ABOVE IS A FINNISH LAPPHUND LEATHER WALLET I NAMED "REVONTULET" TO CELEBRATE THE NEW LINE
REVONTULET…the Finnish word describing the AURORA BOREALIS. In Finnish Lapland, where the Northern Lights are seen in the sky up to 200 nights per year, they are called "revontulet", which means "fox fires" An ancient Finnish folk fable tells of an Arctic fox that started fires by running on the snow – its brush-like tail spraying up the crystals so that sparks flew off into the sky. Our Finnish Lapphund puppy "Onni" is quite fond of this story!
Many of you have seen the Aurora Borealis in person or on documentaries. Growing up in Minnesota I was very fortunate to have been witness to the magical light dance on many a camping trip near the Great Lakes and Canada. When the sky is at it's blackest at night is when the undulating lights can be observed at their best.
As I was writing that previous paragraph, It occurred to me what a parallell that statement was to my eyesight (or lack of) and it's influence on my art. Many of my long time blog readers, customers and friends have watched my art morph over the years…partly from fine tuning my skills, but also because of the eyes failing to cooperate fully, I had to adjust my style and techniques.
STOP BY MY ARTFIRE WEBSITE TO SEE MY LATEST REVONTULET ONE OF A KIND DESIGNS
I know I'm getting a bit "profound" here, but I truly believe as my left eye grew dark and totally blind, I saw light in a very different way.. and in a weird way….I see MORE light now and shadows have more color. Vivid colors and stark contrast are my signature style not only because I love them…but I can SEE them…lol! So my statement above regarding the Aurora Borealis really does apply to my journey in art as well…..
"When the sky is at it's blackest at night is when the undulating lights can be observed at their best."
Video above is selection of northern lights filmed during the winter 2011 in several locations in the Finnish Lapland.
STOP BY MY ARTFIRE WEBSITE TO SEE MY LATEST REVONTULET ONE OF A KIND DESIGNS
My REVONTULET line of hand painted leather designs, are created using highly metallic and pearlized permanent leather stains and paints that mimic the electric shifts of color and hue of the Aurora Borealis. Combined with rich matte finishes in some of the elements as well, the push and pull of textures , contrasts and color make these beautiful art accessories the center of attention!!
I add very special details such as dog themed charms and my custom "buttons" and snap covers in polymer clay and resin, created to coordinate with each leather wallet or purse.
These handpainted leather goods disappear off of the site fast so you may want to act with the speed of light if you fall in love with a particular piece. I will be posting new handbags and wallets a couple of times per week,each requiring 1-2 weeks to complete so they do take considerable time to create, photograph and list.
Connecting to my FACEBOOK PAGE is the best way to keep on top of new pieces that I will be listing, as I announce them on FACEBOOK first.
The painted purses are darling Sandy – perfect gifts for the holidays I would think. What will you think of next? Love, Jan
Hi Jan!!! I was just thinking of you today! Thanks for the new stuff kudos. We need to get together soon to catch up again!. Onni is now a big boy…you won't recognize him!! Hope all is well at your house…Luv Sandy~
Hi Sandra, I love the new wallets they are beautiful and the colours are so rich I think they are delightful. You have come so far since I first knew you and what a journey! I feel privilaged to have to shared a tiny bit of it with you.
Love Jackie.
Hi Sandra,Love the purses as we call them in the UK ;o) Will you be doing handbags to match ;o)
Jette xx
Sandra, this work is simply stunning. Wow. I'm speechless. I simply could not resit the Lappy wallet–it reached out and grabbed me.
Cathy