Blowfish Emporium Blog

Well it has been awhile since I have written for the Blowfish blog, but here I am today- with many thoughts rushing through my mind. I have currently been attending the University of Georgia, where I must say I was incredibly homesick for the first little bit. It was crazy how my perspective of home could change so much in so little time. I noticed that my past description of Bristol, of home, was dramatically different. No longer did I say “yea I live in a really small town with absolutely nothing to do;” it now sounded more like, “I live in this really neat, family town with this blooming downtown…it is so home-y and welcoming and full of some of the best people ever.” When I reflect on this change, there is no better explanation for it than to say that home truly is where the heart is; moreover, by going away I got to see all the great things that our small, boring town of Bristol holds. I got a new perspective. I was finally able to realize that it was not about living in a big city with lots of people, lots of restraunts, and lots of different forms of entertainment; it is about the people…the people make it great. The people make it home. The people are what make Bristol “a good place to live.”
With this in mind, my question today is if people are what make this town so wonderful and so welcoming, if people are what make Bristol, if people are what make this town home, then why don’t we start investing in these people? Here we have a blooming downtown- owned by your friends, your neighbors, and your family, and their stores are filled with the works of local artists. Yes, the mall may provide you more for your buck, but when you buy downtown (when you buy at the Blowfish), you are not just buying a piece of art—you are supporting you neighbor and nurturing your home. Without the help of the entire community, our downtown cannot grow. It takes more than the vision of one person. A tree cannot grow without roots. Just like a tree, these stores cannot bloom without nourishment for its roots—the owners can plant the seed, but it is our job, as a community, to support these stores so their roots may grow strong and deep.
We have a duty to our home—we are not called to solely live here, but to serve, nurture, and empower this community in which we live. Think of the wonderful blessings Bristol has provided you with- great friends, beautiful scenery, safe schools, and welcoming neighbors…a home. It is time to give back to Bristol, and the people who make it a great place to live. Ultimately the message is, invest in your home- shop downtown. 

So the little sister is back– and ready to blog once again. Today has been an overwhelming, busy, chore-like kind of day–a reminder that this is definitely just the middle of the week. As I have ran around the store like a chicken with my head cut off, I have watched my other sister (not the owner of the store, but one of the many others that we have) sit in the back of the store painting with her 3 month old baby boy, her sister-in-law, and our neice. My sister, Lea, nannies for our little neice and her baby, so everyday she wakes up trying to find something to entertain all 3 of them–today they ended up here…painting.
While this may seem entirely besides the point of what I should be blogging about, it is actually perfect for my point. My sister is 24 years old, married, a mother, and a college graduate. Her sister in law is 18 years old, upcoming sophomore in college, and a cheerleader. Jenna, our neice is 7 years old, going into 3rd grade, and loves to be active and to talk. The point being–my sister was able to bring them all here and have a good time. They were all different ages, and at all different places in life, and at all different skill levels when it came to painting, yet each one of them was able to come and have a great time. They’ve spent the past few hours here just painting and talking- each one making the art their own. Just watching them in my moments of chaos brought me a little bit of peace for they seemed so relaxed and happy. I truly believe that happiness and peace are contagious, and who wouldn’t want to catch that?
As an ending note, let me just say, if you believe that the Grape Easel Art “experiences” -(I refuse to call it classes because I hated art class and I LOVE this)- are not for you, think again. If a 7 year old, a college sophomore, and a mother with her baby can all find joy and fun in doing the same thing, who’s to say that anyone else can’t as well? And honestly what harm could it do?–Do you really want to miss an opportunity to find a few moments of peace, happiness, or maybe even just a little bit of fun?
Call the Blowfish today and find out more…

As this week comes to an end, my words are beginning to slow and slur. Thinking of another topic to wrap my thoughts around and then express in this blog is almost overwhelming on this last day of the week. But as I glance at the room my attention is caught at the sight of the new White Jade jewelry that has been ever so popular this week. The jewelry is affordable yet unique and original. Honestly, I can’t say that I know of many places that offer products that are unique, rare, and individually made that are also affordable–this jewelry is. Necklaces, bracelets, and rings are all offered with prices ranging from $5 to $30. As I have worked this past week, I have watched the many people of ALL ages enter the store who come to just browse and upon seeing such unique jewelry that won’t break their wallet, they end up leaving with a gift. Come check it out and don’t resist your desire to buy–your husband can’t get too mad about spending $20.

Today, I have decided to stray from talking about the artwork and focus on some of the amazing jewelry in this store. When I speak of this jewelry I am not speaking just as an employee who sales the jewelry, but also as a consumer who spends wayyy too much of her paycheck buying this jewelry.
The store has a wide range of jewelry–from dainty pieces to big and bulky pieces. I tend to gravitate to the bigger pieces when it comes to buying it for myself, but while I sit here and work I stare at this glass case filled with jewelry by Prada Designs. The jewelry is some of the most eloquent pieces of work I have ever seen. The designs are so intricate and detailed. It is a piece of jewelry that when you buy, you will have NO fears of anyone else showing up with the same piece. As I examine the pieces from my desk I can just imagine the time spent in making each piece–this jewelry was no quickie. I cannot even begin to express the skill that must have been required to create such masterpieces. The pieces she has in this store are not all of the same look or style–they range from fragile, dainty pieces to big and bulky Egyptian looking pieces, but one thing remains true for all her work…it is intricately, skillfully, and beautifully made. Her jewelry is like taking the elegance and class from a Tiffany’s and combining it with the unique and personal designs that come from handmade jewelry. Come see for yourself.

Today as I begin this blog I am suffering from a loss of words. I have been walking around the store trying to find something to draw some inspiration from in hopes to get the words flowing.
As I walked around, I looked at all the wonderful art that is displayed throughout the store. It began to amaze me at how such a small region as the area around Bristol could possess so many talented people. This store holds pottery, landscapes, hair pieces, necklaces, earrings, cards, portraits, candles, pens, soap, and more. And all of this created by the hands of our local friends, families, and neighbors. To think we have to travel to New York City, Los Angeles, or Paris to receive such amazing pieces of art is crazy. We have buried in this town people with the same skills as these cities, and it can be proven by taking a walk through the Blowfish doors. One step into this store and no longer does it feel like the streets of Bristol. Maybe you could call me biased considering it is my sister’s store, but I truly, sincerely, and whole-heartedly believe this store is amazing. I am PROUDLY employed here because unlike some people I work in a place surrounded by passion, beauty, and drive. This store is full of so much talent and skill, and its all created by the people who we pass on the streets of our HOME. So forget the big city shopping sprees, come by the Blowfish. You won’t see any “Made in China” stickers here.

I begin this blog with a question, a seemingly simple question but in this society it is actually a quite complex question to decipher. My question is this: When is a person capable of creating a masterpiece? How much schooling or teaching or training is required before someone can claim to have the skills to create beauty or produce something worthy of someones admiration or money?
These days we are told that it takes more than a high school degree or really even a college degree; we are told that before we are worthy of giving back to our world we must first gain the highest level of education–our masters degree. No matter our plans in life, lots of education is always the answer this society shoots us. And while I agree it is vital, can we really claim that our skills are not mastered unless we achieve a degree? What a silly thought we have accepted.
As I look around this store, sitting right in front of me is a beautiful piece of art that indirectly answers this question. The painting is called “Field of Gold,” and was painted by Alex Thompson who lives in Bristol, VA. Alex is not even a graduate of high school, and yet I sit here staring at a beautiful piece of artwork selling for $3200. Wow. The art is beautiful and breathe taking. When I was introduced to Alex and saw her age, I almost had to take a minute to register that she produce such an amazing piece of art. Then I thought…Why is that so shocking? Why have we come to accept that beauty is only produced once you reach a certain age or level of education? As an ending note, let Alex Thompson remind you that a masterpiece does not require you to be a certain age or go to college, it requires passion and love for what you’re doing and the motivation to do it. Come by and check out her masterpieces.

So this is my first ever blog, yayyy! I am working for my sister this week here at the Blowfish while she is spending here week at Younglife Camp. My instructions were “write!”–plain and simple. So where to begin?
I looked around the store trying to come up with something in my mind that I could write about, and eventually I came to the idea that I would write about a piece that I have been infatuated with since it arrived in this store. I guess I should say artist rather than just one piece. Ann Gillenwater. Her work is amazing-perfect for the summer season. It’s bright, energetic, happy, and beautiful. She lists her work under “Happy Art,” so fitting. But before her work took this name on, it was called “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” and that name is what caught my attention originally. What a great theory to live your life by. For me personally, I am 18 years old, just graduated from high school, and am about to pack up and leave everything I’ve known my whole life. But then I see her art, so full of life with the caption “Bloom Where You Are Planted.” What a great motto to carry with me to college, and really for anyone to carry with them. Wherever you may headed to or whatever you may be doing, plant yourself there and bloom. Allow yourself to grow and stretch and you may just end up with a beautiful bouquet.
Just a thought to carry with you…Crazy how a peice of art could offer such inspiration. Come by & maybe the art will speak to you as well.

Drop-in Christmas Reception

Tuesday, December 8th

5:30- 7:30 PM

blowfish emporium – 529 State St – Bristol Virginia

276-644-1428

Ok, so its that time of year again…. time to dust off last years ornaments, time to put up new home decor, time to start the crockpot filled with spiced cider… time to get together with the ones you love and celebrate love, life and the birth of Jesus Christ.  i LOVE this special time!  plus, its a great excuse for a party!

here at blowfish, we have such an eclectic array of gift options its rediculous!  of course i am biased, but you can truly find one-of-a-kind pieces that you cannot find anywhere else!  plus, we now have a ‘WISH LIST’ you can fill out and we keep on hand.  send people in to get what you have picked out, and if they buy off the WISH LIST… bam, discount!  also, many of the artists have put their items on ‘HOLIDAY SPECIAL’ of 15% off!  these are great deals you certainly want to see!

our Grape Easel classes have just exploded!  people love the informal, BYOB paint classes we offer.  the instructor, Pat Jessee, is an invaluable part in making this more than a paint class- how many times have you heard the term ‘its an experience’?  well,  it truly is and so many people have enjoyed coming and letting loose.  we have many returning painters and have even seen a lot of people come out of their shell and comfort zones and LOVE it!  just look at the pictures and see a little of what goes on…

______________________________________________________________________________

we have had a great 4-months here on state street and are looking forward to staying here a long time.  people have been so responsive to the need for a different kind of store.   all i hear are compliments to all the unique works of art.  kudos go out to our local & regional artists that really make this place awesome!  it is one of the stores that leave an impression on those who venture in!  i have been overwhelmingly impressed with the talent we have here.  our region is overflowing with great artists and we have the potential to become an art destination.  people just need to get word of what is really here.  thank you to those that showcase here!  i love it all!

Our Thursday evening painting events have been such a success.  I think people in Bristol are really appreciating this fun, energetic & relaxing experience.  I have had several people come back each week, as it is a great & inexpensive way to decorate their house and/or give away as gifts with the holidays coming up.

One Thursday evening I noticed one woman going through the steps and as she stepped back she didn’t like how her painting was turning out.  The instructor, Pat Jessee, turned to her and said, “Honey, make it your own!  Paint it like YOU want to.  You don’t have to paint it like everyone else!”  And the girl did just that… she truly made it her own and it turned out AWESOME!  At the end of the night she went up to Pat and said, “You know, that was the first time in my life that I did it the way I wanted to do it and not follow everyone else.  Thank you for encouraging me to step out like that.”  I am hearing such great stories after each session.  Another painter said, “I didn’t know I had that in me.  I have never painted before… I am actually pretty good at this!”

Why don’t you come try and see what happens!  You may be surprised at what YOU can do!

This week we will be painting…. Halloween Cats!  (But you could really hang this year-round). 

Call to add you & a friend to the list: (276) 644-1428