In progress...

Some older work that's new to the internet

These are the last pieces of my 50 maps in November series.  I just got them back from Roots and Tendrils in Belfast, ME, and am posting them as I type at .  Enjoy!

Back to working on things after a long break

I'm happy to say that after a long (but perhaps well-deserved?) break from art, I finally feel like I'm back on track. I have this week off from teaching, and after some wonderfully relaxing days with family and snow, I'm excited to spend the remainder of this week focusing on art.
Here's what I've been up to:
-working on FINALLY finishing my embroidery map of Manhattan...and then perhaps moving on to other cities, if it works out
-making my pieces bigger. In November for my 50 map challenge, I worked small, because it was more convenient and made my goal more feasible. But I have some lovely large watercolor paper waiting for me!
-using wood blocks more and experimenting with acrylic paint
-working up a plan for the submission of maps to magazines who might want them as illustration to be a companion to travel articles (any help or suggestions here?)

I hope everyone had a great holiday, was safe through the blizzard, and is planning a wonderful new year!
Cheers!

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

As a thank you to all you readers, I'm offering 30% off everything in my shop, starting now and ending Monday at 11:59 pm -- just enter in coupon code "mapsareawesome" at check out!
Happy shopping!

Framed Pieces for Roots and Tendrils show

Here are 3 of 14 pieces that I'm framing for my upcoming show at Roots & Tendrils in lovely Belfast, Maine -- also home to my favorite health food co-op! These pieces are part of my final six of 50 pieces for the month of November -- very exciting! I chose a bamboo frame with recycled paper for the mat -- and bought them from my local art shop. It feels good to see them framed and on a wall.

These new pieces are making me happy

Yesterday I got some good art-related news, which sent some creativity and mega-energy flowing through my veins (I'll share the art-related news as things come together in the next couple of days) -- I had so much fun creating these pieces, letting the garland-like streets twist like holiday packaging ribbon, forming constellations as the stars started to appear in the sky. These pieces are a bit bigger than what I've been working with - 6 inches by 8 inches. I think this weekend will be a very productive one, if my energy keeps up like this!
Both works are available in my shop.

Interview in Things We Make, Exhibition on papernstitch, and my name.

Traveling and Building, available here

Amy from Things We Make was kind enough to interview me on her blog! You can check it out here : Things We Make

I'm also featured in Brittni's lovely exhibition at papernstitch!. You can see my shop here

Also, for about five years I've been using the artist name of Lauren Simone. I chose a different last name for many reasons then, but now I'm trying to be more serious with my art, and thought I should use my real name.

Hi, my name is Lauren Montanaro Norster. Nice to meet you.