Venessa ([info]mudblood428) wrote,
2007-05-03 22:09:00
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BORDERS! YAAAAYYYYYY! (holy crap this is a lot of pictures)



At last! The Borders Picspam of Ungodly Wonderfulness! Cue epic soundtrack now.

Just kidding. The following is a play-by-play of my birthday festivities and the art show, and I'm so pleased to share this with you guys, since you've all sort of been a part of the preparations. Although my tendonitis slowed down my artwork, I'm still going to finish the canon art winners because Borders has invited me back to display at the midnight release party. Now, who's comin'? :D

In any case, on with the picspam! :D Major thank-yous to [info]kirleyfries for being an amazing event photographer!

I'd start with the morning preparations, but it was a blur. I was so nervous and so preoccupied with transporting artwork, framing the last minute art edition, and picking up Luna Lovegood (aka. [info]pennswoods/Shannon from Snapecast!) that I don't quite remember what happened before 2 pm. Except that my nephew woke me up at 6:15am after I had gone to bed at 2am. I was hella tired, but totally wired! *is rhyming*

So my roommate, Bevan ([info]kirleyfries) and good friend, Ashley (below), met me at Borders to set up:



Note the fact that my hair is already ginormous. I'd made the mistake of driving to Borders with the windows down. Not good times.

Anyway, the three of us, with the help of Mr. Reed Jarrell of Borders Bailey's Crossroads, set up this lovely display:


(Thanks again for letting me display your commissions, [info]witherwings7 and [info]uponadream!)


Panel One of the Lunch-Break-Sketch board.


Allow me to take this moment to register my astonishment at the fact that it is so expensive to frame and mat stuff.






But it sure does make things look purty.


Kinda wish I'd gotten a close-up of that one on the left. Those are the holiday cards from 2006, and they're sorta teeny, aren't they? :)


These stands are made for holding DVDs.


Now I'm thinkin' I might get some for my living room. :)


You can roll them around!


And change the space between the shelves!


I like to call this one "The OBHWF Wall."


But yeah, anyway, we waited a bit for people to roll in. Lucky for me Ben Stiller showed up on time.


Actually, a fair amount of people came at 3pm. If you could only see me in this shot, I'd probably look pretty nauseous.


Before I started the presentation, I gave a short drawing lesson to the kids who had come eager to draw.


We drew a sort of simplified Dumbledore together. They were absolutely adorable and responded really well. Heck they probably drew the old man better than I did.


And then my Dad showed up. As Snape. Except... he's definitely not tall. And he's not thin either. And my mom penciled in black eyebrows and gave him eyeliner. So ultimately... he looked like a cross between Professor Flitwick...


...and Moe from the Three Stooges. (That's my mom next to him.)

I digress.


So Mr. Reed Jarrell of Borders gave me an absolutely lovely introduction. Despite having told him I'm from Long Island and would be bringing a couple of pieces of art to the cons in New Orleans and Toronto, he told the audience I was from NYC and had made Borders the first stop in my "Summer Tour." ROFL! Seriously though, he was really an awesome host and quite chuffed to be surrounded by so many Potterheads, myself included, I think. Bless him for talking me up. And then it was my turn...


"Can someone please explain why the woman on the book behind me is staring at my butt?"


"Can I get an 'AMEN'?"

Moving on.

So what really made this event so special was all the people who had come to have a bit of fun, revel in all things Potter, and celebrate how much fun it is to be a fan. Here are some pictures of spectators, friends, livejournalers, and LUNA!


Shannon is the best ever for coming to be our honorary SpellCast Correspondent.


Just look at her work the crowd. I seriously need to take notes from her when it comes to interviewing.


My grandmother was having an awesome time!


Meet Joey. He loves to draw. He loves Harry Potter even more. He also finds it sort of gross that Ron and Hermione are sitting so close in front of the fire in "Ron's Secret."


Wait... I daresay that's [info]paetonsrider! And... [info]belladonna803 in the Orange Cannons shirt!!


There is nothing more bizarre for me than signing autographs. I'm not famous. Nor am I all that cool. The only thing sort of redeeming about it for me is that I like my handwriting. ;)


[info]kirleyfries 'n' me!


After presentations had been done and I'd signed a bunch of stuff, [info]cauldroncakebkr came! That's us above with her absolutely adorable son, Daniel. :) But she didn't just bring her kids...


SHE BROUGHT CAKE.


AND AN EDIBLE SORTING HAT!!


AAAHHHHHHH!


This was the part I didn't expect. Mr. Jarrell got everyone in the upper level of the store to sing me Happy Birthday. I kid you not. And to top it off, the funniest thing about this picture is the fact that I'm dressed up as Hermione, holding a copy of "Thunderpants" (lent to me by the awesome [info]nutnatz), and making a wish. LMAO.


Blowin' out the candles!


ZOMG Livejournalers! From left to right: [info]nutnatz, [info]jocap, [info]flyingcarpet, me, [info]belladonna803, [info]pennswoods, [info]paetonsrider!


Meg, Ashley, Bevan, Dad, me, Melissa, and Deborah! :)


My biggest fan: Michael Patterson, my nephew. Here he is trying to stick his elbow in his nose because his mother told him that "the only thing that goes in your nose is your elbow." Cute as all get-out, isn't he?


Michael and [info]mudblood125! (His mommy, my sister.)


At last, people started to filter out, and Shannon and I sat down to have an interview. This was one of my favorite parts of the day, but primarily because Shannon and I got some time to hang out and enjoy one another's company. Again, she's wonderful for having made the trip down.

And now, for my favorite part. After we all went to dinner with [info]cauldroncakebkr and her family, we went back to my apartment for - drumroll please:

TAKING APART THE SORTING HAT!


Stage one: Take off the fondant tip of the hat. (Note my absolute horror at having disturbed the utter perfection of the cake.)


Stage two: Stabbing the hat. (Note the absolute horror of the hat at being stabbed.)


Stage three: Eating the hat. With gusto. And "moo juice."


After a healthy dose of chocolate Sorting Hat cake, we ended the night with Wizard Rock ballads, a sure sign that I had had a wonderful day. Margie and her kids sang along to "Someone Else's Life" and previewed a song I wrote about Neville for [info]robertstandring.

So, here's the wrap-up:

Frames, mats, stands: $788.00
Prints: $160.00
Caffeinated beverages: $75.00
A day with friends and family celebrating my favorite fandom:

Priceless.
Tags: borders event recap

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[info]tehgiantsquid

May 4 2007, 04:37:17 UTC 5 years ago

Oh hunny, it looks like it was an absolutely magnificent day!! Lookit all the artwork and the people and the fans!! XD I'm sorry I missed it! Your art looks so beautiful matted out like that, and holy cow the sorting hat cake *no words* And your dad dressed as Stooge!Snape XDDDD So awesome!

♥♥♥

[info]mudblood428

May 4 2007, 04:41:54 UTC 5 years ago

Aw you were there in spirit! One day we'll get a chance to do this again! :D

And isn't my dad hilarious!? XD

[info]peachespig

May 4 2007, 04:41:41 UTC 5 years ago

Looks like a fantastic day!

It's times like this I'm really sorry I moved away from the East Coast. >:(

All the art looks so beautiful framed and displayed. And you're so sweet, teaching those kids to draw! They'll probably remember you forever. The crazy Harry Potter lady! :D

I hope it was as amazing for you as it looks like it was.

Oh, and I almost forgot: OMG YOUR DAD ROCKS SO HARD. :D :D

[info]mudblood428

May 4 2007, 04:46:39 UTC 5 years ago

Isn't he awesome?! Dude, I was like, "Either he's trying to be Snape, or he's Darth Sidious (sp?).

In any case, it definitely was an incredible day. I think every birthday from here on out is going to suck compared to this. Period.

And thanks so much! You do know that the framed works are on sale, right? :D

[info]peachespig

5 years ago

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[info]doxys

May 4 2007, 04:44:54 UTC 5 years ago

I want to cry really your work is amazing. I’m happy for you and I’m very proud because you are a shipmate and I love the idea of one of use show the word a beautiful art about the couples that make us crazy. So congratulations and for me your vision of Harry Potter word is more beautiful that the one of Mary Grand I don’t care is she is the official illustrator.

Peace
Doxys

[info]mudblood428

May 4 2007, 04:48:30 UTC 5 years ago

Oh, Doxys!

*hugs you tight*

Thank you so much for everything you said. I couldn't be happier to be in this fandom, especially when there are people like you in it. I'm so happy you're here!

[info]maple_mahogany

May 4 2007, 04:46:35 UTC 5 years ago

I can't describe the ridiculous amounts of squee this gave me. It looked wonderful! You know how it is to meet fandom people in real life, how strange that is, and seeing your art all framed and displayed makes it all so 'real' too. Sometimes I forget that this whole world doesn't just exist in my laptop alone, you know? Heh.
So glad you met Natz and Jo too. :) Your dad is adorable. Sweet innocent things they are, with no idea what fandom does to Snape *giggles*

Anyway - so wonderful. Yay fandom! ... and that Sorting Hat cake *boggles*

[info]mudblood428

May 4 2007, 04:59:17 UTC 5 years ago

It really is surreal, isn't it? Until you meet someone in person, they're sort of a jumble of abstract signifiers like livejournal posts and phone calls!

But I'm so glad you dug the picspam, long tho it was. I had a great time and I'm sure we'll get a chance to meet someday! :D

(My dad is teh awesome for coming as Snape. Even if he looked a bit more like one of Gringott's goblins.)

[info]reverdybrune

May 4 2007, 04:46:36 UTC 5 years ago

Oh V, I love the pictures. I'm so happy for you; I wish I could have been there. All your art looks great! *squee*

[info]mudblood428

May 4 2007, 05:00:15 UTC 5 years ago

Thanks so much, Tea! And next time something like this happens, we've got to find a way to get together! I wish you could've come as well!

[info]puddleduck3

May 4 2007, 04:47:05 UTC 5 years ago

Hee! Elizabeth Taylor thinks you have a nice bum!

wow- this looked like it was a lot of fun. Is the interview going to be available online anywhere? Oh and that sorting hat cake is crazy-good. Was it chocolate? Mmmm

[info]puddleduck3

May 4 2007, 04:47:53 UTC 5 years ago

PS: Your Dad is too fab!

[info]fairykiss22

May 4 2007, 04:51:11 UTC 5 years ago

What an incredible day! I'm so glad everything went smoothly and you had fun on top of it all. The pictures look really nice framed- I work in my grandparents' frame shop during the summer and let me tell you, it does a number on the framer's hands. But the outcome looks really good! Congratulations on your public art debut (if it was a debut- idk)!

[info]rusta_wilwarin

May 4 2007, 04:51:55 UTC 5 years ago

Wow!! It looks like you had an amazing day, V!

Wish I lived closer and could have made it to share in your great success and celebrate your bday. :-\

Congrats, though! :-D

[info]hp5freak

May 4 2007, 05:02:33 UTC 5 years ago

While I am TOTALLY jealous of everyone that went....I take some pleasure in knowing that I get to see you in two weeks..

*psst*

And ifin you ever want to sell some of those beautiful beautiful artses...I would buy them... *shifty eyes* Or make things for exchange....blankets...houses...castles...

[info]mosaic

May 4 2007, 05:05:27 UTC 5 years ago

This is incredibly awesome. I really wish I could have gone, but alas... I'm way too far west.

And ZOMG YOU WROTE A SONG ABOUT NEVILLE?!?!?!

[info]madderbrad

May 4 2007, 05:05:57 UTC 5 years ago

Excellent photo-commentary of the day (good humour in some of your comments too, an enjoyable read that had me grinning). I liked the image/idea of you teaching the kids how to draw. Really impressive how much art you've done, seeing it all set out like that.

[info]madeof_stars

May 4 2007, 05:13:26 UTC 5 years ago

Aw, V. I love you so much. This post was great. You're so funny, you kill me.

And god lord! you were right about that orgasmic cake. Just the pictures are making my mouth water!! Lucky lucky you.

I am so glad and happy that you had such a fabu day. *hugs you tight*

[info]hairy_hen

May 4 2007, 05:20:25 UTC 5 years ago

Aw . . . that is just the awesome yo. I wish I could have been there for something as cool as that! Just lovin' the pictures and the captions and everything. Your dad as Snape cracks me up. ;)

Congrats on being able to do such a cool thing with your work!

[info]i_knowkungfu

May 4 2007, 05:29:46 UTC 5 years ago

I wish I had a chance to draw Dumbledor with you!

OMG, the edible sorting hat...so awesome.

Oh, and happy belated birthday, dear, I'm glad it went so great. :)

[info]pennswoods

May 4 2007, 05:32:31 UTC 5 years ago

First off, your dad rawks so hard, your sister is total awesomesauce and your nephew is so adorable I just want to squish him! I had the best time, and I'm so excited to hear that you'll be exhibiting again for the release - Spellcast better be co-sponsoring a serious release party or something!

This really was a priceless experience!

[info]pennswoods

May 4 2007, 05:35:09 UTC 5 years ago

BTW, I want to commission a piece from you to hang in my new office at the University of Texas in San Antonio this fall. I know you must be booked through December, but I'm willing to wait. I really think there's nothing that would make me smile more than having a mudblood original on the wall of my office.

[info]major_dallas

5 years ago

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[info]pennswoods

5 years ago

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[info]ryuuhime2005

May 4 2007, 05:43:02 UTC 5 years ago

OMG!!! All of your beatuful artwork in one place. People must have been in complete awe of you mate, as I'm sure your pieces are more impressive in person as they are via computer screen, and I'm in awe everytime I see ONE! Gods, I think I would have ran around, looked at everything once, screamed, and fainted in awe... then wake up a few moments later to do it all again. lol. Gods I hope I one day get the change to see your art. :D:D:D

I'm so glad that your day went so wonderfully. Happy Birthday (again) mate!

Ry

[info]the_vixxmeister

May 4 2007, 05:47:37 UTC 5 years ago

That is just amazing! I'm so glad you had such a good day, you totally deserve it :D

[info]emeraldstag

May 4 2007, 05:49:21 UTC 5 years ago

Oh wow! The setup for all your artwork looked amazing. I bet these photos don't even do it justice, there's something about seeing it in the flesh.

I totally wish I could've been there, looks like it was such a fun day! See, now you just have to continue your Summer Tour across the nation. XD

[info]elle_blessing

May 4 2007, 05:55:56 UTC 5 years ago

Best credit card commercial day ever! I wish I wasn't thousands of miles away and could have seen it in real life! But the pictures were wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing your talents with us her at LJ...and everyone else too!!

♥

[info]lyras

May 4 2007, 05:57:41 UTC 5 years ago

What gorgeous pictures! And OMG so much artwork! You're so prolific (although OMG $788 on framing, too!). I'm so glad it went well - and ooh, DH launch party next up, huh? Congratulations!

[info]daysweremember

May 4 2007, 06:03:51 UTC 5 years ago

I so wish I could have been there!!! I mean Charlottesville is so close to the DC area, especially as LJ fandom goes, but stupid UVA wont let me have a car. :( Everything looks awesome, as usual. :)

[info]slytherin_face

May 4 2007, 06:20:34 UTC 5 years ago

Oh, wow! Looks like you had a really great day! Ah, I wish I lived close enough to have gotten to come... it looks like everyone had a lot of fun. Well, I'm glad it went well and that everyone seemed to be having a good time! :)

[info]shocolate

May 4 2007, 06:24:28 UTC 5 years ago

utterly wonderful and brilliant and fandomy and dorky and hatty and arty!

[info]slashissilly

May 4 2007, 06:30:02 UTC 5 years ago

I'm glad that turned out so well. It looks like it was absolutely perfect!

Your dad is awesome, but the real Severus Snape would have an aneurysm if he saw someone attempting to imitate him while wearing a Gryffindor tie! :D

[info]femmeferret

May 4 2007, 06:43:22 UTC 5 years ago

Wow!! That looks like it was amazing! (What I wouldn't give for a bite of that Sorting Hat!!!) I'm really happy you had such a good time. I wish we had events like yours around here. No one seems to be into Harry Potter as much as my girlfriend and I in Oregon. :(

BUT!! The pictures are fabulous, your art is fabulous, and I can revel in the virtual experience :)
(And Happy Belated Birthday!)

Anonymous

May 18 2007, 20:20:44 UTC 5 years ago

Wow! I would have LOVED to be there! It looks brilliant, and some day I may think of the perfect scenario for you to draw for me, and get the courage to ask you to do it :) you're so gifted. I wish I lived in America. Silly rainy England.

Xxxxxx
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