And the award goes to...

I need to pass along the baton, passed to me by Seth at The Altered Page, and award the Excellent Blog Award to ten other artists I believe to be Excellent Award worthy. Personally, I have a hard time accepting compliments, (and I'm not fishing for more)... I'm just saying it's really tempting for me to minimize the good, and focus instead on the negatives... so in this context, this is an award given to me by my peer, as recognition of my artwork, and it has real meaning and value to me as an artist. I take this responsibility of nominating other artists very seriously, and it's really difficult to narrow down the choices to just ten! (This sure is taking on a weighty tone, isn't it?)

Art is so personal and it takes courage to put ourselves, as seen in our very personal creations, "out there" for all the world to see. So many artists fear the scrutiny of others, and are afraid of what others might think; that they end up "paralyzed" by their fear, and keep their art tucked safely away at home. I applaud every artist who is willing to risk rejection and put their artwork on the internet for the entire world to see!

So, here are my picks as honorees for the Excellence in Blogging Award:

1. It's because of the encouragement from this artist, that I've even kept with blogging, and she's the source of inspiration for countless mixed media artists... one of the most generous artist's I've "met": Michelle Ward
2. Another wonderful & inspirational artist who has introduced me to some of the coolest stuff: Lisa Hoffman
3. Gwen is a Canadian artist with incredible skills in many different media: Desideratum
4. Another extremely creative and generous artist I've gotten to know via our blogs: Follow Your Bliss
5. One of the most colorful and prolific bloggers I've met, and a woman who has been very supportive: Rodrigvitzstyle
6. This young lady is SO talented and so kind, and her site is just so darn pretty: ihanna
7. I love the work Audrey does, and I am always inspired by her art: Small Creations
8. Another calligrapher who is kind, talented, inspiring and supportive, and takes awesome photos: A Spattering
9. This artist takes beautiful photographs... it's a treat to visit her site: Swamp Angel
10. If you haven't heard of Lisa Englebrecht, or seen her work, then you're in for a really big treat: Lisa E's Letters, Fiber Art & More

And here's a little love to say thank you!

xoxo, K.

Comments

[Julie Prichard]

Great nominees, Kathy! I agree so much with your opening statements!!!

[eb]

oh yes oh yes oh yes!!!!!!!!!!

...completely and totally - thanks for giving...

these letters of love - OH YES!!!!!!!!!

xox - eb.

[Seth]

Thanks for introducing me to some wonderful, new sites listed on this post. And you are so welcome for the award -- it is justly deserved! Seth

[Lynette]

You have such an elegant way with words(letters).

I agree with what you said about applauding the artists that put their stuff out there.

Thanks for sharing all you do and Thank you very much for the award.

Lynette

[stephanie]

Thank you Kathy! for the kind words about me particularly and the great words about making art and putting it out there in general!

Off now to visit the artists here that I am not familiar with...I may be gone a while:)

[gwen buchanan]

Oh my dear, Kathy, I am in shock!!!
I am so new at this blogging & so undeserving of your award.
I very much appreciate your thoughtfulness... Your work is so inspiring!
thank you, gwen

[toni]

Kathy thank you! You are a sweet heart. Your work is excellent and deserving of this award. Thank you for your kind words about my blog.
And now I get to check out the others you awarded.

[Jill]

You are really something, Kathy. Thank you so much for such an honor. You inspire me in so many ways!
Jill

[michelle ward]

hey kathy! congrats on the "E" award! and many thanks for your kind words. they mean alot to me, truly. and bravo to you for being a brave blogger - you share so much of yourself and your talent, AND you're a great commentor too, which to me is almost as valuable as what you post. and if it wasn't for blogging we would not have connected like we did - so i'm grateful for this place girl, ya know? xo

[audrey h.]

Kathy..........you are soooooooooooooo kind. I am surprised that I am one of the people you picked for this award and am so honored since I admire your art so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you :o)

[carlene]

the collage is excellent, as is the tutorial...but can't you just come here and teach me in person instead? I'm afraid I'm too lazy to learn it without someone right beside me, lol!

[Hanna]

Thank you Kathy, I'm in such great company with the artist's you've given the E too! great links, now I'll be surfing for another hour to check all of them out! :-)