This week we welcome artist Erin Nolan from Pejnolan. Erin creates beautiful, nature-inspired artworks.
Where do you live?
I live smack dab in the middle of northern Illinois in a rural college town. In the summer you can see lush green fields of corn and beans all the way to the horizon. In the autumn, those fields turn golden and crisp. The crops are harvested leaving a vast emptiness that is filled with snow which sparkles like diamonds as the sun falls upon it. The Spring is so welcome after the long dark winter and the cycle begins again.
Where do you do your work?
I live in an small, old farmhouse built in 1877. The mud basement has actual tree trunks for support beams and the ceiling is for people the height of 19th century America! There is one closet in the entire house. So, I don’t have any room to work in my own home. My brother and his wife moved into a house 2 blocks away. They are kind enough to let me use a room in their basement.
What’s your favourite place in the world, and why?
Alone -Â walking in the prairie or woods off in the country where it is so quiet I can hear my own heartbeat. That is my favorite place because it seems to calm me, returns me to a peaceful state, and nurtures my soul.
Tell us a little bit more about yourself! Your day job or business, family, hobbies:
During the day I am a graphic designer for a large format printer. By night I am a wife (of 19-1/2 years) and mother to a teenage son. During the late evenings and weekends I am an artist and run PEJNOLAN Studios.
Our house is home to Crystal, our perpetually cranky and evil-minded cat; Grace, our loveable fluffy-floppsy-mopsy of a dog and stray cat that called our house his home as well. He stays outside, but we take care of him along with the neighbors. We feed him and had him fixed. His name is many: Robert, Roberto, Robierto del feline, Bob, Bobby, Bobert… he answers to them all
I really enjoy taking my own reference photos for my prints and so my hobbies are hiking and digital photography.
What did you want to be “when you grew up”?
An artist, of course! Growing up in a small, farming town of 600, there wasn’t much support as far as the arts go. I was told that I was talented, but that there are no jobs available to artists. When I went to college, there was a poster in the life drawing room which listed all the careers related to art. I’m very thankful to my instructor for posting that information and opening my eyes to possibility that this dream of mine could become reality.
How did you first get into your craft/art?
I have tried everything from watercolors, acrylics, oils, graphite, pastels, metal-smithing, pottery – you name it I’ve tried it. I found that my work is so personal in nature, that it was difficult for me to sell a piece. It is really hard to make a living as an artist if you can’t sell the pieces! lol
My brother, alfredstark.etsy.com, had taught himself woodblock printmaking to make kites. I watched him as he explained to me his process. His eyes lit up as he spoke. Then he said the magic words, “Printmaking is like creating multiple originals and so, if you keep the block, you can always make another.” I realized that if I made prints, I could retain a small bit for myself – the block. Now I could share my artwork without surrendering ownership. I’m a bit selfish that way.
What do you make?
I create nature inspired woodblock and linocut prints. These are based on personal experiences and thoughts I have had while studying the world around me.
What are you most proud of making?
Each piece I create I am learning more and trying to use that education into the next piece. So, artistically speaking, I would have to say I am most proud of my most recent piece. Right now, that is the print entitled, “Blue Heron.” But, what I am most proud to have made in my life is my family I’ve helped co-create with my husband and son.
What do you like the most/least about selling your wares online?
The best part is knowing that someone else will enjoy my work. One lady told me that she was hanging a print in her young daughter’s room. I thought, “how amazing is that?” In a small way I would affect this child. She might look at the “Robin’s Nest” print and wonder about birds or see it and think she may want to be an artist.
I love:
smooth pebble beaches, the warm sun shining on my face, walking barefoot, cardamom sweet bread, rosehip tea, holding hands with my husband, simplicity, self-reliance, creativity, trying new things, learning,
It drives me crazy when:
People are not authentic to their true self.
If you could sum up yourself or your work in one sentence, it would say:
The name of my blog: “I’m a good person just trying to get along.” That sums me up in a nutshell.
I’m just trying to do the best I can. Some days are better than others, but every day is a new beginning to try to be the best person I can be. I am human and I make more than my fair share of mistakes, but how is a person to grow unless they learn from those same mistakes? It’s the trying that counts. Eventually the small ways will lead to a greater path
Find Erin Online!
Shop: pejnolan.etsy.com
Blog: pejnolan.blogspot.com
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/pejnolan
Erin is giving away this lovely cricket woodblock print today! And she’s willing to ship worldwide, yay!
To Enter:
1. Visit Pejnolan and come back here leaving a comment about your favourite piece from the store.
2. For additional entries, leave a comment saying that you: followed or subscribed to Epheriell Designs (or already do); have twittered about the givewaway; have shared the giveaway with friends on Facebook, or; you have written a blog post about it.
3. Entries close next Thursday night, the 20th of May, at 12pm Australian EST.
The winner will be chosen via Random.org
Remember to leave me a way of contacting you.. and Good Luck!
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Want more Epheriell-y goodness? Subscribe to Epheriell Designs! Also, you can follow me on Twitter!
My favorite piece:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/44601005/spring-cherry-blossoms-original
I am a follower
Tanya_Starpower at yahoo dot com
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/yotanyaA/status/13970816383
Blogged:
http://ohitstanya.blogspot.com/2010/05/artisan-feature-giveaway.html
Tanya_Starpower at yahoo dot com
I’m having a hard time picking just one favorite from her shop, but since I love cardinals, I’m going to choose the Winter Cardinal piece:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/38824538/winter-cardinal-original-linocut
.-= Lilith´s last blog ..Tree of Life Pendant – Verdant Pearls =-.
I am now a follower of your great blog, too.
.-= Lilith´s last blog ..Tree of Life Pendant – Verdant Pearls =-.
My favorite is the Bird in Berry Tree Study – Limited Edition Woodblock Print
I love all of Erin’s work. So it’s hard to choose, but I guess I like the Earth Goddess linocut best.
Oooh, I love woodblock and linocut prints! My two favourites in Erin’s store are the Dragonfly print and the Cherry Blossoms print.
.-= Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys)´s last blog ..Bobby Pin Set, Autumn Leaves, Vintage Cabochons, Accessories by Two Cheeky Monkeys on Etsy =-.
I subscribe to Epheriell and follow via Google.
.-= Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys)´s last blog ..Feature Friday – billy mac clothing =-.
I LOVE the Earth Goddess. Eyes in trees, swirly roots…I love those motifs!
.-= Jess´s last blog ..The Mini Collection – Gold Spiral Hoop Earrings and 3 Sets of Dangles =-.
I love the Earth Goddess one as well:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/31280096/earth-goddess-original-linocut-print
I am following your site!
My favorite is Bird in Berry Tree.
.-= Kristen´s last blog ..Free Del Taco =-.
i really like the robin’s nest- i am drawn to bird art.
shen
divertida(at)fastmail(dot)fm
i follow as john/sb
jorossi(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite is Earth Goddess.
hrfarley at gmail dot com
I like the “Original Woodblock Print – Ginkgo Leaf”!
samyrocks92 at msn dot com
.-= Samy´s last blog ..The Fancy Lady Gourmet [Review + Discount] =-.
I’m a blog follower via RSS!
.-= Samy´s last blog ..The Fancy Lady Gourmet [Review + Discount] =-.
My favorite piece is the Walnut Shell – original acrylic painting
I follow Epheriell Designs blog with google friend connect!
My favourite piece is Cave Point Park
.-= Eva SB´s last blog ..Cleverly Inked’s Birthday Phenomenon – Now with more prizes! =-.
I follow with GFC
.-= Eva SB´s last blog ..Cleverly Inked’s Birthday Phenomenon – Now with more prizes! =-.
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/EVA_n_essence/status/14141837574
.-= Eva SB´s last blog ..Cleverly Inked’s Birthday Phenomenon – Now with more prizes! =-.
I love: Lady’s Slipper at The Ridges
amazing diversity of prints! love the different styles and ‘topics’
.-= Tazim´s last blog ..Being an Artist: Etsy Feature Friday – Nat at Skeptis =-.
The bees are awesome! But this grasshopper is very cool too. Thanks for the chance!
My favorite is the Blue Heron – Original Woodblock print – Limited Edition. c:
thanks for this giveaway! ^^
I love woodcuts, my favourites are the grasshopper, and the Singing Frog – Original Linocut Print. Thanks!
My fave is Ginkgo Leaf – Original Linocut Print. I have a big Ginkgo in my backyard and love it. Thanks!
Great art. I like the Earth Goddess.
jswandrn at gmail
I like the Dragonfly – Original Woodblock Print. I love it!!!!
Im subscribed
candy3181@hotmail.com
I would love a chance to win!
Bird in the berry tree is a beautiful woodcut print, though I do love the cricket. 🙂
xx,
E.J.
e.j.stevens.author[at]gmail[dot]com
Such lovely work, I really love the Original Woodblock Print – Cana Island Lighthouse.