This summer I was asked to create more art for Rachel Van Asch of Van Asch Clothing. When she sent the reference photos over I knew this would be another exciting project to work on! Lovely models wearing beautiful and edgy clothing from the Van Asch “Unique Boutique” inspired a more fashion-focused approach to the images I created for them. These 5 images were featured in a fashion spread for Alt Fashion Magazine issue 14. I introduce to you my new art series, Fierce Faeries….

Models are wearing: (image 1) Titania Top – €68.00, (image 2) Devotion Top – €62.00, (image 3) Silver Siren Evening Dress- €95.00,  (image 4) Victorian Lolita Bell Skirt – €95.00

My creation, “Birth of Dawn” made the cover of the October, 2009 issue of Spirit Seeker Magazine! This was created back in March as a warm-up for the FAE Magazine art, and it features my good friend Kristy Rose. Inside there is even a little bio about me.

You can check out the latest issue of the magazine, here:
http://www.spiritseeker.com

Kristy and I recently worked on some more portraits in which she portrays some popular characters from current fantasy stories. More news to come, along with some new models which I am very excited to debut!

UPDATE: One of my photographs also made the November issue!

Way back in February of last year, I told you to go out and buy a new fantasy novel called Rowan of the Wood. Over a year and a half later, Rowan is an award-winning story being sold at book stores all over the country! Its authors, Christine & Ethan Rose, are following up with a tour of Celtic faires and book store signings to promote this up-and-coming literary phenomenon. Maybe you’ve seen them on a road near you in the Geekalicious Gypsy Caravan?

Check out the websites I designed for the Rowan Empire!
http://www.rowanofthewood.com
http://www.witchonthewater.com
http://www.christineandethanrose.com

October, 2008, saw the official release of Rowan of the Wood. This October, Rowan celebrates his first birthday with the long awaited sequel being released!  Book #2 in the series is called Witch on the Water, and you can buy it on October 15th from Amazon.com.  Don’t forget!  Help send Witch to the Top!

…And catch up with the series by reading Rowan of the Wood! Available here

Next in my new fantasy art series is a piece we call Green Fairy.  Over the next few weeks, I will be unveiling new fantasy art I created for Van Asch Clothing that is published in a fashion spread for the Summer ‘09 issue of Faeries & Enchantment (FAE) Magazine. You can pick up your copy online or at participating Borders stores.

This scene features a fairy dressed in the gorgeous Forest Maiden dress from the Van Asch line,  summoning the spirits of the forest in an arc of ethereal light.

Be sure to come back on in a few days for the next unveiling!  Subscribe to my blog so you don’t forget!

This is one of my favorite songs to hear live. I found this video of one of the Mediaeval Baebes many performances at the Arizona Renaissance Festival last week (so disappointed I couldn’t go).  Rabbit gives the wonderful introduction explaining the lyrics, including the meaning of the word undrentide in Middle English. This song describes my life, at times.  I can sympathize, too!

That haunting recorder melody which opens the song and runs throughout…It truly takes me to another realm, every single time I hear it.  I also love the way they pronounce and enunciate the word “undrentide” in the second verse.  This video is not the best representation of their talent..you need to see them live or buy their albums to get the full effect!

This is just one of the many enchanting bands I listen to while creating, and definitely the most inspiring after having seen two of their concerts and meeting the artists after their performances.  Some of my live concert photography is still displayed on their website…still very thrilled and flattered about that

Future companion for my 20D?

I need a new lens for my camera. I’ve been toting around this heavy Tamron 17-35mm for two years since my small lightweight (cheap) 50mm lens broke. While the wide angle is lovely to have for all the landscape photography I’ve been doing since moving to the Pacific Northwest, it’s a chore to lug such a heavy camera up mountains and on long hikes. I don’t have a camera bag large enough to carry the camera when the lens is on it, either. So it’s time to find a new 50mm.

I’ve been looking at this one for quite some time…it’s inexpensive and I’ll probably get what I pay for…cheap junk. A starter lens. It’s probably the same lens I had that came with my camera! I have a Canon 20D, by the way. Instead of upgrading to the 40D or 50D or wherever they’re at now, I’d like to invest in a good lens that’s under $500. An f/1.4 or f/1.8 would be nice. Really, I just want great image-quality. I’m finding my digital photographs aren’t as crisp as my photos from film (R.I.P 35mm…sniff). So, I’m looking at this one, now.

Then there’s also my other nagging desire…to get a macro lens. Oh, the choices!

Any photographers out there who can offer some insight on these lenses? I think I’m past the amateur/beginner’s stage…it’s been well over 10 years since I first picked up an SLR!

Time draws near for the beginning of my solo exhibit at the Lynnwood Library Gallery in Lynnwood, Washington (just north of Seattle). The mats and prints thankfully arrived safely after being delayed due to Seattle’s “Snowpocalpse”, so all 18 pieces will be framed and ready to go for the show on Friday. The postcards have been sent to friends & family and more will be scattered about at the gallery. Very excited to ring in the new year with my first ever solo exhibit!

All of my friends and family (with the exception of my husband and a good friend who will be up for from San Francisco for a visit and to attend the Bad Faeries Ball) will not be able to attend, so I’ll be sure to post some pictures of the show. I’m looking forward to meeting some new people when I visit the gallery!

Hello Friends,

My first ever solo gallery exhibit is coming up in January, and I cannot afford the cost to print, mat and frame 20 pieces . To raise the funds, I am having a special promotion of buy 2 art prints, get a free 8×10 from me!  Framed art is a great gift idea for the holidays!

How to get your free fine art print:

1. Between now and December 31st, Purchase two prints in any size 8×10 or larger at my Print Shoppe: http://photopixie.deviantart.com/store

2. Contact me at catarionna@yahoo.com with the subject “Free 8×10″. In the message, list the titles of the two prints you purchased along with your mailing address. Please indicate the title of the third FREE print you would like.

3. I will send you the free 8×10 of your choice!

It’s that easy! I appreciate your help with making my dream come true

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! May you all have a blessed holiday season.

Interview with a
College Radio Host

One of my longest-running friendships is with a gal who hosts a college radio show called Resonance Vessel, on WCSB Cleveland, 89.3 FM, the radio station of Cleveland State University. The show airs every Saturday from 4 – 7AM Eastern Standard Time on 89.3FM in Cleveland and online to be heard by the masses.

I recently had a chance to speak with my dear friend, who on air goes by the name My Brutal Pony, about her experience as a college radio host and about the music that speaks volumes in her soul…

Read the rest of this entry »

This week is Radiothon Week for Cleveland State University’s college radio station, WCSB. My amazing friend hosts a show with “vibes of bliss and weirdness” called Resonance Vessel, featuring ambient, drone, experimental noise and classical music.

If you like college radio and are a frequent listener of WCSB (or any college station), please consider donating! Call in November 9th – 16th at (216) 687-6900 and pledge a donation during your favorite WCSB program(s). There are lots of nice goodies for donating, too!

I just donated and will receive some White Rainbow CDs!