Let's talk about Housegirls with pigtails

Housegirl at Tea     8"x10"x2"    Acrylic on canvas

I managed to get a little painting in this weekend, and one of the pieces I finished is a for-now-secret little collaboration with an indie business that I really love! I'll let you know more about it soon, and have more new pieces to show you as well! It feels like the shop is in need of a nice update, so I'm hoping to have one soon.

Oh! Also, I forgot to show this framed nice-ness the other day in my framing post. I had the two dunces (the only originals I've held onto) framed as well, and now they are in the pretty blue bedroom:

Again, with the crummy, low-light photos. But you get the idea!

I closed the comments on the last post, because truthfully, I probably should've never allowed comments in the first place. I wanted to defend myself + my blog, and had no other venue. I'm sorry if I have seemed condescending or hurt people's feelings, I had no idea this was the case...know that was never my intention.  Also know that I can't change the way that I deal with the world, and I don't know any other way to be.

xoxo

Comments

[Erendira]

ola !!! oie yo te escribo deske ^aka^ para decirte q m gusta mucho tu pagg !! estan muy lindas las cosas q haces!! [[^_^]]y pss muchas felicidades!!

[Helen]

Yikes, the lurkers are out in force now! Myself included... I read your blog now and again and it never fails to make me smile. Your work is just fab and your home is so pretty. Sometimes it's just nice to be nice!
Some people take themselves too seriously, but I get the impression you don't. It's a good way to be. Stay that way and keep up the good work!
Helen, England.

[Jodie]

Erica needs a polectomy

[Corey Moortgat]

Emily, I just wanted to offer you my empathy in your situation. I recently had the exact same thing happen on my blog- I received a negative comment, and responded in a post in order to "defend" myself. I debated about whether to allow comments, since I didn't want it to seem as though I was looking to have my ego stroked, but in reality, the negative comment was a real blow to me. However, all the positive comments I received really affirmed that even if one person felt negatively, plenty others didn't agree with that opinion. It's too bad that some people take our posts so personally. In fact, if you're interested, here's a short blog post that really puts it all in perspective: http://toniadavenport.typepad.com/tonia_davenport/2007/06/thoughts-on-blo.html I think reading this post should be a prerequisite for reading blogs! Hope you're able to ignore that woman's cruel comments and carry on!

[Balou]

Wow, someone certainly got her panties in a bunch, didn't she?

Personally, I think your use of the term "applet" is endearing, and anyone who is offended by that is probably mentally unbalanced. Or waaaay too sensitive for their own good.

As far as your art goes, just because it's not her cup of tea is no reason to come over and bash you... on YOUR blog. If she doesn't care for it she has the option to simply not purchase it and not visit your blog. Oh, isn't this a great big wonderful world that we live in, that allows us to make choices??! I think your art is very sweet and it does remind me of the 70's retro style (with the big eyes). What's wrong with that?

Everything in the universe is influenced by something else.

Don't let the negativity of others affect you. You have many supporters that do appreciate your creativity and your sensibilities.

[Gail]

Hey Miss Emily, I enjoy your blog, too, and one of the things I LOVE about the blogs of all these amazing artists is that the comments have been SUPPORTIVE, POSITIVE, and extremely FRIENDLY...well, that seems to have been spoiled, and it really makes me sad that someone would even comment about being INSULTED (WHaaaaaa?????) by your sweet term "applet" (which I adore).....I don't get it.....I really thought that the craft blog world was the last safe place for us, a place where we could share our art, feelings, etc.... You handled the situation beautifully, and I sincerely hope that was the last we hear from our negative commenter.

Keep up your good work....and thank you for doing what you do.

[Bean]

Another lurker chiming in - fuck her and her shitty attitude. To insinuate that you're not a 'real' artist is shitty and cruel. I love all of your work - paintings, illustrations, and how you're able to take those images and use them to beautify useful things (I have a pair of panties and a wallet, in addition to a couple of prints.)

I love the dunce prints, too - your framing & placement is perfect for them! Do you know what paint brand/color you used in your bedroom? I tried finding something similar for my kitchen, but it came out too light :)

[tiffany]

Love the new House Girl Miss Emily! She's a doll!

[Abbie]

I absolutely adore that color on your walls.. it is the perfect shade of blue and the dunces coordinate marvelously with it!
:) Abbie
Oh.. and your art is fantastic and your passion for what you create runs deeply through every piece. Its nice to see art that my children can love and enjoy as much as I do. Its thought provoking and dream like. Thank you for it!

[Meg]

hi there! just wanted to say, i like your blog a bunch. in fact it's one of my faves. i look at it to see your cute work, cute outfits and to read your fun endearments. keep up the loveliness!!

[Natch]

I'm sure you've realized this by now and this is all a little drawn out and overplayed and I wasn't planning on butting in (yet, yes, I know I'm contributing), but I just want to point out that there are so many people here who love/admire you and your work (I know I admire you) and that's just sentiment to tell you to keep doing what you're doing and don't let things like this phase you one bit. No matter who/what/where you are there will always be people who like you and people who don't, so just stick with the ones who do (who are clearly the majority) and don't worry about it.

Also, about the whole "narcissism" thing- everyone gets inspiration from somewhere, and if Emily (yes I know, now I just changed my 'audience' :P) can be inspired by herself (which I see reflected in her paintings, etc) I think that's so fantastic! It's not every girl/woman who can be comfortable with (let alone totally love) themselves and how they look and I think the fact that you (changed again) do makes you even more amazing ;)

So, keep it up, we all love your work! (And I know I'm proud to be an 'applet' - just as I'm proud to be a craftster, and a New Yorker... so I don't see how the term can be considered offensive at all)

Anyway, wow that was long...
Keep it up! I (and so many others) so love you and your work!

[Philippa]

I too am usually a lurker but felt it right to stick my head above the parapet on this occasion to say that we love what you do so dont stop doing it!

I wont demean myself by criticising the negative poster as who knows what motivated her to leave that comment. But I will say that surely part of the appeal of a blog is that we get a little insight into someone else's life and art. I find it interesting to see and hear about the non-craft/art related things going on in the blogger's life as it makes it all seem a but more three dimensional. And so those reading who don't necessarily like a person's work or the content of their blog should remember that they do not need to look!

[Nancy]

the housegirl is divine! and the way you deal with the world is wonderful and inspiring, Emily, and I certainly hope you never change a thing! it is always a joy to step into The Black Apple world through your blog.

you wouldn't want to share the color paint you used on that blue bedroom, would you? it is beautiful, and sets off the dunces perfectly!

[Mae Jane]

I love the new painting, it has an Alice in Wonderland feel to me. Tea time anyone? hehe cuteness! and poo on negativity, when some people feel down they just want to bring everyone down with them. I probably would have handled it the way you did, after all it is YOUR blog lol. Oh well, you rock my dear!

[kim*]

i'm a house girl!

[Heididawn]

We read your blog because we feel a connection to you - and i am sure it is different for all of us. I for one love to be one of your applets, it tells me that you feel a connection to me - this connection indicates that you are not a narcicist, on the contrary for you the blog is about us, and our connection to you. Please dont be downhearted - critisism often leads to greater insight and as an ARTIST insight is what makes your paintings so wonderful. I love the new housegirl! the freckles, the chocolate chip cookies.... you have such depth in your paintings. I am no expert but I do have plenty of training (BA, MA and MFA in art) something doesnt have to be over conceptualized to be art - it just has to speak to your audience, and i think i speak for most of your applets when i say that they speak to us. Keep your chin up! I read your blog because you feed my imagination. Thank you for that.

[stilettoheights]

I'm very intrigued by your "house girls" very cool.

also, please don;t fret about the negative people, it has happened before and then will happen again, it even happened to me (I got called negative and judgmental on mine, and told I "needed" god)

you know you are darling, and we know you are darling.

[Jennifer]

Wow!

Erica needs to take her own advice and deal better. It's the INTERNET and Emily can write what she wants just as Erica can. I think Emily was a grown up in that she dealt with the comment how she wanted to. It's narcissistic to think that Emily should deal with a comment how Erica would. Erica's way is the grown up way and the right way - uh-huh, right.

In addition to studying art, Erica may want to take a logic class as she makes some crazy logical jumps.

"So Jenn is your Applet and her success is yours as well. Freud would have a field day!"
"I have studied art, and I think the insinuation that you could be leading the next art movement (Impressionism, Cubism, Abstract, Blythe?) is an insult to real artists."

Whaaa???? Huhhhh???? I don't know where Erica gets her crazy ideas.

Also, I like how Erica calls anyone who supports Emily "pod people". Well if we supported Erica, we'd just be called "bitter and sad people".

Yuck.

[Jen...]

Emily,

Please don't stop doing what you're doing. I check out your blog like everyday to see if there is anything new you've posted.

Don't let a couple of negative people stop you from what you've accomplished.

I was thinking while reading the comments about why I love your blog so much and then someone above took the thoughts right out of my head. You never mention the negative issues in your life, just happy fun stuff. Even if it is just what your wearing or have decorated your place with or a new creation.

Too many people blog about their own personal issues and problems and that kind of turns me off. The occasional rant is fine, but some seem to make it the focus of what is supposed to be a crafty inspired blog.

Please carry on with what you do. Some of us look forward to it each and everyday!

I wish I had half of your talents, guts and determination! You inspire me...

[RaShawn]

I just started reading your blog, Miss Emily, and I must say I adore all the little terms of endearments (being Southern, I use them quite often). Plus I love the bit of magic you put in my day when I read one of your posts. You're a talented artist and a very keen dresser. In short, you're the role model I wish I had when I was 15.

[Katie]

Sweet Emily I still stand by my original statement of how you are one of the strong leaders in a movement of art and hope that one incident doesn't leave a sour taste in your mouth as an artist.

[Quirk]

I just L-O-V-E the dunce pictures. They look so perfect against the blue wall. Lovely!

[Jessica]

Your walls look amazing. Are you still interested in being apart of The Shiny Squirrel, even one print would be awesome and would complete the rest of the artists. Tell me what you think, I have the consignment contract ready.

[Kitty]

Love your blog, love your work. I now have four framed prints of your work which I adore, and my friends who've seen them also love them. One, who is an art major, immediately ran (well, the equivalent of running on a computer... really fast mouse clicking?) and registered at Etsy. Until seeing your work, she'd had no idea what cool and fun stuff is being sold online by artists (yes, artists) such as you.

Keep it up! I'll keep reading... and one of these days, I'm going to get to a store update in time to land an original!!!

[Drew]

Misplaced senses of entitlement ROCK!

[Janet]

I love how well the dunces look on your blue wall.

Dont worry about the bad comment. Just post alot more about your work and art so it gets buried down the page. We wont mind hearing what is new.

[karaalison]

Okay, enough of that yuck. Life's too short and there are enough real problems to attend to rather than any more of us getting caught up in this sort of thing for a moment longer. Instead, let's focus on this squee-worthy news... "for-now-secret little collaboration with an indie business"...? Yay! How exciting! I mean, I don't know what it is yet, but here I am throwing exclamation points around like they're a free gift with purchase How wonderful. I visit here often precisely because you ARE yourself, whatever that means on a given day, and I find that self delightful. Always love to see what you'll do next.

Lastly, I am finally resigned to the fact that you're not going to tire of those gorgeous duncie originals and put them in the shop. /sigh. They look lovely there. :)

[Monica]

Like the dunces! :)

[Amy]

Unnecessarily cruel!
I read this blog most days and never comment but as a post-art school degree holding graduate... see I can gloat about my art knowledge too, I see NO insinuation of you thinking you could lead the next art movement, GIVE ME A BREAK! The reason I love the art/crafty internet world, esp yours emily, is its filled with fun and TALENT and none of the bulls**t and bum kissing that "art gallery artists" endure. And your not living on 2minute noodles!
I was only last week telling my boyfriend how great it is that you can post these things like your outfits and food and little life experiences that add to your little world of whimsy...I love seeing nigella like cupcakes and cute socks, yet its not intrusive into your real world... we don't hear about dramas with your boyfriend or how your sick of your noisy neighbors... its edited for the purpose of the black apple, and I would LOVE to have interesting enough stuff in my house, gorgeous clothes and enough cute terms of endearment to pull off such a fabulous long running blog that sooo many obviously intelligent, interesting woman from all over the world keep coming back to.
LOVE your art work, shake it off, have a dance and be glad your not the bad type of nuts like we know most "artists" are :)

[Lisa]

I guess that proves who the immature one is - first she doesn't like to be called applet, then all of a sudden she's all against anything you say.

What's funny is that if she was reading your blog, she obviously liked something about you & the blog. She can attack, but if you defend yourself and tell he not to read the blog (it is YOUR bog afterall) the monster of jealousy comes out.

There's a worm in that there sour applet.

; ) Your dunces look great on your wall.

[Asha]

first, being referred to as an applet, I thought,was so charming. you have this following of people that love your work and you named them...as you should, you have thousands of fans.
second, dealing with people with that attitude has gotten on my last nerve lately. I deal with people like her all the time, making their unwanted comments here and there when I chose to keep my mouth shut! because just like my mama said, 'if you don't have anything nice to say, DON'T SAY IT!!!'. i've always lived my life like that. I just returned from a party with some friends of mine that do just that, make the rude little unwanted comments. I knew this going there today and put on my emotional armour and just dealt with it. the day went ok and i only got a new rude comments but as we are drving home, i was thinking, i love my life, i love my kids and my beleifs and hobbies, no one can take that away from you. rise above it all and have the satisfaction that they don't have your life (you made yourself a wonderful little life, as I did too) and take comfort in it and emurse your self in it and love it and don't care what anyone thinks, at least that's what I'm trying to do!!!! take care!

[Lilain]

Bye-bye, Erica. Let it go, get on with your life, and don't forget to smile once in a while!

[michele]

Emily, would you please REMOVE her comment here. This is all so upsetting. Thankyou.

[Rachel]

I earlier expressed my disappointment that the comments were getting so nasty, but an attack on Emily is completely uncalled for - we have to remember that she is our hostess and treat her with the appropriate respect and kindness. Attacking what she so nicely and beautifully shares with the world is both mean and unnecessary.

[Linda]

Wow! She doesn't let up does she! I thought she wasn't reading it anymore. My advice - delete her comment. She has insulted myself and all your other readers now, and it's ruining my experience of enjoying your blog as i'm sure it is everyone else also.
BTW, your dunces are gorgeous, and that shade of blue, beautiful. Best wishes.

[Erica]

I was silly enough to return and read the rest of the comments. Did everyone miss my apology, or even read the original comment? This is insanity! Another thing, that e-mail address was mine until I deleted it this morning, I have no idea why you said otherwise. My comment was constructive, not negative. If you did not like it you should have just been a grown- up and deleted it. Instead you choose to have your ego stroked a bit and re-affirmed.
I have never liked the "Applet" thing and wrote that in response to the last post when you congratulated Jenn on her sucess and bid farwell to "all my other applets". So Jenn is your Applet and her success is yours as well. Freud would have a field day!
I have studied art, and I think the insinuation that you could be leading the next art movement (Impressionism, Cubism, Abstract, Blythe?) is an insult to real artists. There is a reason you are marketing them to crafters...they are cute. They are not thought provoking or even original. You have a 70's big head/little body painting on your wall, we had Strawberry Shortcake in the 80's, and Goth Comics in the 90's (maybe no one noticed). I'll admit they are cute and I even have one. Now I'm going to throw mine out a couple years before everyone else.
It is true this is your blog, but you have it on the internet...THE INTERNET. You might hear more in the future you do not like. I suggest you learn to deal better.
You have conducted yourself and blog poorly. All this reflects on you in a far more negative way. I always thought you were a bit of a narcissist (you take picture of what you wear and eat), and now your a self-promoting ego maniac. In this last entry your are going for "the martyr". Your next painting should be Blythe on the cross, that might be thought provoking. It's perfect for you, someone else thought of it first.
Sorry, now to be truely negative! You and the pod people (a.k.a. "Applets") made me feel so. My only regret is the apology. You have proven me correct in my original assumption. Do some soul searching and grow from this.

[little Stitcher]

Yey a painting with brown eyes! woohoo

[Paula]

I appreciate your comments and trying to close the book on the comments from yesterday. My only thought to share with you is, we can all always grow and change and learn and to say you can't change the way you deal with the world short changes you and all the lessons and people and experiences that will shape all the many years you have left in this life. It is more likely that you can't not change the way you deal with the world.
Love you!

[Rachelle]

I think you handled things beautifully. As beautiful as your new painting!

[sarah]

I *love* the housegirl! You're so imaginative, emily!

I've been painting this weekend, too! (goodness, we do seem to be on the same wavelength lately, if your blog is any indication) I hope to have it up on my blog early next week. Will you stop by and have a peek? =)

[moya]

I love it. I can't wait for the store update. Just call me another proud applet!

[Danielle Nilsson]

I love being an applet and your work is beautiful! Continue being you :) You are loved :D

[A Fanciful Twist]

You are loved. In the, I know you from far away sense. I love your creations, xxo, one of the applets....

[guildencrantz]

I love The Little Dunces. I too have a robin's egg blue wall (as well as a wall with trees....isn't that funny?!), and they may need to live there some day..........:)