My Stolen Jewelry FOUND today in Seattle!

Click HERE to view the Happy Ending

Click HERE to view the original Stolen Jewlery Interview

Today was an incredible day...

But rewind for a minute... If you hadn't heard by now, a week ago, my car was broken into after making a delivery to the Columbia City Gallery. So of course, my little Jeep was full of my hand-painted teeny tiny Scrabble Tile jewelry... and of course, I had "Baby Brain" (yes. I am pregnant.), as I ran my next errand at Good Will and promptly left my jewelry and other personal items out in plain view for someone to steal from me... so, of course, as I didn't expect, and didn't deserve, someone DID.

Valued at over $11,000, my art and personal items were gone in a flash. All of my best jewelry pieces (2 months of hard work) were to be shown at Art in the Pearl in Oregon next weekend... and they were, welp, I had no idea where they were... and feared the worst. I panicked for a short lived moment, while quickly trying to cancel my cell phone service to my, now stolen, iPhone... and then snapped out of it (sort of). I wasn't going to go without a fight!!!

PROACTIVE became my middle name. I contacted police immediately and when I got home, Facebooked and Tweeted until my fingers were blue! I had help from local online papers like the Renton Patch, Queen Anne News, and Edmonds News, writing about my ordeal... and finally my fantastic brother got the idea to get local TV news involved, so we frantically started hitting the phones... my goal? To reach out to the community for help - I was praying that someone, somewhere, would eventually see something.

So Komo 4 News and Q13 Fox News both came out to interview me. I was so grateful they were interested in my story. It was a surreal experience being on tv... and after that my life was impacted in such amazing ways. I began to received emails and comments from friends, family, and people I had never even met... all supporting me and sending so many good wishes! It was such an amazing feeling. All week, the love just kept pouring in! And as the days went by, I was able to let go of my loss, of all the hours that I had poured into my work, and was really feeling the calming effects of seeing this experience as "it is what it is".

So today, for the first time since my ordeal, I was packing up my things to go to the studio and get back to work, when I discovered I had missed a message on my phone at home. Komo 4 News had received a tip that my jewelry box had been FOUND! The poor little baby in my tummy was involuntarily doing summersaults as I jumped around my room yelling, clicking my heals with excitement!!! I was floored! It couldn't beeeeeee! But yes, it was true!

I was promptly put in touch with a wonderful talented girl, Geneiva Arunga, who I was so fortunate to have met today. She and several other artist's had come across my missing box of jewelry at a bus stop right out in front of their studio at M.I.H Records... just a couple miles away from where it was taken! Komo 4 News covered our story today as I was reunited with my little painted gems and as I got to thank several of the artists at M.I.H. Records for their good Samaritan deeds!

Needless to say, I am a strong believer in synchronicity and the law of attraction... there is a reason why all this happened to me. There is a reason why these wonderful people where drawn into my life. I am excited to spend some time thinking of creative ways to "pay it forward"... to give back to those that have really enhanced my life so graciously.

Thank you everyone for your support in my artistic adventures... You really are the reason why I do what I do.

Please help me share the love...

* Check out the work of hip hop artist Big-Dubb, that I met today... holy talented!!!

* And don't forget to go "Like" M.I.H. Records fan page on Facebook

* AND listen to the spoken words of Geneiva Arunga, a fabulous poet, who's passion for art and caring heart have truly touched me today...

Please follow me on Facebook or Twitter for the latest "Jen Things"... I am getting lazy with my blogging these days.

Getting Lots of Press

Recently published in American Art Collector Magazine! (April 2011 issue)

I want to thank everyone that came out to my show at the Cole Gallery! You all made it really fun! Since I typically fail at taking pictures during ANY of my events, I thought I would post a copy of what the Cole Gallery wrote about on their Facebook page.

Also, for whatever reason, this past month I have attracted tons of press!!! Ok, tons, is an exaggeration. But it feels like tons, because prior to last month, I had never gotten press before in my whole life! Two online articles, one ad in Seattle Magazine, and a two page spread in American Art Collector Mag! What. The. Heck! Awesome! (someone high five me)

I though I would share the links so you could read all about me. Cuz I know you have nothing better to do right?

"One Tweet Creates a Domino Effect of Creative Connections for Two Artists"

"Two Artist's Sharing a Passion and a Studio in Downtown Renton"

Don't forget to sneak a peek at this April issue of American Art Collector Magazine... page 108 & 109. It shows some of the new paintings now available for purchase through the Cole Gallery! It's not available online unless you have a subscription, so you will have to pick it up in a store new you.

Lastly, just a quick announcement for April 2nd... I have another opening at the Lucia Douglas Gallery in Bellingham, WA! Help me spread the word! Seven new large works will be on display! Between these past two shows, I have painted more this year than allllllll of last year combined! I'm lovin' life! Now, I just gotta sell something.

To visit the online version of the article below that was written by Shannon Black at the Cole Gallery, please click here. Why would you want to? Because you can leave comments there and see what others had to say... just sayin'.

Our St. Patrick’s Day Art Walk was a blast! Feature artists Jennifer Phillips and Lisa Lamoreaux brought an enchanting show full of wonder and whimsy.

Every piece of art seemed to sing along with the roving pipe band that walked the downtown streets of Edmonds. A sense of merriment enraptured all of us as we toasted the night away with a glass of champagne and good friends by our side decked out in green.

If you haven’t seen Jennifer and Lisa’s show yet, come on down to the gallery! These pieces will sweep you away to a lovely place.

We can’t wait to see you at our next big party on Saturday, April 9th from 6-9pm as we unveil Patty Forte Linna’s show “Passion,” a look into the life and passions of couture fashion designer Luly Yang.

(Contributed by Shannon Black, Gallerina)

Art Opening, Got Published, and NEW paintings!

If you already haven't received my emails, event postings on Facebook, Tweets, and heard me screaming from the top of a mountain about my upcoming show... then here is my final attempt to put my work in front of your nose! SO many new paintings to be had, I just can't wait for the opening!

Especially because this time, I am showing with a very good friend of mine, Lisa Lamoreaux! Did you know we met on TWITTER? She tweeted, I responded, and we have been friends ever since! And to think, that if we didn't have Social Networking??? We would have never crossed paths! Whew, glad we did. Check out her work. Matter of fact, just check out our show online or in person at the Cole Gallery!

Champagne Reception

Thursday, March 17th

5pm-8pm

Cole Gallery

Edmonds, WA

Click here to see my show online (or at least most of it)

"Release Me" - diptych, by Jennifer Phillips

36x72, Oil on Wood Panels

Available for purchase through Cole Gallery

"All Things are Beautiful", by Lisa Lamoreaux

Oil with Mixed Media, 36x24

Available for purchase through Cole Gallery

See her available work online here.

LOOK FOR ME! I will be featured in the April issue of American Art Collector Magazine! Coming soooooooon to a mag stand near you!!!

For more info about upcoming shows in my near future, please visit my website here.

Waiting for My Creative Muse...

So. This is what I have to do sometimes... just lay and wait for something to happen. It is often I show up to the "easel" and... begin to panic... over-think... worry... over-plan... try to control EVERYTHING about my painting or a show I am painting for. Well today I learned (from my fantastic friend and painter Lisa Lamoreaux) that you can't micromanage your creative muse. If you do, she doesn't show. You can't control her. And I have no business even trying. My job is to paint. That's it! Just show up, it's that easy.

So today, after spending a great deal of time worrying about what colors to use, what if I forgot how to paint, is this piece too big for the show, what will I paint next, blah blah blah... After spending as much time as I could in swimming in self sabotage, I finally shut down my over active inner critic and... guess what? - my muse showed up!

The following resulted after spending 5 hours of time NOT thinking at all:

Under-painting

Untitled Diptych

Oil on two wood panels

36x72"

The start to my new year has been wonderful! (except for the part where I got Pneumonia) I have moved into a new studio in Renton, WA with a wonderful friend and inspiring artist, Lisa Lamoreaux. This new space has a lot more walls that will allow for me paint bigger and work on several things at once. Additionally, my new studio mate and I are business buddies and accountability partners! It has been so amazing spending time with Lisa on a regular basis to share ideas, plan our year, and simply check in with each other on our goals etc... I think after spending the last three years painting at home really makes me realize now how important it is to be surrounded by other artists. It is super motivating. Especially because we share a lot of the same drive and passion for what we do... I look forward to new adventures this year indeed!

I have a full schedule again this year with 2 shows coming up this March and April at the Cole Gallery and Lucia Douglas Gallery. AND I am happy to announce that I will be featured in American Art Collector Magazine this coming April!!! Lots of new things on the horizon I will be sharing more later!

Please join Jennifer Phillips Art on FACEBOOK for more up to date daily posts and in progress work photos!

It's Time to Reflect

Reflections

Oil on Panel

24x48

SOLD through the Cole Gallery

GasP! It's a miracle! She types again! Yes, I have abandoned my blog tremendously over the past few months... It's all due to that darn "list of things I wanna accomplish" post that I made at the beginning of the year. (to see the post "Dear Finger Pointer", that I am referring to click here)

But that is all ok. I new, with such steep goals, I would get derailed from the regular things in life, from the routine that I so enjoyed controlling... I had hoped I wouldn't, but I tend to fool myself sometimes.

So needless to say, I have been getting emails and inquiries from some of you asking, " So? What happened Jen? HelloooOOOO? What were the results? What did you accomplish? Did you like doing all those art fairs? Any advice?"... and my response? Well, I'm still thinking about all that.

It has been a few weeks since my last show of the year, and I have yet to make the time to sit down with myself and analyze everything. But I will. And I need to. Because if I, Jen Phillips business owner painter person, want to continue to be successful, I need to put a new plan o' tack in place for next year based off of my successes AND failures from THIS year... NOW!

So over the next couple weeks, while I am trying to paint 3 new paintings for a show at the Cole Gallery in January, plan an additional 15 or so for an other two shows at galleries in March and April, and finish all the custom orders I owe some collectors, (and breathe), I will be using my nights to self analyze and plan. And then I will post again, for you to see, how crazy I actually am...

In the mean time, while you are waiting for me to get my bloggie act together, stop by the Cole Gallery in Edmonds to check out my newest paintings on display!

Best of the Northwest, My Last Show of the Year!

Click here for more information

Well it is bitter sweet... my last major show of 2010. If you live here in Seattle, please don't miss this one. It's huge! I have a small handful of FREE tickets. If you are definitely wanting to attend this weekend, please let me know and I can send one to you. Just say so in the comments section below. Hurry, cuz I only have a few!

I look forward to getting back to the studio to focus on a new body of work for several show line ups in early 2011. Time to turn on the heater and rev up my creative brain for a few months of painting big! Can't wait!

Local 14 Show in Portland this weekend!

Hope to see you there! Help me spread the word.... it's a FOUR day event! I will have my jewelry and paintings both on display as guest artist! Check it out by clicking here: LOCAL 14

Also, as I always say... find me on Facebook these days... with my crazy schedule I am posting more fun things there all the time... I share soooo many links to sooooo many opportunities there! Click here to visit my "fan" page.

My show season is coming to a close. Only one more show in November and then I will be back to doing a little bit more blogging. I will see you soon!

Oooh oooh! I almost forgot! I have also stocked both of my stores with new jewelry items for the holidays! Check them out on the sidebar to the left -------->

ARTIST'S ALERT! Don't fall for this SCAM!

Received a blog post today that gave me chills. If you are an artist you need to read this so you can know what to look for... I ALMOST feel for a scam like this a year ago. Until the inquirer started mumbling something about paying for shipping and writing a money order for more than the price of the art. As soon as I insisted to use Paypal as a means of payment, they never contacted me again.

All I lost out of the deal was my time. Time I had prepared taking pictures of how the art looked on my walls (per the inquirer's request). But I cringe thinking about how many people may fall for this scam through out the year... it's awful that there are such cruel people in the world. Read about this artist's experience and the warning signs you need to look for, by clicking HERE.

On another note, I am home now from my 2 week adventure in Oregon at Art in the High Desert and Art in the Pearl. Now I am looking forward to my next show in Kansas City, MO at the Plaza Art Fair this Sept 24th-26th. I will be showing my jewelry line only at this one... It will be my first time flying to a show and renting my equipment. I love a challenge! So the next 12 days are go time for production. I will post more soon!

Fwd: Art in the Pearl was a BLAST!

Well I am excited to say that I have jumped on the smart phone bandwagon... Yes folks, I have got an iPhone! So you know what I'm doing right now? Sitting in McDonalds typing my blog entry on my phone. Yeah. Weird.

So to be brief, or rather to save me the pain of trying to type my recent Portland art fair adventure on this here teeny tiny keypad with my big wo-man thumbs, I will be short... Here goes:

So, I've been on the road for a couple weeks now (which I will elaborate on later) and just finished up a show at Art in the Pearl. Two words... Portland Rocks! Thanks you to all that visited me and sorry to those I may have missed because I failed to notify you sooner! :0) Here's a picture from the show on Saturday. I'm getting a thumb cramp so I'll type more when I get to a real computer! Take care!

My 1st Gallery Opening TONIGHT at Cole Gallery

"Surrounded"

Oil on 2 Panels

36x24 diptych

Contact Cole Gallery for purchase information

Welp! I am back from my Utah road trip and everything was FAN-tastic! Though sales at the Kimball Arts Festival were a little under my expectation, I DID land a new gallery opportunity that will bring me back to Park City this winter! So I look forward to delivering new work along with my self and my snowboard, all ready to hit the mountains! Yayer!

This Utah trip was extra special because my parents flew all the way from Chicago to see me! The first time they had been able to witness me and my artwork at an actual show! So cool! I felt so speshall. Really made the trip extra fun having them there with me along the way. Even though I did throw a couple "F-bombs" during a frustrating break down of my gear the last day... sorry parentals. I really am an angel, I promise.

In local news... I AM IN A GALLERY! Yep! It's true!

Join me this evening at the Cole Gallery in Edmonds, WA for my very first official gallery opening! I am so excited to announce that one of my paintings has sold after only hanging for 1 day! High five me! (I'm so professional.)

Opening reception 8/14 from 6-8:30pm

Cole Gallery

107 5th Ave S

Edmonds, WA 98020

425 697 2787

For something that is actually VERY professional, please click here to read the press release that Shannon Black wrote about my work. I couldn't have said it better myself! She makes me feel like a REAL artist now!

On the Road Again... Utah here I Come!

On the road to my next show in Park City Utah this weekend. I'm pooped so I won't be writing too much right now, so here's the cliff notes:

I'm honored to be showing at the Kimball Arts Festival in Utah August 6th - 8th. Booth 31 - come bring me a Redbull.

Next week I will be August's First Glance Artist at the Cole Gallery in Edmonds, Wa. Reception is August 14th from 6-8:30pm. The gallery wrote a fantastic press release about me and you can read it HERE. You can also view the show online HERE. (note that "Refresh" has SOLD yay!).

Wish I could tell you more about my adventures so far this summer, but I am finding that I need more sleep lately. Big driving day ahead tomorrow so I am opting for some shut eye!

Take care everyone I will check in later!

Three Weekends in a Row!

"Gathering"

24x24

Oil on Canvas Mounted to Panel

Please contact Cole Gallery for purchase information

July marks the beginning of ... whelp... my head spinning... with three art shows in a row starting this weekend, I am sure to be busy busy busy! And I LOVE it! So I have to say that there may be a little delay in my blog posts for the rest of the month. I highly recommend you follow me on Facebook in the meantime - just click the "like" button when you get there and you'll see what I am up to, shorthand style!

I will be in the following places (what feels like all at once) this Month:

July 10th & 11th

Choochokam Arts Festival, Langley, WA Booth #A22

*SALE on remaining inventory of PRINTED tree charms - $10 bucks off!

July 16th - 18th

Salem Art Fair, Salem, OR Booth #129

July 23rd - 25th

Bellevue Festival of the Arts, Bellevue, WA Booth #51

Please visit my website here for more detailed show information for July and the rest of the year, or/and click on the links above. Will I be in a city near you???