Am finding it hard to, for convenience and ease, put my work, especially the most recent work, into any category or generalization whatsoever. I find it silly to feel the need to do so. If I define myself to a style,will I feel timid about doing something new? will others criticize?

A good percentage of people who view my work, see it as frightening(which baffles me), but I can tell it draws them, too. They will likely not admit it. It's too private. But isn't that what "great art" is supposed to do: challenge us, make us think, question, live, see the beauty in pain and the pain in beauty? Do they see too much of their own inner selves, closeted away in a deep recess, afraid of their own dreams, in my work?

I digress. It's been terribly hot during the day while I'm out baking in it, and unseasonably cool in the evenings (for New Orleans in June),when I like to stand outside in the courtyard smoking and pray to the moon. It clears my head from wanderings. It's all part of the same thread: the moon makes the head clear and then the ground underneath is both softer and more firm underfoot. I can paint then, really dig into the inexhaustible layers of self and world, both inner and outer.Lights, shadows, colors, tones, gestures, textures: so clear. So many dimensions of soul. How do I define my work? Not with any trite label or tag bought from the cogs of the System. In everything there is beauty and pain, the same source. Is it not my job as an artist to channel that, and give it to you, in all it's terrible splendor? Would that I may always express that beautiful pain in everything! May my work touch not just the eyes and fingertips, but the soul as well.

How do you show the soul? Art.

How do you make great art? Show the soul in it.

~Namaste

        

I now work full-time as an artist. And full-time meaning, every seconds of my life when I am not eating or sleeping. Or so it feels it... not at all complaining: I love it! And just to show you how much I do, I am producing at least 4 entirely NEW pieces a week. I've also reorganized the artwork into year, so you can see my newest work first!

Have at it, and enjoy the summer! And if you are in New Orleans, come visit me in Jackson Square, St Anne side, if you are out and about

        

Not only have I just added about a dozen new pieces, mostly to the painting page, but I have also added most of them to my Etsy page.

I've also got some special deals going on Etsy. Please check it out!

Etsy Buy Handmade CreatureStudios

        

Whoa. It's been months since I posted. I've been so busy making art, and little time left over to post it! So please, check out the grand total of 22 new pieces--yep, that's right, twenty-two new pieces! See paintings and drawings for all the juicy bits!

        

Yes, I finally had a few minutes to update and show what I've been doing with my time. I have decided to pursue my Bachelor degree in Fine Arts at the Academy of Art University, and have done pretty much nothing but art since then. Da proof. Enjoy!

        

I am excited about this art opening! Last time I took place in a show at Barrister's Gallery it turned into a fun party, not to mention the variety of artwork was just stunning! There will be a DJ and, of course, wine.

I am also exhibiting 3 never shown pieces!

Barristers is at 2331 St. Claude Ave and Spain in the Maringy in New Orleans.

"Comprising a series of photographs of extraordinary private collections by Joanna Ebenstein situated within a collection of artworks of over 24 artists work."

... This is going to be an amazing show! Please come if you can.

        

I have everyone's favorite print now for sale at Etsy! I finally got a high quality scan of the drawing, and it turned out just fabulous.

I am one of several featured in a treasury! Only up through Saturday, so take a look now.
I feel rather remiss as I was featured in another treasury over a week ago and was so busy with the prints I neglected to tell anyone. I am honored to be recognized so often!

        

I am very pleased to announce that I am now offering signed, limited edition prints of a few select works! Please see http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23536737 and http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23548459 for details.

The prints came out very clean, crisp and, for the Skull Mask, very strong color. (The other is black and white.) More prints to come in the next few days, please subscribe and/or watch this space for details

        

I have been busy putting together new shows... please see shows for full details and dates.

I will be printing some archival-quality prints of a few select works, and am interested in what you, yes you!, sitting there staring at the computey, might be interested in purchasing. Which pieces would you like to see inexpensive prints of? Would you pay $20, $50, less or more for, say, an 11" x 14" limited-edition full color print of one of my paintings or drawings? Would you be more interested in buying a print at a local gallery, through a website, or in person? I want to know what you have to say!

I am also currently painting two new pieces, so please check back, or subscribe to my blog. Thank you all

EDIT: please visit my livejournal poll to see which pieces I am considering to turn into prints and vote for your own favorite(s)!

        

All of my art shows will be down by tomorrow, except for a few pieces at The Great Artists Collective, so I have done (the first of several: it is late and I am exhausted)... an Etsy Shop redux!