Let Me Introduce Myself

I just started Substack a couple of weeks ago, and I wrote this introduction.  I thought I would share it here.  This is probably the most in depth writing I have done about my artistic life,  It's kind of lengthy.  I'll warn you ahead of time.  

Hello. My name is Mary Ann. I am an artist and linocut printmaker from northern California. I live on the coast, up where the redwood trees grow. It’s a very beautiful part of California. Here I live with my husband, my two cats who are the inspiration for my cat artwork, Hobbs and Oreo, and my wonderful dog Willie. 

Like many artists, I was a creative kid. I loved drawing and painting and crafting. I took art classes in high school, then applied to two great art colleges in New York City, where I grew up, Fashion Institute of Technology and the School of Visual Arts. My parents were not encouraging me to follow an artist’s path, at all. But when I was accepted to both schools, they begrudgingly let me go to Fashion Institute. Alas, my time there was short. Only one semester. I had visited CA the summer before school started and decided I wanted to move there, and I did, six months later.

My first job when I arrived was at an art and frame shop, and it also had the nicest three room gallery in town. I sold art supplies, learned and then did customer framing, and for ten years, I ran the gallery. What an honor that was. I met many of the local artists, chose art for the exhibits, set up the shows and hosted the gallery openings. 

While working that job, I attended a local junior college and took art classes, drawing and painting mainly. That’s when I fell in love with watercolor painting. For twenty years, my main medium was watercolors. I painted regularly, two days a week. I loved it.

I started showing my art in local galleries regularly when I was twenty years old. Pretty much right after I started painting. My paintings started selling right away, and that gave me encouragement to keep following my art path. As my paintings matured, I applied to other galleries within the US, and started showing nationally.

After twenty years, I took a break. My dream of becoming a full-time artist was just not happening. Painting and trying to market my art in two days was frustrating and making me very unhappy. I decided to go get a “regular” job. That regular job just about killed me. In the end, they let me go, and that was the best thing that could have happened. I was free.

While working that “regular” job, I took a couple of jewelry making classes in metal smithing. I started making wire wrapped and beaded jewelry and started selling that on the side. I also started an online gem shop on Etsy, Adornajoy Gems. That was very successful for many years, until more and more sellers started flooding the marketplace.

About seven years ago, I decided to try, for the third time, linocut printing. Inspired by the beautiful artwork I was seeing on Instagram, I thought, why not. The first two times I experimented with linocut, I hated it. Too difficult to get a good print. But I have learned so much since that time. I’m not saying I love it all the time. It is a challenging medium. But more often than not, I am enjoying the process. 

Why cats? I adopted my first cat about twenty years ago. His name was Tiger. He changed my life. Since then we have had three other cats. As an introverted person, I connect to furry creatures more easily than people. I have a home based studio, and they join me there everyday. I feel, I am truly blessed to share my life with these beings. They inspire me, and are the subjects I like to recreate most.

Oh, one last side job. For the last five years, I have been doing consulting and co-instructing workshops on marketing art, or the business side of art, with local artisans through our Small Business Administration. That is a federal government agency that helps start and support small US companies. I love learning about marketing art and sharing what I know. I believe artists deserve to make money, and a living if they so desire, from their creative endeavors.

As for my own linocut art prints, I have mainly focused my attention to showing them online, though I do have a couple of local shops exhibiting them also. I have many international collectors of my linocut cat artwork, thanks to the internet. 

I am truly grateful for all of my followers, and the friends and collectors I have connected with online. I am grateful to be where I am right now in my art career. Thank you for reading my first longer form, blog post today.

On Finding Inspiration

The Oxford Language dictionary defines inspiration as "the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially creative." 

But where does inspiration come from? I think it's different for everyone. A quote can be inspiring, a good book or a movie, a video or a good speaker.  There are so many different ways to get inspired. That is part of the joy of living.

When I'm looking for inspiration for my next linocut print, normally I look no further than ALL the photographs that I have taken of my cats for the last 10 or so years.  My husband bought me my first digital camera so I could record my cats from the very first one I ever adopted, my cat Tiger.  

The boys, Hobbs and Oreo

And then when the iphone came out, there was no stopping me from taking photos anywhere and everywhere.  I LOVE taking photos.  I take a walk every morning and I often have my phone in hand, photographing pretty flowers in bloom or a friendly cat I see along the way.

Dahlias from the Sequoia Park public gardens

Instagram is another source of inspiration for me.   Instagram started out as a photo sharing social media platform. It seemed quieter then, more peaceful, more subtle.  I started an account 6 or 7 years ago now, and there were no videos at that time.  Videos are good for learning the process of making art, and that is very helpful and inspiring. Most of the accounts I follow are other artists: printmakers, painters and photographers are my favorites.  

Quite often on a Friday afternoon, I go out looking for inspiration.  I take myself out for lunch and go to visit the local art exhibits at a local gallery and museum.  I live in a very active art community in northern CA.  Theatre, dance, music, festivals, we have it all, and many many visual artists. So the art shows here are quite wonderful and inspiring.  My most favorite gallery here is the Morris Graves Museum, which used to be a Carnegie Free Library.  The quality of the exhibits they have are truly amazing.  Just the architecture alone is awe inspiring. I make sure I go every month to see what they have newly displayed.  There is nothing like seeing art in person. 

 

 

Inside the Morris Graves Museum

 One more source of inspiration, for me, is nature.  I am fortunate that where I live has MANY beautiful trails and places to visit in nature.  I live on the coast where we have rugged beautiful beaches, peaceful rivers, forests and the redwoods, all close by. Anytime I need a bit of a pick me up, I just get in the car for a short ride and visit one of these beautiful locations. 

The beautiful northern coast of California

Inspiration is everywhere.  Sometimes you have to go out looking for it.  Sometimes it just comes to you. I've had it come to me in the shower, in a dream, and on a walk. You never know when it will strike.  And sometimes you just need to get in the studio and start working before you get that to have that ah ha moment :)

The Hug

"The Hug," my latest linocut art print has a bit of a story to it.

Two of my cats inspired this print. The first was Tiger. Tiger is no longer with us, but when he was, he was a cuddly boy. Tiger and I had this thing we would do. I would carry him around the house, which he loved, and we’d end up at our large front window, the one with the tree right outside, and we’d watch the world go by. This was some of my favorite time with him. Now Hobbs, my other cuddly boy, likes to do the very same thing.

I made this print to honor of all the cuddly kitties out there and their Mama guardians who love them. 💕

“The Hug” is 10”x14” in size. I used Caligo Safewash black ink by on thick gorgeous Stonehenge paper. 

Some Feedback on My Art

I get a lot of feedback on my art prints: on Etsy, Instagram and Facebook, or just through emails.  And I am so touched by many of the messages I have received. I thought that I would share a few of them with you.

 

"Your art has been so healing.  When I lost my big black cat Tubs, I could not even be in the house until I got my first print.  I put it in a place where he looked at me every day.  We also got one for another lovely black kitty that we lost to a car driving at the speed of light.  The third print is for my current black rescue kitty.  My daughter's black kitty is very old.  She has had her since third grade and she is now out of college!  This print will also be a healing space.  So grateful for your art." 

B. MCBRIDE

  

"Breathtaking. Mary Ann found the very essence of a cat. Like it's soul peeks out from behind the ink. This is absolutely the coolest art. Even more amazing in person!"

 KRISTIN, on Etsy 

 

"This original print is so gorgeous. I've had my eye on it for a while and finally had to buy it. So glad I did--I smile every time I look at it! MaryAnn is an expert printmaker." 

 SEWNPAPER, on Etsy 

 

 

"I wish there were more stars! This is a gift for my mom's birthday and the artist could have used my mom's cat as a model! My mom will love it. She appreciates fine art and will love the attention to detail, the crisp printing, and the feel of the paper. This is definitely heirloom art!"

SARAH, on Etsy 

 

PURRFECT! Recently my beloved little man Sammy crossed the rainbow bridge and this piece means everything. So beautiful! Thank you!

FORMEW, on Etsy  

It makes me so happy to know that my artwork touches so many people's lives. That is the gift of printmaking. Instead of creating one art piece to share, as with a painting, a printmaker makes an edition of prints so many people can enjoy an art image.  My personal creative mission is to bring more joy and a positive vision into people's lives.  The fact that my artwork reminds so many of their furry loved ones makes me feel like I am accomplishing that goal.  That is very satisfying for me, as an artist. 😊

 

Why Cat Art?

I'm always trying to clarify why I do what I do.  Why do I focus so much on cats in my artwork?  

I recently came across an article that talked about creating a mission or purpose statement, and it had you ask:  what do you do? for whom? and why?  It suggested creating a one sentence statement that included: who, what action, what subject, what audience, and what benefit does your artwork provide.  

This is what I came up with.

"Nestled in My Heart"

I, create handmade linocut art prints, of cats, for cat lovers, to beautify their homes, and remind them of their furry loved family members.

That's it!!  That's my mission statement.

Another reason why I focus on cats is how much I love my own.  Primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall, you know the woman who studied wild chimpanzees in Tanzania for years and is now an environmental activist, has said, "You cannot share your life with a dog or cat and not know perfectly well that animals have personalities and minds and feelings." I cannot agree enough.  If you are a cat person like me, you know how different each cat is from the other.  No two have the same personalities.  And I find cats, as well as dogs, just embody love.  My life has become enriched by all the furry companions I now have, and the ones who have graced my life in the past.  

Favorite furry family photo from maybe three years ago.

I have a book that I like called "Steal Like an Artist," and chapter three in that book is, "Write the Book You Want to Read." Because I am a visual artist, I have always interpreted that as "create the art you want to see." I love cats and I love cat art.  I collect cat art by other artists.  My collection is large and growing.  I am ALWAYS looking for new cat art or artists to follow who create cat art. Cats inspire me creatively. So I am creating the art I want to see.  

Hobbs

From the feedback I get from my collectors, there is an emotional connection to my art.  It reminds them of a cat, or cats they have, or of a beloved cat who has passed on.  How truly rewarding it is for me to know that my art is really connecting to people from a heart space. What more could I ask for.

Oreo

I was asked in an interview by Sam Marshall, another printmaker, on Instagram, if I feel stuck having to only create cat art since I have a large following of cat lovers online.  I thought about that question a lot, and I can honestly say, I don't.  I will continue to create art that comes from my heart. That's where my kitties reside.

"Window in My Heart"

Framing Your Art Print

When I was in my thirties, I worked as a framer in an art shop.  I learned a lot about the proper materials to use if you want an art print to last for many years with the least amount of aging as possible.  By aging I mean fading and yellowing, or in damp climates, getting mold. 

The paper a print is printed on is important.  For longevity, you want an art print to be printed on 100% cotton paper, also called acid free or rag paper.  Acid is what causes a paper to yellow and age.  Almost all of my prints are printed on Stonehenge, a beautiful thick acid free printing paper.  Any other paper I have printed on is also acid free.  I am very aware and do not want my paper to looked aged.

"Mandala"

There are a few things to consider when making your choices for framing.  For works on paper, glass is a must to keep a piece clean and scratch free.  

Here are your choices of glass:

1. Regular glass is clear and inexpensive.  It is what you find if you buy a ready made frame.  The good thing about regular glass is it is clear and shows an artwork beautifully.  The downside is that it shows light reflection if your art is across from a window or near a light.  It is also not UV protective, meaning your artwork will fade over years.

"Cat Nap'" with regular glass

2. Non-glare glass has a sort of frosted look to the glass,  It does cut down glare and light reflection, but it also takes away from the color and clarity of an artwork.  It is also more expensive than regular glass, and is also not UV protective.

3. The highest quality of picture framing glass available is conservation or museum glass.  It protects artwork the best from fading because it is generally 99% UV protective.  There are a few different types of conservation glass available, but in general, this glass is the most expensive, because of it's UV protective qualities.  

4. And then there is plexiglass.  Plexiglass or acrylic is lightweight and shatter proof, two good qualities, but it scratches easily.  You need to use a cleaner specifically for plastics and a soft cloth to clean it.  You can find UV protective plexiglass as well as regular plexiglass.  Personally, I do not like using plexiglass, but it is better for shipping artwork because it is lightweight and shatter resistant.

Mat or no mat?

If you live in a dry climate or the your home or room where you are going to hang your art is dry, not damp, you can "float" the art print on a larger piece of mat board backing, and have the print up against the glass.  "Floating" means taping the art print with acid free framing tape, onto a mat board that is larger in size than the print, leaving a border of mat board showing around the print image. I like to frame like this if possible because I love showing the papers ruffly edge, called a deckle.  I would recommend using acid free mat board that you can buy at a frame shop if you want to protect the art from aging.  Acid free mat boards come in lots of colors as well as shades of white.

"Center of the Universe," floated on a mat background.

If the climate or the room where you are going to hang your new print is damp, I would recommend having a mat cut.  The mat keeps the artwork off of the glass, which helps protect it from any moisture that might get inside the frame.  Acid free mat board is best to use because it will help keep your artwork from turning yellow and aging.

"Stretch" with a cut mat border.

Framing choice?

That is really up to you. Metal or wood is a personal choice.  Neither is better than the other in terms of protecting the art.  I am really boring when it comes to framing.  Because I also ran an art gallery for ten years, I prefer a very clean simple look; white or off white acid free mat board and a black frame. I choose black frames because almost all of my prints have black in them.

Where should I hang my new artwork?

"Nestled in My Heart"

If you would like to have your artwork looking it's best for many years to come, the best conditions for art on paper are a dry, warm environment, and not exposed to direct sunlight or indoor light.  So do not hang you art piece across from a window, or next or a lamp or bright light.  And if you choose acid free framing materials, you are doing the best you can to preserve you artwork.

I hope this is helpful information for you.  If you have any questions, please send me an email at maryann@maryanntestagrossa.com and I would be happy to answer it.  

On Creative Block - Too Many Ideas

What is the opposite of feeling stuck because of having a lack of ideas and direction?  For me, it's having TOO MANY ideas.  This is how I was feeling this morning.  

I probably spend about half an hour a day, maybe a little more, perusing social media.  I LOVE looking at other artist's artwork. Most times it inspires, but sometimes, I get way overwhelmed.  

From years of being a creative person, I know when I am feeling inspired.  It's like this bright spark or sense of glee that I feel inside, and it let's me know, I want to go play.  But sometimes too many creative practices inspire me and I get overwhelmed.  I want to try them all!  And then I just feel stuck, not sure what direction to move forward towards.  Have you ever felt this way?  

Currently, I am making linocut prints and mono prints of foilage with a gelli press, and collaging artwork incorporating both of these printing methods, as well as creating collage fodder with different methods of using acrylic paint.  I love all of these creative mediums, but I am also attracted to painting, mainly loose, flowing, colorful, abstract painting, AND other types of printing such as silk screening and cyanotype.  I also like beaded jewelry and macrame, and... the list goes on and on. 

For me the answer to dealing with this stuck feeling, first off, is to get off social media.  It is a great tool in many ways.  It helps me stay in touch with people like you, my followers and fans, and I love that.  I have met so many wonderful people from across the globe that I couldn't have otherwise.  But when I start feeling that uncomfortable feeling of overwhelm, it is time to put the ipad down, and do something else. 

Getting outside is quite often the remedy for me, being in nature, taking a walk.  Even better is taking a walk with a friend.  And if your friend is also an artist, talking about the overwhelm and getting another perspective is always helpful.  Or write about how you are feeling.  Writing is a good way to move stuck, blocked energy.  Why, that is what I am doing right now.  I love to write and share ideas.  One last idea is to just start creating something.  It doesn't have to be perfect.  Make it something small.  Make something loose and free.  Just start something.  Play with a new medium.  Draw, sculpt, play music.  Just get the energy moving.

 

So that's what I am off to do right now.  I'm going to take my own advice and take some time to play.  

See you on the other side :)

 

Spirit Guide

What motivates an artist to create a certain piece of art is usually personal.  Many times an artwork carries some emotional significance to that artist.  And then when the viewer sees the artwork, they are looking at it through their own personal perceptions and life experiences.  I think when you are drawn strongly to a piece of art, it's because it relates to something in your own life that has value and significance. 

I know this is true for my black cat artwork.  I have been told many times how the work reminds someone of their own black cat, or a black cat they know.  

My own artwork is full of personal symbolism.  When I started printing black cats, I wanted the black cat to be seen more as a symbol for all cats, not just black ones.  The inspiration behind the work is my cats, two gingers and a tuxedo cat.  But as I said, I think most admirers of my cat artwork are black cat guardians.  

My latest linocut print, "Spirit Guide," is layered with symbolism for me.  The first layer of significance is my love of tigers.  They have been my favorite wild animal for as long as I can remember.  I love the beauty of these cats.  Black and orange and white.  What's not to love?  And I love their strength and fierceness.  They remind me to be brave and strong and bold.  Even in my vulnerability. 

But this piece is also about my cat Tiger, who recently passed away.  Tiger was the first cat I ever adopted.  Before I met him, I knew I wanted a ginger cat, and I knew I was going to name him Tiger, because of my love of the big cats.  My cat Tiger fit his name.  He was beautiful, but he was also fierce. He always had a bit of a wild streak in him, which I'm not sure a lot of guardians would have put up with.  But when I adopt, it is for life, so we worked it out.  Tiger was the alpha in the house, always in charge of the other furry family members, and my husband and myself.  We loved him dearly.

I learned so much from having Tiger in my life, about love and caring, forgiveness, caring for a sick pet, patience, other animals.  The list goes on and on.  He was an inspiration in my artwork for years, and an inspiration in my life.  My best companion and friend.  

So another layer of symbolism for this piece is that it represents Tiger.  I looked up the expression, "Spirit Guide," on Wikipedia, and they explain it like this: "In western spiritualism, a spirit guide is a spirit that remains after death, that acts as a guide or protector to a living human being."  I also saw the expression explained as a guardian angel, guide, or enlightened being.  An animal in spirit.  I like that.  It may or may not be true, but I like feeling like he is still with me in spirit.  He is certainly held closely by me in my heart.  I think of him every day.  

So when you view my print "Spirit Guide," you may just like it because you like tigers, like I do.  Or you might have other personal meaning that you see in this piece.  Either way, I hope you enjoy this print. 

 

Center of the Universe

"Center of the Universe," in two color versions

Do you have a cat in your life that you consider to be the "center of the universe?"  I bet you do.  

And I do too.  My eldest cat, Tiger.  Tiger is the inspiration behind this particular print.  He is the center of MY universe.  Adopted him 13 year ago, and he has changed my life for the better in so many ways.  Cats can do that.

"Center of the Universe," black ink on white paper

I have been drawn to the symbol of the mandala for many years.  As a symbol, the mandala represents the universe.  "Mandala is a Sanskrit word, that loosely translates to mean 'circle' or 'center.'  Mandalas are circular designs symbolizing the notion that life is never ending. The imagery depicts the universe and the symbols represent one’s spiritual journey, the cycles of birth-life-death, and the interconnectedness of all living things."  I like that.

"Center of the Universe," gold metallic ink on black paper

So this print, "Center of the Universe," is all about the special connection we have with our four legged furry friends.


(Information about Mandalas from:
http://spiritualawakening.weebly.com/mandalas-what-are-they.html)

Best Day of My Life

Today is my cat Tiger's gotcha day.   You know, the day of his adoption.  That was 13 years ago today.  My husband and I were walking past a neighborhood pet store, and Friends for Life, a small local shelter, has having an adoption event.  I tried my best not to look at the kittens.  I knew I wanted to adopt a kitten, but I was planning on waiting a few months before doing that.  But I have a HUGE soft spot for ginger cats.  I looked.  There he was.  I was in love. The rest is history.

 

In the 13 years we have shared our lives, I have been through some ups and downs.  Jobs and career changes, losing another beloved cat and dog, starting new jobs, adopting new furry friends.  Through it all, I have had my buddy by my side.  I am grateful.

He wasn't always the easiest cat to live with.  Tiger has always needed to be the dominant animal in the house.  Even over the humans.  Tiger lives with two other cats, and a dog, and Tiger rules.  And they know it.   I have also had aggression problems with him.  So much so, I'm not sure if another person would have kept him.  He used to attack me when he was young.  But for me, once I adopt, it's for life.  So I did all I could to work with him and his aggression.  It was tough.  We have made it to the other side.

Tiger, my buddy.

 Tiger is the first pet I have ever adopted.  So he will always have a special place in my heart.  I have learned soooo much from him.  About unconditional love, for him, and from him.   About patience.  About animals in general.   And of course, he has been an inspiration in my artwork. 

"Magic Carpet," print inspired by a photo of Tiger.

"Wise One," print inspired by a photo of Tiger.

Adopting Tiger really was one of the best days of my life.  And yes, we will be celebrating Tiger today with all his furry brothers, and some of his most FAVORITE food, tuna fish.

Black Cat Awareness Month

Did you know that October is International Black Cat Awareness Month?  Being that I just completed a series of artwork with a black cat theme, I thought I would shed a little light on the plight of black cats.

Black Cat Handmade Prints @MaryAnnTestagrossaArt

"The creation of International Black Cat Awareness Month came about after it’s creator, Layla Morgan Wilde, noticed that while there are two days dedicated to black cats in the world (One in the UK, one in the US) there wasn’t anything dedicated to them on a national level. Such an observation is desperately needed, as superstitions surrounding black cats had gotten so out of control that shelters won’t even adopt them out during October any longer. Too often the cats were being adopted as part of the Halloween holiday mystique, and would be abandoned or worse after the holiday passed.  Throughout the rest of the year, it’s typically more difficult to get them adopted.  How much more difficult? Black cats have the longest wait in shelters and are adopted at a rate 50% lower than any other color of cat, which we can’t understand at all."  Shelters across the country call this "black cat syndrome."  Black cats are overlooked again and again by adopters because they associate them with bad luck, black magic, and other negative superstitions.

Black Cat Handmade Prints @MaryAnnTestagrossaArt

This issue doesn’t apply to only solid black cats. Tuxedo cats, cats with a white chest and sometimes paws, are equally hard to place.  I can tell you personally, we have a tuxedo cat and he is the best.  We adopted him from a local shelter, and he is funny, playful and so loving.  One of our best adoptions yet.

What can you do to help black cats:

1.  Adopt a black or tuxedo cat, or two, from a local shelter. 
2.  Keep your black cat indoors, especially at Halloween time.
3.  Donate to black cat organizations.
4.  Donate to cat shelters.
5.  If you are a black cat guardian, talk to people about how great your black cat is.  Educate people.  

(Above quote shared from:  https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-black-cat-awareness-month/)

On Inspiration - Ellen Von Wiegand

Before I started making linocut prints, I did a lot of looking at other artist's work.  The internet is such a great resource for inspiration.  My favorite social media platform is Instagram because it is soooo visual.  I think many artists feel the same way.

Ellen in her studio, pulling a new print.

One artist who really inspired the style of my cat prints was and is, Ellen Von Wiegand from the UK.

"With a Sigh"

Ellen uses herself as a model for her nudes.  Here is some of what she has to say about her work...  

"My images reverberate with this search for self assurance and serenity, and my own nude body is featured in each piece. I originally began using myself as a model because it gave me a lot of control over my compositions, and I didn’t have the ability to pay someone else. However using my body has caused my work to develop into something highly personal. When we are nude we are at our most vulnerable, and I have come to see my work as a way to reconcile with the shy, insecure and fearful pieces of myself. There is also something I love about showing myself naked when in fact I am severely uncomfortable being undressed in front of others. It is a practice in being more open and allowing people into my world when in my real life I struggle to do so."

"Moon Splashed"

Ellen continues... "That said I don’t see my prints as self-portraits, but rather physical representations of emotional states of being. Male or female, my hope is that you see a piece of yourself reflected back to you in each image."

"Acceptance"

Though her work is VERY personal, what drew me to her style was that she prints her nudes in shades of blue and deep reds, which give her images a less personal, and more universal appeal, like this could be any woman, not just her specifically.  I also like the simplicity of the line work, not a lot of details in the nude image, but just enough to convey a feeling.  

Austin Kleon, in his book "Steal Like an Artist," talks about finding your own voice by copying your heroes.  He says, "By copying your heroes, you find your voice because you can not perfectly copy anyone's work.  You are influenced by other ideas that mix with the work,  and that becomes your work, your voice.  You transform or transcend what you started with, and it becomes your style." 

Now when you look at my work, I think you can clearly see her influence.  Here are just two examples...

"Mandala"

"Wise One"

When I start a new cat print, I start with a photo of one of my cats.  My cats are ginger and a black and white tuxedo.  In my artwork, I have chosen to use black as the color for all the cat images.  My black cat prints are usually seen as artwork about black cats, and that is OK.  I like black cats too.  But I am using the black cat as a universal symbol for all cats.  

My hope in doing this post is to give you a little more insight into my artwork.  And to share one of my inspirational heroes with you.  Hope you enjoy her work as much as I do.

To learn more about Ellen Von Wiegand, check out:

-Ellen's blog

And to see more of her beautiful work, check out:

-Ellen's blog

-Ellen's Facebook page

-Ellen's Instagram page

(All images of Ellen Von Wiegand's work used with her permission.)