Crescent Mermaid...

I’ve had these vintage wooden crescents for awhile now. I wasn’t sure exactly what I’d do with them, but decided to drill the points out and add metal eyelet rivets to the holes. I had an idea before about doing some drawings on them. But that never really turned into anything. I came across these pieces while I was cleaning and decided to make little paintings on them for MerMay.

I really love the hand-painted Russian, icon-style pendants and thought that I’d make my very own. Apparently I thought it’d be easier. Nope! Turns out painting tiny miniature portraits is hard! It was definitely a challenge for me to paint that small! I need smaller brushes and magnification! LOL! I think, eventually, I will give the piece a resin coating for extra protection.

Ocean Spirit Necklace...

There are all these wonderful stories of mermaids and other mer-creatures hiding their souls in objects like shells. I imagine that if you could swim to the deepest depths of the ocean, you would have the most amazing shell collection! ⠀ ⠀

I’ve had this strand of shell beads for awhile now. Each bead is composed of two shells that were glued together and then drilled. They’re incredibly light and extremely fragile, but super lovely. What appealed to me the most was the intense purple color. They almost look like they could be carved from amethyst. I paired these shell beads with faceted amethyst rondelles from Africa. The amethyst from Africa is generally much darker and has a deeper grape color, more so than its Brazilian counterpart. To pull everything together, I used a seashell clasp made by my family at Green Girl Studios and is crafted out of shibuichi, which is a delightful alloy of copper and silver. Depending on how shibuichi is finished, it can look cherry red, buttery peach, earthy brown, or steely gray. I love this finish because it reminds of ancient coins. This is a relatively simple design, but I love the intense color and bigger proportions. It rests deliciously on the collarbone.

Sometimes when I’m designing, I want to throw the entire bag of tricks at it. I can’t help it. When I first started designing, I would try my hardest to come up with new looks and incorporate unconventional materials. I delighted in “discovering” new jewelry materials and using them in unexpected ways, different from the applications they were intended for. I did this a lot when I was designing for books or magazines. I was even featured in a book called, “Unexpected Findings”. A lot of those designs were really over the top. More was more. I had a lot of ideas and wanted to prove it. But eventually I reached a point where I started to really appreciate simplicity. Instead of me being at the center of the story, how about letting the materials do the talking? ⠀ ⠀
I circled back on stringing, where my love of jewelry making began. Designs like this are simple, but I think that’s okay. I still make big, over the top pieces but I also make projects like this. I think they have a quiet strength. If you listen closely, they’ll reveal their stories.

Jiaoren Necklace...

Whenever I embark on a series, I go into research mode. I start investigating from different angles. As with the winter series, I started to look at mermaids from around the world. In Chinese folklore, there’s the “Jiaoren”. Not only were they lovely to look at, but they were skilled craftspeople. They also had a particular gift: when they cried, their tears turned into pearls. If someone showed them kindness, they’d repay it by filling a cup with tears.⠀

As a jewelry-maker, I couldn’t not make some MerMay jewelry. This necklace is inspired by the Jiaoren. I also really love pearls. This is long, Flapper-style necklace featured freshwater pearls, labradorite, garnets, and gilded brass. It can be worn as a swooping single strand or it can be doubled up for a layered look. Mermaids = OG neckmess trendsetters.

Here’s a detail shot of the pearl necklace. I really love the look of creamy pearls punctuated with sprinkles of gold and pops of red and gray. I think it has a very royal, opulent feel. ⠀

The Warrior of the Deep...

It’s no surprise that the past month or so has been a struggle for me. It has been a challenge for a lot of people. The first week was the hardest and then it was a roller coaster of ups and downs. I was emotionally rung out and it was hard to muster any energy for much of anything... it took all I had to simply carry on.

But there’s something about darkness that reveals the light. Sometimes we don’t realize our strength until we’re forced to be strong. One of the prompts for MerMay is “Warrior”. At first I thought of a dark and imposing character. But the more I looked at the fish and other creatures that dwell in the darkest part of the ocean, they were surprisingly colorful and highly patterned. Many of them are bioluminescent. Sometimes in the darkness, you have to make your own light.

The Rock Stacker...

I grew up in Florida and have fond memories of the beach. We used to get up super early and go fishing at Sebastian Inlet. When we got tired of fishing (which happened pretty quickly), my siblings and I would collect shells and look for sea glass. We’d stack rocks. Sometimes it was about balance and sometimes it was to see who could make the tallest pile. When I grew up, I discovered that these stacks had a name. They’re called “cairns” and they’re used to mark paths and help find your bearings when you’re lost. We’re living in such an uncertain time... who couldn’t use a little direction? They’re also used to commemorate a place and designate it as special. This is my first mermaid for MerMay! I’m hoping to make an entire collection of mer-creatures.

Beira...

"Beira" by Andrew Thornton

In my research on winter holidays and folklore, I found some interesting stories about Beira, also known as Cailleach Bheur. She's a Scottish goddess that personifies winter. She is described by some as the Mother Goddess of the Scottish pantheon and is an old woman with white hair, blue skin, one eye and rust-colored teeth. I decided to do my interpretation and skipped the amber smile. Apparently she rules on high until the longest night of the year. Afterwards, she makes a trek to the Well of Youth, where she becomes younger each day.

Mr. Tumnus...

"Mr. Tumnus" by Andrew Thornton

I've always loved satyrs and fauns. I am drawn to in-between things. There's something about the liminal spaces and the creatures that inhabit them. It's in those places where worlds collide and elements meet that truly remarkable and magical things happen. Satyrs epitomize the mix of the wild and humanity in one. There's a freedom that's appealing.

One of my favorites growing up was Mr. Tumnus. I've always thought of, "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" as a holiday book. Maybe because it takes place (mostly) in winter and there's Father Christmas. In my quest to depict different holiday folklores and traditions, I decided to do my version and even though this technically isn't a "folklore"... I'm going to roll with it.

I really haven't done much fan art. I mean, I sort of have, if you consider the pieces that I've made for the Inspired by Reading Book Club fan art. In that case, I've made a boatload. It's definitely interesting territory to explore.

Crow Paintings: Series Four...

We moved the shop back in April and have been making improvements as time and budget allows. There's still so much that we'd like to do. Really, will we ever be done? It seems like there's always one more project. I started these backgrounds back in April to help with the fundraising efforts to offset the moving and improvement expenses. After the first three series, I didn't know if I'd ever make anymore. I decided to squeeze in working on these in between other projects. I have to admit, some of these are my favorites!

These and more of my original artwork is available at Allegory Gallery.

La Befana...

The folklore of La Befana, also known as the Christmas Witch, hails from parts of Italy. Flying through the air, La Befana delivers presents and candy to the good children and lumps of coal to the naughty. She's basically Santa, but an old woman riding a broom (that has the power to sweep away the problems of the previous year). Hold the milk and cookies. La Befana prefers wine and cakes.

Some depictions show her as a filthy, soot-covered hag who wears rags and a scowl. I decided to paint my version. She's usually shown dirty, because she can fly down chimneys. But, I figure, if you have a spell to slip through heating ducts, you must have a spell to keep clean. I wanted to show her as colorful and benevolent, as the stories about her. I've added this painting to my Society6 shop and have uploaded several different products with this painting on it. Take a look! There are also several other different holiday themed pieces in this collection.

"La Befana" by Andrew Thornton, 2019

The Magic Keeper...

I started this painting a few months ago, but really, it has origins that stretch back much further. When I created this piece, I first built up layers of my old collages. Some of them were made over a decade ago. Even though you can't see them, they are there and are underneath everything. They change and influence how the painting is made on top. It's kind of like our own histories; you can't necessarily see all that has come before, but those experiences have shaped us to be who we are today. It certainly makes painting more challenging, as it isn't an even, smooth surface. I think that extra texture adds something though, even if it's a subtle thing. 

It's a larger painting than I've made in awhile. It measures approximately 16"X20" and I've worked on it a little at a time as time allows since August. I wanted to bring together a lot of different painting styles that I work in. It actually harkens back to a series I started in college of a mysterious, unnamed redheaded woman. I even got a little bit of jewelry design in there! Isn't funny how things come back around?

If you're interested in purchasing it, you can CLICK HERE to visit the Allegory Gallery online store. We are also doing limited edition prints of this painting on metallic paper that are available HERE.

"The Magic Keeper" by Andrew Thornton, 2019

Ivy Portrait...

I generally make things in "seasons". I can't always do this depending on my existing commitments, but this is the way that I work best and I have learned over the years to just hitch my wagon to the energy and see where it takes me instead of trying to fight it or direct it too much. I have different stations setup and I flit around like a pollinator and move to the project that most captures my heart and imagination at the moment. 

Right now it's all about the paintings! 

I've always really loved portraiture. Whether they're real or imaginary people, I enjoy looking for the humanity captured in the brushstrokes. I feel like there's a certain level of magic in distilling a person's energy out of paint and pigment. It's an illusion and I think the best illusions are ones that tell a story. I have a soft spot for the Pre-Raphaelites and Botticelli. I like Frida Kahlo and Jan van Eyck. I like the heavy-lidded ladies and soft cubism of Tamara de Lempicka. I like contemporary artists like Kehinde Wiley, Elizabeth Peyton, and Chuck Close too... just to name a few. 

I've wanted to do a series of portraits for awhile now. I made a few for the Strange Botany show, which was fun, but I felt like they had to be more... well... strange. But I wanted to make a series of just people. Sometimes there's a subtle hint of something or another extra, but for the most part, I just wanted to paint a person and let that be enough. 

I think this one is called, "Ivy". She looks like an Ivy to me. I referenced different photos and paintings while I worked, but this isn't based off of anyone in particular or any one person. I had this idea that I'd make an entire series of these types of portraits and have a big show of them, but I don't think that's in the cards right now. Maybe one day. William and I are working on some big plans and I'm saving up to make them happen. So I'd love to find a home for this piece. The painting measures approximately 6"X8" and is made up of layers of acrylic paint and gesso on wood paneling. I'm happy to part with it for $215, plus shipping. If you're interested, let me know or you can CLICK HERE and find it in the online store.

"Ivy" by Andrew Thornton, 2019

Holiday Sugar Plum Fairy...

What's this?!?! More holiday themed artwork? Yep! This time I delved into the world of the Nutcracker. I decided to create my version of the Sugar Plum Fairy and added new products to my Society6 page. I am really intrigued by the performing arts. Dance is one of those alchemical processes that transforms hard work, practice, and physical endurance and turns it into something graceful and ethereal. Good dance can engage the space and transport the audience. If you want to see the products with this painting on it (and other holiday-themed pieces), CLICK HERE. 

"Sugar Plum Fairy" by Andrew Thornton, 2019

Holiday Abominable Snowman Yeti...

Who remembers the stop motion animation, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"? It was a holiday classic when I was growing up. One of my favorite characters was the Abominable Snowman, Bumble. Who doesn't like a reformed Yeti? I've always had a soft spot for this cryptozoological creature and thought that I'd add to my holiday offerings in my Society6 shop. CLICK HERE to take a look at this piece (and others) in the new Winter Holiday collection.

"Abominable Snowman" by Andrew Thornton, 2019

Holiday Krampus...

I didn't grow up hearing stories about Krampus, who originates from Central European folklore, but when I found out about him, I became smitten. What can I say? I love anthropomorphic creatures that punish the wicked and deal out justice to the naughty. LOL! I created this painting to celebrate the season! And now you can find all kinds of fun Krampus-themed products perfect for the holiday season! (Well... perfect for those that like a little less saccharine sweet holiday season. Though I think my version of Krampus is pretty dang cute!) You can find the new Krampus products (including greeting cards) on my Society6 page AND other new collaborations by CLICKING HERE.

"Holiday Krampus" by Andrew Thornton, 2019

Still Available Kitty Companions...

Not long after Paulo's dental surgery, we had to take him back in for blood in his urine. He had to undergo lots of tests and received intravenous fluids. Apparently his bladder was still inflamed from his previous blockage surgery and his bladder walls were thicker than normal. He had to go on another round of antibiotics and go on an even stricter diet with specialized food.

It all adds up really quickly. On top of all the vet bills, his food bill quadrupled. Mr. Paulo's grocery bill is more than two male human adults (that like to eat)! (We've also adjusted the diets of the other cats too, so that they don't end up with the same problems Paulo has.) But what can you do? If it comes to the health and wellbeing of my cats, I'll work harder. They have given so much to me and enriched and bettered my life in so many ways just by being in it. They're like my children and what wouldn't you do for your children if it were within your power?

As of Thursday, November 14th, these are the Kitty Companion Mini Paintings that are still available. The sales of these pieces will help offset the extra vet bills and food costs. I thought it might be nice to post a better picture of each. Of course, if you follow the link, you can see more details. CLICK HERE to check them out in the Allegory Gallery online store.

Kitty Companion Mini Paintings...

I've always loved cats. For much of my life, I've always shared my home with a cat. One of my earliest and fondest memories is of repeatedly bumping heads with a grizzled old stray that we called, Blackie. They've always been there for me in the defining moments of my life. When my brother went missing, there was Persia. When we moved from my childhood home, there was Willow. And when I had cancer, there were Paulo and Babette. I've always had an angel cat companion just when I needed one the most. They were there in my most loneliest of times and I confided all my secrets to them. They listened without judgement or disapproval. (Okay, well maybe a little disapproval.) We had adventures and made up elaborate stories and over the years they've brought me so much joy. 

Recently our baby boy, Paulo, had to undergo a surgery for a blockage in his bladder. It was really startling and we weren't really prepared. Luckily with the help of friends, family, and supporters, we paid for the expensive operation and he recovered from that. While he was at the vet's office, they did discover that some of his teeth were bad and that he needed dental surgery. While he was recovering from the first surgery, we tried to save up money for the work on his teeth. Unfortunately, life can be unpredictable and he needed to go in earlier than we would have liked. I knew that we needed to make up the extra funds somehow and set to work making this series of cat-themed miniature paintings. They are ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) sized and are made on Artist Trading Card-sized watercolor paper. The backgrounds are made by layering washes of paint with salt and then when everything is dried, they are sanded and painted on top of. Each one is different. They are all a little whimsical and some are certainly more fantastical than others. Once I finished painting them and adding metallic pigments and iridescent paints, they are sealed and signed. The sales of these paintings will help offset the costs of the recent surgeries and help us take the other cats to the vet for check-ups as well.

The Kitty Companion Mini Paintings are available in the Allegory Gallery online store, which you can find by CLICKING HERE.

Phoenix Paintings...

One of the projects that we're working on is buying out a gem and mineral shop. Generally speaking, the bead business can be very feast or famine. The idea behind the buyout is that we want to diversify our offerings while still keeping them in line with our current inventory and established mission statement. The hope is that by doing this, we can attract more customers and when the bead business is slower, hopefully compensate. And maybe if we're lucky, we can gain crossover customers.

In an effort to keep our prices low and remain somewhat competitive, we run on slim margins and whatever money we do make is invested back into the business or is saved for when times are tough. We're celebrating eight years in business and this model has worked so far. With the exception of a few little luxury items every now and then, William and I live pretty humble lives. Usually when we do splurge it's in support of another small business or artist. That might not sound all that appealing to some (and indeed it can be nerve-wracking at times), but it is what's right for us right now and I couldn't imagine it any other way. It's a good life and one dedicated to beauty. But sometimes when big opportunities come up like this, it can certainly test our resolve and force us to think creatively. Because in the end, whenever there's been a roadblock or a setback or a challenge, when I've dug deeper and embraced my creativity, there's always been a solution.

To help offset the expense of the buyout, I've created a new series of work. This new series includes six new paintings made by me. Each of the paintings depicts a phoenix. I've had a fascination with them ever since I was a little boy. Whether it was in mythological stories or on the pages of comic books, I was drawn to this mythic creature. I think what appealed to me the most was that endings weren't really over. When most stories end, the phoenix's journey began anew. What was lost could be found again. What was broken could be mended and remade. And when everything and everyone else said to give up... there was still hope. There was still this rare and beautiful spark of hope that the impossible could be made manifest. From the blistering fire and the ashes of the past, it was possible to rise... to rise and to fly and to soar the skies.

The process to make these paintings is similar to the way that I make the crow paintings. To start, I  create layers of paint and salt on heavy watercolor paper. When everything is dry, I sand down the surface and remove all the crusty bits. This technique makes a really cool patterning that looks like starbursts. I can thank the cold Pennsylvania winters for this technique; one day while shoveling and salting the sidewalks, I noticed the residue and patterns left from the night before. I loved it! When I did more research, I found out that this is actually a technique commonly used with watercolors. On this star-speckled surface, I add more layers of acrylic paints, iridescent pigments, and metallic paints. And when they're done, I seal them. Each painting measures 5"X5" and is signed and dated by me.

If you're interested in getting one, they're available in the Allegory Gallery store here: https://agbeads.com/phoenix