Raw Artists : Boston showcase

Piggy and These Ghosts They Know Me just hanging out at the Activate show!

I was lucky enough to be picked for Raw Boston's Activate show that took place on the 9th at the Estate Theater in Boston. Along with several other painters, photographers, fashion designers, performers, violin players, latex-clad models and hair models, I hung 10 of my proudest pieces (several of them unveiled for the first time) in what I referred to as the "Rainbow Corner" of The Estate.

Good thing I brought a ton of business cards.
And note to self : 100 stickers will move more quickly than you think!

I also participated in my first photoshoot ever! And I did a video interview for the first time as well. I was really nervous, but somehow I didn't word vomit at all during the interview. I feel like I represented myself well, and the photographer was happy to see I wasn't afraid to kick my feet up!

"Oh, I didn't see you there, come in."
Photography ©Greg Caparell

Artwork ©Bamcat Art
Photography ©Greg Caparell

In my life, I surround myself with many other talented people : some models, musicians, singers, DJ's, and many other fabulous people. As a visual artist, I'm accustomed to fading into the background and letting my work speak for itself, generally. I'm used to taking the pictures, not being in them, so to speak. So to have the spotlight for an evening made me feel like a rock star!! I felt beautiful and incredibly proud of my work and strong as an artist. Having so many of my friends and family at the event only made it even more special for me.

One of the musicians on stage. The crowd was HUGE - over 700 people on two floors!

friends and family : Rikard my fiancé, my Mum, Shteppé, Rik, and Britteny and Kris from Oilhead.

It was really a lovely time. I'll be sure to share my video interview once it's posted. :)

Peace out!!

Paint Pens in Purses Emo Valentines

This week, I'm lucky enough to be featured along with some of the other Paint Pens in Purses gals in the Boston Phoenix. We made emo-themed valentines for their "100 Top Emo Songs" Valentine's Day issue. You should pick up a copy!! :)

Influential Ladies PT. 2 : Britteny Rose

2. Britteny Rose

Photo ©Cannibalized Photography 2011

Britteny Rose is an up-and-coming singer from the south shore with a voice like a hellcat and an attitude that switches from sweetest princess to hot rock chick in a split second. She's the front lady of my favorite band, Oilhead, and she's premiering as the new leading lady for cover band Groove Juice, another cool band who found her at a perfect time in her singing career.

Britteny designs her own tops!
And I design her tattoos sometimes! Meow!

Britteny has always had star quality. There are some people you meet in the world who can turn a room toward them without saying anything and make a friend out of anyone. She's fun, enthusiastic, can pound a beer with the best of them and doesn't mind acting a fool as long as everyone's having fun. Not to say she's irresponsible - she's a manager at the Independence Mall Hot Topic and puts a lot of hours into that place. She's definitely made a lot of fans there!

Oilhead Press Kit
Photo ©Cannibalized Photography 2011
Design ©Allison Bamcat 2011

I met Britteny at a weird time in her life : when she had brown hair. (And I had short yellow hair...) We became friends slowly, realizing we were both No Doubt junkies and knew how to bleach roots like a pro. She's been making her own clothes and sewing for years (taking courses at the Mass College of Art in Fashion) and selling her ready-to-wear custom goods online. She also debuts her creations at her shows! She's also dabbled in modeling and being a brand ambassador and works closely with the ever-talented Cannibalized Photography for a lot of her shoots.

Photo ©Cannibalized Photography 2011

As I've watched Britteny grow into the performer she is, I've learned a lot about confidence, coming of age, mistakes, success, and the ever-present need to be famous. I get to live vicariously through her awesome stage performances because I know all the words, and I'm happy to be Oilhead's graphic artist too. I can't wait to see where her talent will take her, and I'm lucky that she's so supportive of my art as well. (She has my drawings as tattoos! haha) Love you lady. <3

Britteny and Bamcat, Warped Tour 2007

Check out more about Britteny Rose and Oilhead at their facebook page!

Social Media Warriors @ MassArt

Can you find me?

Tonight I attended a seminar at MassArt to address the importance of social media in promotion for creative businesses. This was truly one of the best things I've done for myself as an artist, and I wish I'd taken more opportunities to learn about this sooner! I feel like I have a better understanding about what will showcase my art in the light I want and what's just yelling, "Look at me! I sell art!"


Thank you so much to Kaitlin Maud of Rain or Shine Media, Danielle Spurge of Merriweather Council, and Cassidy Quinn Brettler of Boloco. And a special thanks to the Boston Chapter of the Graphic Artists Guild for hosting this event!

Overall, I feel much more informed about my wrongs and rights, and I know how to better utilize my talent and my online presence to help my followers find me!