Sue DiCicco

Happy birthday, Henri!

admin — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:45:03 +0000

It’s Henri’s birthday this week. Well, probably not. I don’t really know when he was born. But, it was a year ago this week that I adopted him from a rescue group. Henri was found wandering the streets, in quite bad shape, weighing in at 3.5 pounds. I didn’t know I was looking for a dog. But, I stumbled upon him and adopted him as my studio mascot. He is expert in knowing when to nap, and when a walk in the park is in order. A perfect studio pal.

Henri is deeply committed to passing his therapy dog test, practicing his manners every day. He is five pounds now and all cuddle. I hope he’s working in the local hospitals and nursing homes soon. We’ll keep you posted.

My New iBook – free for a limited time

admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:14:15 +0000

Here’s a link to “Who?”, my very first iBook, designed just for toddlers. I’ve set it up for FREE for now, in hopes you will download it and give me a review. If you like it, please post you review in the iBooks store. If you don’t, please send me an email and let me know what you’d like to see different.

This book was created using Apple’s new iBook Author software. It’s my first effort at an eBook, and I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you about what you like and don’t, and how my future books can be better.

If you’re new to interactive books, here’s some tips for reading “Who”. The image on each page transitions to another image on that page. Swipe the image to make that happen. To go to the next page, swipe in the white area. If you accidentally click on an image instead of swipe it, the image will fill your screen. I hope they put something in the authoring software to be able to optionally disable that feature. It’s awkward for little hands to get the tapping vs. swiping thing working every time. But, easy enough to close the image and move on, for now.

I’m hoping they also soon enhance the authoring software with things like different ways to transition between images in a page, and less obtrusive ways to embed animation into a story, something closer to what you can do in apps. But, it’s some big fun just as it it, an amazing revolution in publishing.

Happy New Year!

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:02:59 +0000

In celebration of 2012, I’ve decided to try a new way of selling my sculpture. My friend Joseph, my fine art rep for many years, has decided to close his gallery and move on to new adventures. I am currently working on a large scale installation, and not creating new gallery pieces at the moment. But, I do have quite a bit of inventory that came back from Joseph’s gallery. So, instead of looking for new representation, I’ve decided to offer my inventory here at direct prices, hoping it will mean more can afford to collect, and clearing my studio for new projects.

These prices will be available only until my current inventory is depleted, or I sign on with a new gallery. All prices include shipping anywhere within the continental US. Sales tax will be added for pieces picked up, or shipped to a CA address.

Please contact me if you would like to see more images, to learn current edition numbers available, or to arrange purchase.

“The Dilemma”
bronze
limited edition of 75
14″x14″x14″
$3,600.00 each, signed and numbered

“Going Nowhere Fast”
bronze
limited edition of 75
13″x10″x5″
$800.00 each, signed and numbered

Children and Nature Network Gathering

admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:52:45 +0000

I just got back from a three day gathering held by the Children and Nature Network. They’ve done an incredible job these past six or so years, bringing together people around the country that see the importance of getting our children outside and into nature. Many attending dedicate their lives to doing so. It’s a smart and friendly crowd, always a good time, and very enlightening.

I always wonder how I fit into the picture, what I bring that is unique to the gathering and how I can help so many highly capable and dedicated people and groups. I’m never quite sure. But, this year I have decided to offer up the images in my Nature Baybee Guide to anyone that would like to use them for their not for profit pursuits, aimed at getting our kids outside.

You can download a lo res PDF of the guide HERE. If you’d like any of the images in hi res, please let me know and I will upload them directly to you.

These images are yours to use both online and in print for not for profit use only.
When using the images, please include the following:
©Sue DiCicco 2011
info@naturebaybee.com

Please do not alter the images in any way. If you need something additional or would like to alter, please send me a note. Thanks.

Doc Martin’s “Bert” Paper Doll

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:32:15 +0000

Here’s Bert, my last Portwenn Villager for now. I’ve also thrown in some “bonus” Louisa and Bert outfits.

Download a PDF here.

I’m moving on to other projects now. I’ll add three more villagers before the premiere of Season 6. (? I’m already hoping there is one!)

Happy Season 5 this week to my friends in the UK. Looking forward to the new season’s arrival on Hulu and Netflix soon.

See the “Louisa” doll here.

See the “Doc” doll here.

Doc Martin’s “Louisa” Paper Doll

admin — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:43:14 +0000

Well, these are starting to looking unflattering enough, I’m guessing I should give up on any hope of being invited to Martin and Louisa’s for the holidays.

Download the PDF of Louisa.

Bert is in the works, plus a “bonus” sheet of outfits. Then, back to the paying kind of silliness for awhile. Enjoy.

See the “Bert” doll here.

See the “Doc” doll here.

Doc Martin Paper Doll Kit

admin — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:13:49 +0000

Just in time for cold and flu season, I bring you my Doc Martin Paper Doll Kit. Only Louisa really knows some of the more intimate details here, but I took my best guess for you.

Edited to add:
See the Bert doll here.
See the Louisa doll here.

This kit is free for fun (not profit), and available as a PDF download HERE

If I get enough interest, I’ll create kits for all the villagers, as I have time. Who’s next? Louisa? Bert? Post a comment and let me know who you’d like to add to your collection next.

Are you a Wild Child?

admin — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:19:40 +0000

Santa Barbara Wild Child

Come to the SB Museum of Natural History this Sunday 10am-4pm for the outdoor Santa Barbara WILD Child Festival! Explore the magnificent Museum Backyard on your own, or join in planned activities including critter hunts and insect stations. Visit Butterflies Alive! See documentaries “Free and Alive” by John Klein and “Mother Nature’s Child”, by Camilla Rockwell. PLUS get this ultra hip temporary tattoo I designed just for the occasion. Hope to see you all there!

Potty Time!

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:07:21 +0000

Attention: Superheroes and Princesses!
My new potty books are shipping now. I’ll write about how they came about, and post some preliminary sketches sometime soon. Meanwhile, they can be ordered from amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Hoping they are at your local bookstore as well!

You Are My Work of Art!

admin — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:34:36 +0000

“You Are My Work of Art”, my new book now available at amazon.com, has been in development for many years. The fine art world is difficult for some to appreciate, the notion being pervasive that it is hard to understand, and beyond the average person to grasp. It frightens many away from something that has always brought me a tremendous amount of joy. As my son was growing up, our goal was to introduce him to the world of art and have him feel it was created for him and speaking to him, no matter what avocation he eventually would choose to pursue.

How does one instill a sense of belonging in children and forever cast away the sense of intimidation that has perpetuated in the world of fine art? How does one connect a young child to the iconic images of the art world, and instill an early sense of joy when encountering great art?

We actively toured museums around the world with our son, and engaged him in conversations about the images and how they related to him and his own world.

I wondered how to share the experience with other children that had limited opportunities for such field trips. The sketches developed over the years, eventually finding their way into book form. The poem followed as the images were assembled, designed to introduce any child (and perhaps even their parent) to 8 famous paintings for the very first time. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to hearing your review.