Featured Artist Marie Wise ~ an artful journey

When I moved to Kalama, Washington in 2003, I was lucky to hook up with a few inspirational artists ~ Marie Wise being one. She and I have shared many meetings and meals, discussing art as a craft and art as a business.

My family left Kalama in 2009, and Marie and I have continued on our artful paths. Last week, we met up again in Longview, at the Lord & McCord Art Works Gallery where 6 of my paintings are showing for the month of October.

Marie is represented by the gallery next door to Lord & McCord: The Broadway Gallery. She allowed me to photograph her with her artwork at The Broadway Gallery, and I'm honored to feature her here.

image: Marie Wise in her Kalama, Washington studio

View Marie Wise's Website & Blog

Take a peek at Marie's book Power Of The Wind ~
Marie's three-year journey to paint the wind

From Marie:

“Art touches the depth of my soul and spirit.”
I enjoy filling my paintings with powerful and often feminine subjects. My florals, landscapes and nautical paintings are lush and deeply colored. Design and pattern are very important to my compositions. Although my style is eclectic and varies from painting to painting, I try to capture one reflective moment, punctuated with symbolic elements that portray powerful messages, where viewers can find a connecting emotional bond.

Marie Wise at The Broadway Gallery ~ October 2011

Marie's Paintings on display

We reconnect at Lord & McCord Art Works Gallery on October 6, 2011

Marie Wise has been involved in numerous group and featured artist exhibitions over the years and has won many awards. Her work is displayed in local restaurants, gift shops, banks, galleries and businesses. Over the years her paintings have been acquired by friends, family, local collectors, businesses and corporate offices. She paints in her studio in Kalama, Washington, overlooking the scenic Columbia River.

Sunset's Repose ~ a brand new painting by Marie Wise


You may find Marie Wise's paintings and products available for purchase at The Broadway Gallery in Longview Washington

Enjoy!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Lord and McCord Art Works Gallery ~ Longview, Washington

Lord & McCord Art Works Gallery in longview, Washington, was opened by award winning artist, Linda McCord, the owner and director of the gallery.

6 of my motherhood paintings are on display at Lord & McCord during the month of October, 2011.

shown: Like Water, Taking A Moment and Stay.

The Gallery current features approximately 20 represented artists, including a generous supply of wearable art, hand-made jewelry, fused glass, printmaking, paintings and sculpture.

Mother and Child Art for the Coffee Table and the Pocket ~ art books make great gifts!

Gorgeous quality, coffeetable- and purse-ready fine art books stuffed full of intimate motherhood paintings make exquisite gifts for mothers, daughters, doulas/midwifes and mama-girlfriends.

Quantities are limited, so plan ahead for the Holidays!

I now have 5 separate books for you to choose from:

Introducing Moments With Messages, volume 1 ~ a Glossy hardbound motherhood art Book ~ autographed ~ and featuring 29 of the 4x4" chunky acrylic paintings. ($27.99 each)


♥ This is a gorgeous, sturdy, high quality book shares rich images exactly representing the texture and heart of the first 29 4x4" original paintings.♥ Each original painting carries a message, and includes an embedded text, painted right into the texture. Thus, each smooth printed page of this hardbound book reveals meaning.


Find Moments With Messages here, in the online shop









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Introducing 85 8x8 Paintings ~ a dance of intention & creation ($34.99 each)


♥ A high quality book featuring 70 premium quality pages, a gorgeous glossy soft cover and behind the scenes musings and insight for the 85 8x8s Collection.


♥ This luscious 7x7" book seeks to thrill you with images and inspiration ~ but to also encourage you to engage in your own creative endeavor.



85 8x8 Paintings ~ a dance of intention & creation is available online, direct from the printer




Have a deserving loved one in a far-away place? Grab the 70-page e-book here! ~ just $4.99
featuring motherhood art & writing by Katie m. Berggren and I can email it directly to the recipient with your message.




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Introducing the Hardbound Inspiration Book ~ featuring 20 Motherhood Paintings ($24.99 each)


♥ This sturdy autographed book is perfect for reflection and sharing. 6x8 inches by 3/8" thick. Only 2 left in stock!



Find the Hardbound Inspiration Book here (with 20 full-color motherhood paintings)








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Introducing Mini Pocket-Sized Inspiration Books, volumes 1 & 2 ($5.99 ea)


♥ Pull your super cute little book from your purse, wallet, diaper bag or bed-side table ~ and take a moment to breathe in the moments that make Motherhood purposeful and special.♥ A great gift ~ stocking stuffer ~ new mother blessing.


Find Volume 1 here (with 20 full-color motherhood paintings)



Find Volume 2 here (with 21 full-color motherhood paintings)

Each book that I have created for you makes a lovely, simple yet substantial gift for a mother, doula or midwife, girlfriend or daughter.

I also love these books as an opportunity for a hand-held, personal retreat. A few moments to breathe and remember the moments in life that keep us going as busy mamas.

Have a wonderful week's end.

Thank you for your continued encouragement & love.

Let me know if you have any questions,

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Bari Tessler Linden ~ Conscious Bookkeeping ~ Video Courses

Good morning ~
It has been interesting around here with school starting for the boys, and me: revving the business up while the little ones are away ~ then frantically shutting it down when it's time for that school bell to ring!

But everyone is happy here, and I take cautious care to make sure of that on a daily basis. Taking the time to look into those boys' eyes to make sure they are feeling good. If they are off at school and not feeling good ~ there is NO way I can feel good working in the home studio/office.

painting left: Taking Time To See (you'll see what I mean)



Well, I don't know about you, but I always love to come across something new that I feel is a good use of my time.


You know how you can just *tell* when something or someone you discover is worth your time, worth your exploring?


You know how you can tell when you actually *want* to sign up for an email newsletter, and you don't feel like you'll be fed a bunch of junk you don't need?


Over the years (many, many years) I have had an uncanny ability to recognize when someone who enters my life is supposed to be there. Be it for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

I literally stumbled upon this woman yesterday, and with the urge to write a post for you that was informative and inspiring, the pieces locked into place instantly.

I was sent an email from Handmade Success ~ including Bari Tessler Linden's 7 Money Tools and I felt the urge to click through.


photo left: Bari Tessler Linden, Financial Therapist, Coach & Mommypreneur ~ founder of the Conscious Bookkeeping Method

I do not personally know Bari Tessler Linden, like I said, I just discovered her yesterday, but I was hoping you'd like to discover her work along with me.

I have signed up to receive Bari's free video courses and am looking forward to seeing her passion first hand. Join me?

photo left: Bari Tessler Linden and her family.

I hope you have a great day ~ and here's to inspirational information & people that fit into our lives so comfortably it seems they have always been there.

Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

Moments with Messages ~ a book featuring 29 4x4 Paintings

Introducing Moments with Messages, volume 1 ~ a Glossy hardbound motherhood art Book ~ autographed ~ and featuring 29 of the 4x4 chunky acrylic paintings.

These are $27.99 ~ and you can get yours here
(supply is limited, but back order is available).

This is a gorgeous and sturdy, immensely high quality book with rich images which exactly represent the texture and heart of the first 29 4x4 original paintings.

Each original painting carries a message, and includes an embedded text, painted right into the texture. Thus, each smooth printed page of this hardbound book reveals meaning.

Each book is autographed on the front inside cover, and contains a lovely fly sheet at front and back. At the size of 8" x 6" ~ this makes a lovely simple yet substantial gift for a mother, doula or midwife, girlfriend or daughter.



I also love these books as an opportunity for a little personal retreat. A few moments to breathe and remember the moments in life that keep us going as busy mamas.

get your copy here!


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♥ Pull your super cute 6x8" book from your purse, diaper bag or bed-side table ~ and take a moment to breathe in the intimate moments that make Motherhood purposeful and special.



♥ A great girlfriend-mama gift ~ stocking stuffer ~ new mother blessing ~ doula or midwife thank you.


Your hardbound book will ship via Priority Mail (for U.S. buyers, First Class for International collectors), arriving to your hands wrapped in bubble wrap from within a stiff mailer.


Do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.


Love & Sincerely, Katie

Spinning Tales Prepares For Russia

Spinning Tales heads off to Russia on Monday.
Here is a tribute to her ~ as she prepares for her trip.

In her stretched form ~ with Seasons Change peeking from the background!

Tattooing her canvas ~ usually, I sign the stretcher bars.

Removing her staples and spline ~ the canvas begins to shed from the stretcher bars.

Free and naked!

She is beautiful ~ even without her bones :)

Beginning to roll ~ I loved creating the textures in Spinning Tales,
and how they catch the light here.

She peeks from her roll ~ almost ready for travel.

From here to there ~ her bars stand alone, and Spinning Tales awaits
her heavy duty shipping tube ~ and her journey to Russia.

Thank you all for your support during her creation, and thank you to Valentine ~ I hope Spinning Tales spreads love within her new family.

Have a great day,

Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

4 Steps to Yum

Dark Baking Chocolate (no sugar), Raw Organic Honey, Coconut Cream (skimmed from top of Whole ~ not light ~ Coconut Milk)

Mix together ~ add Roasted Cashews

Mix together ~ add Roasted Almonds

Plop on foil-lined plate, in small balls.
Refrigerate.
Enjoy!

Free Cards Friday | Two Years Ago While Painting Motherhood: Priorities & Conquering Excuses

Two Years Ago While Painting Motherhood

Two years ago I shared this post, containing an article that I still find very valuable today.

Priorities, Conquering Excuses & 3 Paintings in Process

The below article, first posted in the Fine Art Views Daily Newsletter, rang true with me and so I requested permission to share it with you.Time and time again I, as an artist and friend, hear similar statements from others whom I believe have an incredible talent to change the world. NOTE: While reading, please substitute "art" for any passion or career-direction that suits you - photography, knitting, medicine, business... Continue Reading

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It's Free Cards Friday ~ Add your note or insight to this blog post (here at the blog or on the Facebook page) throughout the weekend and be in the running to win some cards ~ I'll choose the winner on Monday. Come back on Tuesday to see if the winner is YOU!

Have a GREAT and creative weekend ~
Love & Sincerely, Katie

85 8x8 Paintings: a dance of intention & creation ~ the printed book is available

85 8x8 Paintings: a dance of intention & creation ~ featuring behind the scenes notes & images, inspiration, paintings, quotes & heart-felt sentiments.

A brand new beautifully printed publication, featuring motherhood art & writing by Katie m. Berggren ~ Grab YOUR copy here!

"Katie, I just finished reading your book. Well, actually I devoured every sentence, quote, and picture. I was sad that it had an end, but giggled that it took 9 months for you to compose the pictures…the length of a pregnancy. That's perfect for motherhood paintings. I admire your approach to simply focusing your attention on your sweet boys, and letting the good energy flow. Thank you for publishing a piece of yourself. It was a delight.
Kindly, Sara ~ Camas, Washington"

85 8x8 Paintings: a dance of intention & creation features the art and writing of Katie m. Berggren, an award-winning painter, recently cited as the #1 Motherhood Artist in America.

70 pages of rich imagery featuring 85 paintings devoted to love and connection, family, touch, breastfeeding, babywearing, and the intimate moments of motherhood ~ including the emotional musings and heartfelt insights behind the creation of each painting.



This book desires to show, but to also inspire you in your own creative endeavors by providing personal journal entries and blog posts, inspirational quotes and notes from the author/artist.

Making 85 8x8 Paintings: a dance of intention & creation a perfect gift for a loving mother, devoted doula or midwife, and/or a creative soul yearning to fly higher.

Snag YOUR copy here, for just $34.99


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Do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions ~ thank you so much!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

85 8x8 Paintings ~ the brand new book

I will have some photos of the book soon, but here is a link to access the 15-page preview, and a link to purchase your own copy of this publication (70 premium quality pages, gorgeous glossy soft cover) straight from the printer. $34.99

85 8x8 Paintings

a dance of intenti...

By Katie m. Berggren

Book Preview

Enjoy! Sincerely, Katie

It's beginning to look a lot like...

My boys decided today ~ September 24 ~ that we must have a Halloween party ~
and we must begin preparing ~ NOW!

So, we spent hours in the studio today, painting grave stones, skeletons, pumpkins and...
well, I painted Frankie (in 7 minutes). I most love their skeletons, though!

skeleton painted by my 7 year old :)

skeleton and pumpkins painted by my 5 year old :)


Frankenstein ~ a 7 minute speed painting of the spooky green man himself. My boys said to please paint him "sorta realistic, but not too scary".

I think these new creations, Halloween party or not, will have to become staple decorations around our house every Fall.


Skeletons, spirits and haunts,
Skeletons, spirits and haunts.
It's a Halloween sale: A nickel a pail
For skeletons, spirits and haunts.
Skeletons, spirits and haunts,
More than most anyone wants.
Will you pay for a shock,
'Cause we're quite overstocked
On skeletons, spirits and haunts.
~Shel Silverstein~



Have a wonderful weekend,
let us not forget to take the time to soak in those happy little spirits ~
and the excitement that surrounds them.
Love & Sincerely, Katie