The Seventh Day of Christmas

On the 7th Day of Christmas PDR gave to Rachel:

A One-Eyed Girl drawing by Kasey Tararuj

We love Kasey's One Eyed Girl series of drawings and were delighted when she offered to create one for our giveaway.  This One Eyed Girl is edgy and romantic, a little bit of what PDR is all about. Interested in your own custom One Eyed Girl?  Send her an email to commission your very own piece.  And, be sure to visit her website and her blog to check out Kasey's other work and to save the dates for any upcoming exhibitions.  

Tell us a little about yourself.

Paralyzed artist since 2000! I'm a paraplegic thanks to an AVM on my spinal cord, but that hasn’t stopped me from my 3 favorite things: traveling, (most recently) surfing, and (most importantly) creating!

When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? When did you get started?

I've loved doodling and creating since I was a child, it always my favorite hobby.  I can't remember a time of wanting to be anything but an artist.  I took every art class in high school, got my Bachelor's in Fine Arts, and have been making and showing art ever since.

Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

For me, there's nothing better than painting and sculpting.   I love the mess of paint and clay covering my hands, even though it never seems to come off and gets all over everything else I own.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Much of it comes from my disability, dealing with it, expressing it. Other comes from my own personal mission to amuse myself (and I guess sometimes others). I love creating characters in 2D and 3D that are just funny, weird, cute, and unique.

Do you have any advice for others that are looking to sell their work?  

Create like crazy and love what you do.  It doesn't happen overnight!

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?  

Cotton candy!

Congratulations to Rachel and special thanks to the talented Kasey Tararuj for her generous donation!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Ninth Day of Christmas Winner!

On the 9th day of Christmas, PDR gave to Rebecca...a custom "One Eyed Girl" piece by artist Kasey Tararuj.

Rebecca will receive a custom "One Eyed Girl" painting of her favorite character, or, if she prefers, she may choose one from Kasey's extensive collection.  Kasey is a young and extremely talented artist from Hamilton, NJ who has always had a passion for art.  In 2008 she received her BFA from The College of New Jersey and since graduating she hasn't stopped painting and creating unique and beautiful pieces.  What makes them so unique?  Well, unlike most other artists, at the age of 14 Kasey suffered from a spinal cord injury that has left her partially paralyzed.  Despite her "handicap", Kasey is always with a smile on her face and has not let her injury stop her from pursuing her goals. She attributes her success and creativity as an artist much to her injury and channels her feelings of frustration, confusion, and passion into her art to creates pieces that really help you feel and understand a little bit of what she's feeling. Kasey has shown a variety of pieces in exhibits all around the country and you can even see some of her pieces on display this holiday season. While you're out finishing up your shopping, check out Kasey's Kaotic Kritter series at the Red Horse Gallery on the second floor of the Freehold Mall from now until January 21st.

Thanks, Kasey, for your generous donation!  Dolls, you can follow Kasey on her blog for art and life updates or visit her website to see the rest of her wonderful 1EG series and other paintings, drawings, and more.

Congratulations, Rebecca!  Please contact us with your email address and we'll be sure to put you in touch with Kasey to get started on your new painting!

XOXO

Jen & Saira