Gray Lady

Thank You!

2011-12-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

This is a big thank you to Shannon Way and The San Francisco LGBT Community Center for taking almost all of my paintings! "Lakshmi" is going to be seen by thousands of people getting their financial affairs in order, which is very appropriate, in the Economic Development office of the Center.

I am so glad to know that all of this work has gone somewhere it will be appreciated and useful.

Save the Paintings! (Another Video)

2011-12-15T09:16:00.000-08:00

These are the ones that were sitting in the closet for years. I may dredge up some more by Saturday, but I think now you can get a good idea of what will be there on Saturday at noon.

Save the Paintings!

2011-12-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

When: Saturday, December 17^th, 2011
12 Noon

Where: 1430 32^nd Street
Oakland, CA 94608

Cost: Free!

To make room for new creative ventures, I will be puttingalmost all of my paintings out on the sidewalk at noon on Saturday, free foranyone who wants them. Most of this workis more than 5 years old and has not sold in the past, but it seems too harshto just throw it all in the trash, especially since I am rather fond of some ofit. If you want any of these paintings,show up on time, because this neighborhood, known as the Dog Town ArtsDistrict, picks up random art offerings quickly.

Below are some videos which show about half of the paintingsthat will be available. If you seesomething you really want and strongly wish to make sure you get it, justcontact me at erin.colcord@gmail.combefore Saturday to arrange for pickup.

In this first video, you can see the painting titled, "Self Portrait as Fairy on Rooftop."

In the next video, you can see "Lakshmi," "Geisha," "The Mermaid Sophia," and "Salamander Woman." There will be more paintings than shown in these videos. These are just the ones I had hanging up.

Susan & Mandy

2011-02-05T14:33:00.000-08:00

This was a beautiful, private ceremony on Muir Beach on 1-1-11. Congratulations, Susan and Mandy!

Lakshmi

2011-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Lakshmi

by Erin Dean Colcord

Acrylic on Canvas

2006

$200

Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage; and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. Mahalakshmi brings good luck to her devotees. She is believed to protect her devotees from all kinds of misery and money-related sorrows. -Wikipedia

“Om Hrim Shri Lakshmi byo Namaha” = the mantra for success and prosperity

You can see this painting in person at my art show, "Animae," at The Sacred Well in Oakland through the end of January 2011.

Fairy on Rooftop

2010-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Fairy on Rooftop

by Erin Dean Colcord

Acrylic on Canvas

2006

$200

This painting is a self portrait depicting my nightly meditation practice at the time. After snuggling under the covers of my bed, I’d imagine leaving my body there, first to go sit on the roof and get a good look around, and then to fly off to some adventure. I almost always fell asleep before finding out where I was going! It was a fun, relaxing way to end the day. Sometimes I would imagine that I had butterfly wings and was on my way to the fancy fairy ball, as you see here.

You can see this painting in person at my art show, "Animae," at The Sacred Well in Oakland through the end of January 2011.

King Family Photos

2010-12-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Meet the Kings! This adorable family of five needed pictures to use for holiday cards this year. I went to their house and took lots of photos, these being my favorites:

Mermaid Sophia

2010-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Mermaid Sophia
by Erin Dean Colcord
Acrylic on Canvas
2004
$200

This paintings was meant to record an imagining I had while learning self hypnosis. In the vision, I walked up to the ocean, and a mermaid broke the surface of the waves and beckoned me forward. She held out a very large, equisite pearl and put it into my belly. With a maternal smile, she told me that it would help me to always know what it is that I really want, indicating that I was to keep it inside always. Over time, I came to think of the mermaid as Sophia, for her wisdom.

You can see this painting in person at my art show, "Animae," at The Sacred Well in Oakland through the end of January 2011.

Muse

2010-12-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Muse

by Erin Dean Colcord

Acrylic on Canvas

2005

$175

This was my first experiment with mixing photography and painting. Deep underneath layers of paint, there is a computer printout of a girl wearing a wreath of flowers. She morphed into this deeply knowing, watchful entity, who seems both new and ancient. I like seeing the cracks where the sheets of paper show through, because it lends a look of age, like an old fresco falling apart. If you watch her for awhile, you may see emotions flit across her face, and she may even seem to speak.

You can see this painting in person at my art show, "Animae," at The Sacred Well in Oakland through the end of January 2011.

Salamander Woman

2010-12-04T06:00:00.001-08:00

Salamander Woman
by Erin Dean Colcord
Oil on Canvas
1999
$100

This painting arrived at the end of one day of painting. After finishing my work, I realized I had a lot of paint left over on my palette and, not wanting to waste it, just started painting something for the sheer fun of it on a spare canvas. This is what emerged out of nowhere, this woman with a salamander. Is the salamander a tattoo or is it a pet? What kind of woman is she? To me, she appears fiery, loyal, tough as nails on the outside and full of ideals and imagination on the inside.

You can see this painting in person at my art show, "Animae," at The Sacred Well in Oakland through the end of January 2011.

1 Hour Portrait Special - 50% off!

2010-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is a special time of year for creating lasting memories. You have spent time making your home beautiful for the holidays, so why not have a professional portrait session in front of your sparkling tree or decorated fireplace? Conventional portraits can be bland and impersonal. I can come to your place and capture your family spirit as it really is, living and laughing together in your own "natural habitat." Normally, an hour session with me would cost $150, but if you call by 6 PM PST, December 3rd, 2010, to schedule your appointment, you can get me for $75! That's 50% off!

You get:

1 hour portrait session in your home or the place of your choosing. (This must be within 50 miles of Emeryville, CA)
Professional, friendly service with an upbeat, comfortable attitude
Online photo album for 6 months
A disc with high resolution images, which you can print to your heart's desire

Please call (510) 302-5677 to book your portrait session today!

Geisha

2010-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Geisha
by Erin Dean Colcord
Acrylic on Canvas
2007
$250

The inspiration for this painting came from the picture on a mooncake tin, a gift I’d received for Chinese New Year. To me, she represents the cultivation of beauty, grace, luxury, elegance, artistic talent and the leisure to entertain friends. She seems to be listening attentively, radiating warmth and hospitality to her guest, ready to laugh and enjoy herself. Her elaborate hair and sumptuous dress speak of time spent pampering herself, practicing self care before giving her energy to others.

You can see this painting in person at my art show, "Animae," at The Sacred Well in Oakland through the end of January 2011.

Our Current Group Project

2010-06-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

Gray Lady and Stephanie Whiteside, knitter extraordinaire, have teamed up to create a knitting pinup calendar. If you'd like to fund our project, please click below. You can get a calendar of your own and more for supporting us.

Gillem-Duncanson Wedding

2010-06-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful wedding! It was such an honor to take these photos. Liz was radiant, Dan was beaming and all the guests had a great time. Photos by: Erin Dean Colcord, Gray Lady

From Gillem-Duncanson Wedding