t use. If I don’t take them, they go right in the trash. So why not repurpose them into wall art and jewelry. Technically, I’m saving the environment as well. 4. Perfect Storage I spent years hauling around canvases and struggled to find places to store them in tiny studio/one bedroom apartments. I wanted something I could pack away and not have to worry about it. This blog has inspired me to write another one about my why I choose patterns and zentangles to make art with. As always, thank you for stopping by. Please stayed tuned because there is so much more I want to share with you.  “Follow your dreams. If you have a goal, and you want to achieve it, then work hard and do everything you can to get there, and one day it will come true.” -Lindsey Vonn August has been a really great month and it’s not even over yet! There has been a lot of great news coming my way. I can’t tell you how blessed I feel by all the love and support. My art career is growing every day and I'm very thankful for every opportunity. Here are my monthly projects that I have worked on: Here are some updates: This is my favorite piece of news I love to share. I have been invited to do live art and display my mannequin series at the upcoming festival, Music is Art. I will be creating a new mannequin piece for the event. If you live in the Buffalo area, stop by and say Hi. I will be on the River Fest Main Stage across from Buffalo Riverworks on September 8th.  Art show: I’m will be hosting my second solo art show for October 6th at 7pm at Gypsy Parlor. This show will be for my mannequins only. I will be making two more for the event. More details coming soon.  My Favorite Murder Update: A Murderino meet up group in Massachusetts is hosting a “My Favorite Murder” inspired event and fundraiser. They reached out to me to turn some of my record art pieces into coloring pages. I’m very excited to be part of this special coloring book.  Vending Events: I did a pop up art sale for Indie Rock Happy Hour at Mr. Goodbar. Things went well and I was invited to come back every Monday to sell and promote art. The DJ starts at 7pm. Please stop by and hang out. I hope to do more pop up art sales at other vinyl related events in the near future.  I announced last month that I would be vending for Amplify Indoor Music Festival on September 22nd. So I decided to make it a whole weekend and joined Chalkfest and Art Show at Buffalo Riverworks. I’ll be there both days from 10am to 6pm.  Alanis: I want to introduce you to my latest Tangled rock Goddess, Alanis. She was supposed to be the last one but I agreed to make another for the Music Is Art festival. I will write a separate blog for her in the next week. Please stay tuned...  Holiday Gifts and Custom Records:
September will be keeping me busy and I'm starting to think about the holidays. I have a huge vacation planned for Thanksgiving and I would like to get a head start on custom records. I am planning to do a Christmas, Halloween, Winter, and Fall themed record collection and they will be available for purchase once they are finished. Feel free to contact me directly or through my contact page if you have any special ideas. Custom records will be from $30-$50. If you don’t already, please follow my Instagram page, @tangledrecords. I only blog once a month unless something good is happening I would like to share. If you like to watch my journey more closely, I invite you to follow my feed. Once again, thank you for stopping by and being part of this adventure!  The Boxmasters came to Buffalo last night. This was my first time seeing them live. I’ve always been a big fan of Billy Bob Thornton and his acting career. I was excited to learn that he was in a band and I fell in love with their music over the years. The entire show was great and I enjoyed every minute of it! I got stand right up front and high fived Billy as he passed by. They told many great stories about the songs and their travels throughout the tour. The band sang many of my favorite songs and Billy was very engaging with the audience. Since I was attending the show, I wanted to make all three of the original Boxmasters (Billy Bob, JD, and Teddy) a gift. I was lucky enough to have Johnny Cash, BB King, and Beatles records to paint on. All of those musicians have inspired their music and careers. Billy Bob's (Johnny Cash Record): Teddy's (B.B King Record): JD's (Beatles Record):  It was getting late and there were a lot of people who wanted to meet the band. So they had encouraged everyone to move quickly throughout the line to get our pictures taken. I honestly didn’t want my picture to be taken (it was hot and I’ve been standing in heels for over 5 hours) and just wanted a pic of the guys to holding up the records. But when it was my turn, my nerves struck me and everything was happening so fast. I just handed them each their record and quickly introduced myself. All three of them took the time to stop and look at them. They all flipped them over and shared with each other which record they had. Billy pulled me in for the photo. Right after, he told me that these were the nicest gifts they ever received and no one had ever done anything like this for them before. He was very thankful and touched by the gesture. I gave each of them a hug and thanked them for their time. As I was about to leave, the promotor who booked the show stopped me. He asked me a few questions about my records and how I made them. The Promoter told me that he had booked The Boxmasters 4 times in Buffalo and he has never seen anyone do what I’ve done for them. He thanked me for taking the time to make them a special gift and he knew they truly appreciated it.  To top off my night when I got home, I emptied out my tote bag I got with the Meet and Greet. I was supposed to get a copy of their latest album, “In Stereo”. Instead I got a copy of “Somewhere down the Road.” This was the album that turned me on to their music. Needless to say, I'm very grateful for this entire experience.
 All set up! I have 15 of my records hanging in the front of the venue. A very special thank you to Ballzy and Mohawk Place for helping me get set up and hosting my art for the next few weeks. Plenty of talented bands and DJ’s will be playing every night throughout the festival. Please stop by and enjoy the music and art. Infringement runs from July 26th to August 5th. #supportlocalartists “Success is every minute you live. It’s the process of living. It’s stopping for the moments of beauty, of pleasure; the moments of peace. Success is not a destination that you ever reach. Success is the quality of the journey.” — Jennifer James Hey everyone! Just wanted to give a few updates and let everyone how things are going. Tangled Records has been doing great since I launched the website. I’m deeply touched of all the love, support, and business I’ve been getting. I had a lot of opportunities to work on a lot of unique projects. I’m happy people can come to me for their special gift ideas. Here’s what I’ve been working on this past month: Some fun updates!... Karen O:  I want to take the time to officially introduce Karen O to the family. I finished her last month. She is the 5th mannequin I have brought to life. I’ll be adding her to my Tangled Rock Goddess section soon. I will be creating one more Mannequin to complete the series. Please stay tune for Alanis. She’s going to be special.
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