Finding Me. Again.
December 15, 2019

Life. It's good. When folks ask me how I'm doing, I say 'happy, but tired!' each time. When they ask how Evie is doing, I describe the newest thing she has learned to do. And they always say 'no wonder you're so tired!' But as I said before. It's good. I'm beginning to find a balance between my job, being a good mom, being a good wife, being a good friend, and sneaking in some art here and there. However, I think I need to figure out a new response to 'how are you?' Instead maybe I should focus on 'who are you?' That. That could use a little focus. Maybe a lot. When I turned 30, I finally felt like I had accepted myself and could appreciate me for me! I've gotten out of my routine though and I don't remember what made me so solid and focused. Let's see if I can figure it out again. 

Bye Bye, Studio.
September 1, 2019

Spitzer House is no more. Only half of the studios were being rented, the roof needed to be repaired, other expensive problems were also discovered, the list goes on. I think without it turning into a remake of 'The Money Pit' the board decided it was the best thing not to remain in charge of the house anymore. They have created a space at Larkin Arts, so they still have a face in the art community, without all the added responsibility of renters and house repairs. I'll miss my little space on the porch upstairs! It'll be okay. Just different. Amanda at Sparrow's Flowers has offered me a place to paint at her shop and I am very grateful to her. I hope I can make the most of this change. We'll see what happens next!

Year of Evie
January 7, 2018

After struggling to make art while I was pregnant, I made the decision to make this the 'year of Evie': no shows, no long hours in the studio, no added stress of deadlines - just Evie. It was great practicing saying 'no' and just enjoying being a mom, but I know that in order to continue calling myself an artist, I actually have to make art! In my last post, I forgot that part of making art where it's okay to have unfinished or unsuccessful moments. It helps you grow as an artist, set goals, and make decisions about next time.  I think I'm ready to get back in the studio and get back to making art for myself. Right now, I have to get back to my baby. Stay tuned, because I have a feeling. Feels like something good...

NO SHOW
October 8, 2016

I'm struggling. I received some life changing news this summer. Almost caused me to drop out of my August-September show at Harrisonburg Homes. And now, I believe that it has caused me to drop out of my October show at The Lady Jane. I've never had to drop out of a show before. I've never been a 'no show' for a solo gig that I committed to practically a year in advance. How did this happen? Am I finally a drop out? Have I reached my potential as an artist and now I have no more to give? I know I don't work as fast as I used to in college where you were required to finish a painting practically overnight. That was a lot of caffeine and a lot of late nights. In order to keep my mental health in check, I've been trying to eliminate caffeine and maintain a normal sleep schedule. Two crucial things that I'm used to having to create art. I've made some of my best pieces in my new studio. Now I just need to get back in there and keep trying. However, I am down on myself and really doubting that title 'artist'. Trying to get a few commissions done for the time being. Hope I can come through for these people.

ART LOTTO #4
August 15, 2016

Wow. We did it! It was a totally different experience at Spitzer Art Center this year.  Other than the big pARTner reveal in March, my favorite night is the private party where we get to hang out with all the participating artists, their significant others and all the of the sponsors and judges who helped make Art Lotto happen. Celebrating each other is FUN! And what is even more exciting and fun is that people wanted to hang out at Spitzer! We had folks there well after the party was scheduled to be over. It was just wonderful to fill this old house up with beautiful art, joyful music, and love for the arts! If you haven't heard of Art Lotto before, then you really must read up on it! Love my Burg has done a wonderful post about it each year, so I won't repeat each detail in this blurb. However, I'll share a snippet of my portrait of Hannah, who is probably one of the coolest people I've met. It's been great meeting a new artist each year and I was very pleased to become acquainted with this talented individual. I wonder what next year will be like!?

NOW AVAILABLE AT THE LADY JANE
May 5, 2016

I can't really describe how much I enjoy the sense of community that is part of downtown Harrisonburg. I love knowing a majority of the local business owners and employees and even just the 'down townies' that frequent the same places I do. One of the most amazing friendships I have is with the ladies at The Lady Jane and Sparrow's Flowers. I think I have bought over 50 cards and several bouquets from them, and now, it gives me great pleasure to announce that as of today, you can now buy my note cards from their store! I have six varieties---mostly kitties and flowers like Olive and Triscuit below---all for sale at The Lady Jane! I can't help but feel excited about being a featured member of this amazing shop. There are SO many talented artists already showing their work. I'm just giddy at the idea of being asked to be one of them! Hope you like them and want to mail them all to your friends!

THIS TOO SHALL PASS
February 28, 2016

I have been working on 30 squares for a show in March. All of them are 6x6 inches. While I was working, these words came to mind:
In this display, all the floral designs were inspired by wallpaper patterns at Spitzer Art Center. A few phrases inspired the rest of the imagery and helped create one big picture all to say: this too shall pass; even when you're hanging by a thread; and you feel yourself drifting; the clouds will soon lift; and you'll be able to see; the beautiful things you've been missing.​

IT'S OFFICIAL
December 29, 2015

I have a new studio space at Spitzer Art Center! It's been such an amazing change to create a whole new space to make art in. With an 'official' studio outside my living space, I definitely enjoy keeping studio time separate from my time with family and friends. I now have to make a plan and stick to a schedule. But I can still have that wild hair at 3 o'clock in the morning and go to the studio and know that I won't be disrupting anyone. I took a picture of the space and put it on Instagram @artbydenisekanter if you want to see for yourself what the space is like and what I've been creating! Now I just need to go make some art!!!

CHANGES
May 17, 2015

Well, I finally did it. After working for Harrisonburg City Public Schools for almost 7 years, I made the change. I now work for Friendly City Food Cooperative in Downtown Harrisonburg.  I am seriously stoked to still be working downtown and getting involved with a whole new team of great people. It's definitely a change from being at a desk all day to being on your feet. Looking forward to all the new faces that I will see every day and all the new foods I get to try and still serving others in my every day job. Wish me luck!

NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK
January 14, 2015

Really excited to be working with local artist (and amazing person in general), Ben Fraits! I mentioned that I would like to have a logo one day, on a real website, with real business cards and real art contacts. He says, "I can do that for you." And whaddya know, next night, I get an email with 10 versions of this beautiful yet edgy 'dk' designs! SO pleased with the dk emblem, font and color scheme. Ben really hit it on the mark with all of his colors and examples. I can't wait to see the finalized product(s)! I'll be handing these beauties out on a business card version to everyone soon! Thank you Ben! 

PROFESSIONAL ARTIST
December 17, 2014

Yes. I call myself an Artist. Still getting used to this idea actually. Do I say 'Painter'? or 'Portrait Artist'? What about 'Professional Artist'? It has been gnawing at me that there are still things I need to accomplish before I can actually add 'Professional' to the mix of things.  So. In order to get one step closer to that grand label, I have decided to create a website. Hey. It's not much. But it needed to be done. And who knows? My artful phraseology, painful grammatical errors, and run-on-sentences might prove to be quite entertaining! Anyways. Thank you for everyone who has supported me thus far! Here goes nothin'...