Music Art Gifts

Last year my brother-in-law Ed, commissioned me to do a music art gift for his musician friend Steve Coleman. I modeled the art piece on some of my previous music art work including Sax Player and Guitar Player. I added a few personal touches based on what my brother-in-law told me about Steve such as the backward baseball cap and engraved astrological symbols on the border of the art piece. Here is a photograph of Steve's art gift and other pieces from my music art collection. All of the original art pieces are acrylic paintings on metal and have been sold however, they are available online as art prints and products at my FineArtAmerica gallery.

Sax Music Art: Sax Player II

Embossed Acrylic Metal Painting by Injete

Sax Music Art: Sax Player I

Handmade Metal Art Card by Injete Chesoni

Musical Art: Sax Player III

Metal Art Painting by Injete Chesoni

Evolution of An Artist: from Shadows of Doubt to Fields of Dreams

Today I am celebrating my evolution as an artist. It is always good to examine one's growth over time. I started my creative journey back in 2004. I was working as a consultant back then and never defined myself as an artist. Throughout my high school and college years I leaned towards Economics and the sciences. I never even took art as a subject in high school even though I enjoyed painting and made some rather amateurish attempts back in my teenage years. Then one day in 2004 I just began drawing again I can't explain why or what moved me (see Shadows of Doubt drawing below). My mother loved the art piece which I stuck up on my bedroom wall and suggested I should pursue art more seriously.

 Shadows of Doubt: Oil Pastel and Pencil Drawing by Injete

In December 2004 my sister Atsango and I were doing Christmas shopping at the museum art gallery and we came across two beautiful metal art pieces, she bought one for herself and one for my brother Solomon and his wife Ina. I fell in love with metal art on that day and I knew I had to learn how to do it. One day while strolling through a shopping centre I saw a sign on the notice board advertising classes in hand-embossed metal art. I excitedly copied down the information and called the artist a Kenyan Asian lady called Taruna. I was her first African student. I discovered that apparently embossed metal art is an ancient tradition in India. From her I learned how to emboss and create images on metal. However, I never did discover what we used to paint the metal because she didn't tell me and she got all her supplies in India. So I spent many years trying to find paint which I could use on the metal (last year after "Googling" I finally discovered it was gold rust liquid).  But in between I made a few fascinating discoveries of my own. So I don't use rust liquid to paint my metal art pieces and I have since developed my own metal art techniques. These are images of the first art piece I sold and of one of the new art forms I developed (handmade metal art cards) which are miniature 4 by 4 inch metal art pieces in a card format.

Two Mothers/Confusion: Metal Oil Painting by Injete

Sax Player: Handmade Metal Art Card by Injete

I also started out with a love for oil pastels so once in a while I use those and much as I love the look of oil paint I simply don't have the patience to use it anymore. Just the other day I discovered another new technique using acrylic paints. As they say "Necessity is the mother of invention," I would like to paraphrase that to, "Necessity is the mother of creation." Last week while working on a painting for my sister Laura which is based on my original "Shadows of Doubt," art piece I realized what a long way I have come as an artist. I have developed a variety of art techniques and people who are familiar with my earlier work have acknowledged my growth and best of all I have actually received commissions and praise from people other than my family members :-). Don't get me wrong, I appreciate my family's support especially because many of my family members have great taste in art but the praise of strangers and their art purchases really do make me think at least I can lay claim to been an artist.

Buy Art Prints by Injete at FineArtAmerica.com

I have also sold some of my art gifts on Zazzle and best of all I have actually sold some of my poetry! Now that I consider an accomplishment because poetry is not easy to sell. So I decided that I really must do a blog post celebrating my evolution as an artist and strangely enough when I checked the date I started this blog it was almost two years ago in June 2009. So hoorah for me and thank-you to all of the people who have supported my creative journey over the years. Here's to what I hope will be many more fruitful, creative years!

Art Gifts by Injete, June and July 2011

Of late I have been extremely busy trading currencies and I have neglected my creative pursuits. My muse kept calling and since my fabulous younger sister Sandra was visiting from the States, I decided to do an art piece for her and for my other sister, Laura and brother in law, Ed. At the same time a friend of mine commissioned an art piece for one of her work colleagues, I had promised a family friend a wedding art gift and in the midst of all that I got a request from another friend to do a book cover (the original piece didn't work for him so I ended up sending him my sister's piece to use as a cover). So I wound up with a whirlwind of creative projects in June and July (I guess my muse decided to hammer me on the head since I kept ignoring her). Here are the fruits of my labour. I am quite pleased with my evolution as an artist and all the recipients loved their art pieces. It has been a busy but fruitful period. My goals for August are finding some balance, spending less time on currency trading and re-allocating time to my creative and online ventures.

 Laura's Field of Dreams I: Abstract Art Women's Paintings by Injete

Sandra's Thinking Woman: Abstract Metal Art Painting by Injete

 Vivian's African Dancers: African Art, Women Paintings by Injete

 Janet and Jeremy's Wedding Gift: African Metal Art by Injete

Electric Blue, Guitar Man: Abstract Metal Art Painting by Injete

 Laura's Field of Dreams II: Abstract Art Women's Paintings by Injete

Sunrise Paintings: Metal Art Skyscapes

I recently got a commission from a friend to create a metal art card with a sunrise painting. Usually I do not paint skyscapes however, given that the request came from a friend I decided to take up the challenge. Little did I know how difficult it can be to re-create a realistic sunrise especially using acrylic paints on metal. This type of scene is more suited to pastels or oil on canvas media. I learnt a lot in the process and came up with three metal art paintings representing a sunrise over the ocean. I hope the special lady likes her gift and appreciates how fortunate she is to have such a loving man in her life. Been the incurable romantic I am the fact it was a romantic gift made up for all the sunrises I had to paint :-)

Bronze Sunrise Painting, Skyscape: SOLD
To Buy Art e-mail: minjete@gmail.com
Description: 4 by 4 inches, Handmade Metal Art Card by Injete

Atmospheric Sunrise Painting Skyscape: ($25)
To Buy Art e-mail: minjete@gmail.com 
Description: 4 by 4 inches, Miniature Metal Art Painting by Injete

Vibrant Sunrise Painting, Skyscape: SOLD
To Buy Art e-mail: minjete@gmail.com
Description: 4 by 4 inches, Handmade Metal Art Card by Injete

Short Love Poems

This is a collection of some of my short love poems. They are suitable for Valentines Day messages, wedding poems and anniversary messages.

(Pink Leaf Loveheart Art by Injete Chesoni)

Simple Words
Short Love Poems by Injete
Sometimes the simplest
words are the best
To convey emotions heartfelt
So on this special day
I will use simple words to say
I love you now and every day

Pleasant Surprise
Short Valentines Poems by Injete
You are a pleasant surprise
An unexpected gift of smiles
A pleasure box of untold delights
I pray that you will be mine
Today, tomorrow and for all time

Keeper of My Heart
Wedding Anniversary Poem by Injete
Today we celebrate the joining of our hearts
We were meant for each other right from the start
We were destined to be together and never to part
You are my friend, my lover and the keeper of my heart

Be My Valentine (Heart Valentine)
Valentines Verses by Injete
Will you join your heart with mine
And on this day be my Valentine

Be My Valentine (Forever Valentine)

Valentines Verses by Injete

Will you be my Valentine

Today, tomorrow and for all time

Love’s Commitment by Injete

Wedding Invitation Verses and Poems

I can say I love you in so many ways

But none is clearer than committing my days

To the one who is dearest and closest to my heart

On this day I promise you that we will never part

 My Celestial Love (Eternal Valentine)

Valentines Poems by Injete

Sweet lover, heart-warmer

Soul partner divine

You are my eternal Valentine

Sent from the heavens

Way up above

You light up my life

My celestial love

 Love’s Flower

Short Love Poem by Injete

It started with a budding friendship

Between two lonely souls

A cautious relationship

of two former foes

The blossoming of love’s flower

covered in delicate thorns.

We nurtured and tended it

and it soon grew

Into a blossom

of love

sweet and true.

My precious flower

I am so blessed

that I found you.

Handmade Metal Cards: Miniature Art Gifts

I recently started creating handmade metal art cards featuring my designs and art work. They consist of embossed miniature paintings on aluminum metal. Some of them feature artwork on both sides of the card (two-in-one art cards). These versatile miniature art pieces measure 4 by 4 inches and can easily be placed on a desk or tabletop as decoration. They can also be framed and hung up as wall art, or used as drink coasters.

 

 Sax Player: SOLD (Two-In-One Art Card)

Description: 4.1" by 4.25", Metal Art Card 

Front: Sax Player black art painting by Injete 

Back: Abstract metal art by Injete Chesoni

 

They make the perfect gift for art lovers and collectors. Each metal art card is released in limited editions. If you would like to buy handmade metal art cards please send me an email at minjete@gmail.com. I have posted photographs of my current collection of handmade metal art cards and some suggested uses below.

  

Three Flirts: SOLD (Two-In-One Art Card)
Description: 4.25” by 4.25”, Handmade Metal Card
Front: Three Flirts African Art Painting by Injete
Back: Abstract art by Injete Chesoni

Guitar Player: SOLD (Two-In-One Art Card)
Description: 4” by 4”, Embossed Metal Art Card
Front: Guitar Player Miniature Art by Injete
Back: Abstract Art by Injete Chesoni

 African Bwa Sun Mask: SOLD (Two-In-One Art Card)
Description: 4” by 4”, Handmade Embossed Metal Card
Front: Tribal African Art Mask painting by Injete
Back: Abstract art by Injete Chesoni

 

 African Bwa Plank Mask: ($25) (Two-In-One Art Card)
Description: 4” by 4”, Handmade Embossed Metal Card
Front: Tribal African Art Mask painting by Injete
Back: Abstract art by Injete Chesoni

 African Fang Ngil Mask: ($25) (Two-In-One Art Card)
Description: 4” by 4”, Handmade Embossed Metal Art Card
Front: Fang African Mask painting by Injete
Back: Abstract art by Injete Chesoni

Orange Confusion: SOLD (One Sided Art Card)
To Buy Art Cards E-mail: minjete@gmail.com
Description: 4 by 4 inches, Handmade Metal Art Card
Abstract Miniature Art by Injete Chesoni

African Thinking Man: SOLD (One Sided Art Card)
To Buy Art Cards E-mail: minjete@gmail.com
Description: 4” by 4”, Handmade Card on Embossed Metal
African Art Miniature Painting by Injete Chesoni

 

Green Confusion: SOLD (One Sided Art Card)
To Buy Art Cards E-mail: minjete@gmail.com
Description: 4” by 4”, Handmade Embossed Metal Card
Abstract miniature acrylic painting by Injete

 Sienna Thinker: SOLD (One Sided Art Card)
To Buy Art Cards E-mail: minjete@gmail.com
Description: 4” by 4”, Handmade Metal Card
Miniature metal painting by Injete Chesoni

Gift Ideas and Uses for Miniature Metal Art Cards

• Place them on a desk or tabletop as decoration.
• Frame them and hung them up as decorative wall art. 
• Frame them and use them as drink coasters. 
• Use them as dining table centerpieces and decoration. 
• Give them as wedding gift favors.
• Give them as an art gift and greeting card. You can inscribe a message directly in the card using an ink-free or dried up ballpoint pen or you can write your message on a piece of paper and glue it inside the card.

Handmade Metal Art Cards: Miniature Paintings

This blog post features my first collection of miniature art paintings on metal. All the art pieces featured here have been sold or presented as gifts. However, limited editions are available on request. To order send an email to minjete@gmail.com. These versatile handmade metal art cards feature colorful paintings on embossed aluminum metal. They measure 4 by 4 inches and due to their card shape can be used in a variety of ways. They are an art collector’s delight and each metal art card is released in limited editions. You can buy art gifts and cards online featuring these designs at my Zazzle store and drink coasters at my Printfection store.

 Handmade Metal Art Cards: Mary's Flower Art Painting

Suggested Uses for Handmade Metal Art Cards:
1. Place on a desk or tabletop as decoration.
2. Frame and hung up as decorative wall art.
3. Frame and use as drink coasters.
4. Use them as dining table centerpieces and decoration.
5. Give them away as wedding gift favors.
6. Give them away as an art gift and greeting card. You can inscribe a message directly in the card using an ink-free/dried up ballpoint pen or write it on a piece of paper and glue it inside the card. 

 Miniature African Art Painting: Thinking African Man Art Card

Handmade Metal Art Cards: Green Juggler

 

 

Miniature Art Painting: Kandi's Metal Flower Art Card

 Miniature African Art Painting: African Girl in Green Art Card

Handmade Miniature Metal Art Cards: John's Praying Hands

Miniature African Art Painting: African Woman in Red Art Card

Handmade Metal Art Cards: Elvira's Butterfly

 

Miniature Metal Art Painting: Purple Flower Art Card

Miniature Abstract Metal Art Painting: Purple Juggler Metal Card

College Days and The African Thinker

This weekend I was invited to a farewell party for a lovely young lady who is flying off miles away for college. Having recalled my own college days (a looong time ago) in a foreign country I wanted to make a gift for her that would be unique and at the same time remind her of home. I was going for something intellectual but at the same time cool (since this is a teenager). I must confess it was somewhat of  a challenge for me and having had a number of sleepless nights I ended up dozing off at my computer, when I woke up the image of Auguste Rodin's, Thinker came to my mind and I was like that's it! I will do a metal art card version of "The Thinker," with a graduation poem inside and a "cool" quote on the front. I also decided to use an earthy palette. I am glad to say she liked the art card! Quite an accomplishment pleasing a teen. I hope the words will carry her through her college years and I wish her much success and happiness as she embarks on this exciting new journey. All the best Wendy!

 Wendy's Thinker: Quote reads, "Question Everything."

Sienna Thinker: To Buy Artwork E-mail minjete@gmail.com ($25)

Description: 4 by 4 inches, Embossed Metal Miniature Painting

Blue Poet Thinker: To Buy Artwork E-mail minjete@gmail.com ($25)

Description: 4 by 4 inches, Metal Miniature Art

At the same time that I was thinking of an art gift for Wendy I was mulling over what to make for a new friend who was nice enough to share with me some of his wisdom a few weeks ago. He was described to me as an, "artistic genius who is ahead of his time," and lest I embarrass him I will stop there. Anyway having met him and in line with the genius description I thought I would create a metal art, Africanized version of "The Thinker," for him. Since I was also told he used to have dreadlocks I titled the piece, "African Thinker/Maina with Dreadlocks." I am at the sketch stage, I still have to transfer it to metal and then decide on a paint color. Finally completed Maina's art card see below.

Beware Thinking Man: Miniature Metal African Painting

 African Thinker: Handmade Metal African Art Card

Romantic Valentines Gifts: Love Magnets, Coasters and Keychains

I am creating a collection of romantic art gifts to celebrate love and Valentines Day. These are some of the love keychains and love magnets from that collection. They have my abstract artwork, love quotes and poetry by me. You can find more of my romantic art gifts here at my Zazzle store.

Love Is Where I End and We Begin.
- From Love Quotes by Injete Chesoni.

Begin Love Quote Keychain_Romantic Valentine Gifts by Injete
Design personalized key chains on zazzle.com

Beginning Love Quote Magnet_Romantic Gifts by Injete
View more Love magnet Magnets

Your Love Makes My Heart Dance.

- From Love Quotes by Injete Chesoni.

Heart Dance Love Keychain_Romantic Valentine Gifts by Injete
Browse more Love keychain Keychains

My Heart Dances to the Music of Your Love.
- From Love Quotes by Injete Chesoni.

Heart Dance Love Magnet_Romantic Valentine Gifts by Injete
Get refrigerator magnets at zazzle

When love interrupts the pattern of our lives
It creates a chaotic yet beautiful new design.
- From Love Poetry Gifts by Injete Chesoni.

Interruption Love Quote Magnet_Romantic Gifts by Injete
View other Love magnet Magnets

Red Yellow Love Keychain_Romantic Art Gift by Injete
Browse other Love keychain Keychains

LOVE ART DRINK COASTERS

African Coffee Love Quote_Home Decor Drink Coaster by Injete
Find more Romantic Coasters at Zazzle