GIVING BACK: JOJO Goes Red

This piece will be available at the Dallas Go Red Luncheon on February 22nd!

Rising Up to the Challenge of Our Rival

An original abstract acrylic painting

18” x 24” canvas and framed

      

We can despair that rose bushes have thorns, 


or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses. 


-Abraham Lincoln 



  

I am a Heart Disease Survivor. On December 4, 2009, at 34 years old, I was admitted into the hospital for my 2nd heart surgery. It was quite an ordeal... 



But, because of ongoing cardiac medical research, I was able to have the opportunity to play with my little boy again without fear of passing out from an abnormally fast heart rate or fear of going into cardiac arrest. 



The procedure and recovery were tough. I was in the ICU for several days. I had a tube sticking out of my chest to help drain the fluid that was collecting around my heart. I was in extreme pain. The surgery was considered successful, but my heart still has issues and requires frequent monitoring. 



My fight is not over. Although I have endured many cuts and scrapes from sharp “thorns,” I choose to rejoice because of the roses among the thorns. 



Family and friends are my roses. I also have loved ones who suffer with or have died due to heart disease. I have sincere respect for others facing their own thorns. Heart disease may be a silent killer, but its effects are not silent. Many of you may have a loved one with heart disease, have lost a loved one from heart disease, or has a friend who is a heart disease survivor, or... you may be a survivor yourself. 



I painted “Rising Up to the Challenge of Our Rival” as a tribute to my father, Carmelino, who is also a heart disease survivor. He has had heart failure for almost 10 years. During that time, he has overcome open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve plus many other procedures to aide in sustaining his life. I painted this piece in honor of him and to all those affected with and by heart disease. Thank you for your support in helping to raise funds for lifesaving heart research. It means A LOT!

With a Grateful Heart,

Joanne “JoJo” Herda

The Dress and Jewels

What do you get when you put together uber talent like: 

fashion designer Ese Azenabor

amazing jewels by Couture Rocks 

artwork by JoJo Herda 

brilliant photography by Tony Valadez ?

THIS FABULOUSNESS:

Artwork by JoJo  |  Dress by Ese Azenabor  |  Jewels by Couture Rocks  |  Photo by Tony Valadez

Artwork by JoJo  |  Dress by Ese Azenabor  |  Jewels by Couture Rocks  |  Photo by Tony Valadez

I hand painted over 10 yards of canvas!
Ese designed and created it into this phenomenal gown!

Isn't it just amazing?!?!?!

She hand-stitched that beadwork!

Artwork by JoJo  |  Dress by Ese Azenabor  |  Jewels by Couture Rocks  |  Photo by Tony Valadez

Artwork by JoJo  |  Dress by Ese Azenabor  |  Jewels by Couture Rocks  |  Photo by Tony Valadez

The gown, jewels, and new artwork by JoJo will be available for sale at an invitation-only event next month.
A percentage of the sales will go to My Refuge House and victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Can't wait for this event!

Model: Alexis King
Hair and Makeup: Princess Adetutu

GIVING BACK : JoJo Goes Red

I believe a DASH of GLAMOR and

SPRINKLE of REALITY 

makes everything... SIMPLY... DIVINE.

But, Heart Disease isn't GLAMOROUS.

I should know.... I am a Heart Disease Survivor!

You can read a little bit about my Heart Story here.

I also paint to help fight heart disease.

Hence, this painting:

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas | Rhythm of My Heart | Available at the Dallas Go Red Luncheon Silent Auction

"Rhythm of My Heart" will be available at the Dallas Go Red Luncheon on Friday, February 3rd.
All proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association.

Go HERE to purchase your ticket(s) for the luncheon!

Friday, February 3rd is also National Wear Red Day!

I will be wearing red to help support the fight against heart disease in women.

To find out more information on the Go Red for Women Movement and heart disease prevention go here to the American Heart Association website.

Heart disease is the #1 Killer of Women in America.

1 out of 3 women will die from heart disease.

It kills more women than all the cancers combined!

Will you join me in GOING RED?

ARTWORK by JoJo | Strike a Pose Collection

When FASHION meets ART... fabulous things can happen...

As seen in my latest collection entitled "Strike a Pose".

This collection was created exclusively for a Showroom Grand Opening for an uber-talented fashion designer and friend, Esé Azénabor. She is Nigerian/British/Canadian turned Texan, a Fashion Designer, and a total Boss Babe! She is smart, beautiful, talented, and a hard-working woman. Her laughter exudes joy and peace. Her clothing is detailed, feminine, stunning, and show-stoppers. She dresses Hollywood celebrities right down to people like me! 

This is one amazing individual... so, of course, I was beyond thrilled when she asked me to be one of the featured artists at the Grand Opening of her Showroom in the Dallas Design District.

We collaborated on the color palette and glam-vibe for the pieces, deciding to go with neutral tones and just a hint of emerald green in a few pieces. There are a total of 5 paintings in the collection. All showcasing a heavy layered texture of mixed metals (silver and gold) reflecting the hand-beaded details on her gowns.

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas in Silver Leaf Floater Frame| Dance on Air

LEFT | Acrylic on 36" x 60" Canvas in Silver Leaf Floater Frame | Ladies with an Attitude
RIGHT | Acrylic on 36" x 60" Canvas in Silver Leaf Floater Frame | Fellows That Were in the Mood

The collection title was inspired by Madonna's "Strike a Pose" song with part of the lyrics making their way into the individual painting titles. I always feel like a movie star in Esé's pieces... you'll find me stiking a pose a few times over!

JoJo wearing Esé Azénabor at the Showroom Grand Opening.

I am so thrilled for Esé .... even greater things are in store!

Her showroom is available as an event venue location. And it's a pretty grand venue at that...

CHECK IT OUT!

When FASHION meets ART... fabulous things can happen!

ARTWORK by JoJo | Happy Fall Y'all

It's the first day of FALL!

Hopefully, this will bring with it some cooler weather here in the Dallas area. It's been over 100 degrees this week and I have had about enough! I want to start feeling that cool crisp FALL breeze mixed with a spice pumpkin smell while wearing a cozy sweater and stylish boots!

But, I will settle for some FALL inspiration found in the newest Artwork by JoJo additions to Simply Elegant Dallas in Victory Park.

Acrylic on 20" x 20" Canvas | Blaze of Glory | Available at Simply Elegant Dallas

Acrylic on 20" x 20" Canvas | Runaway | Available at Simply Elegant Dallas

Head on over to Victory Park and check them out...
There is plenty of inspirational FALL items in the shop right now!

Maybe you'll be lucky enough to feel a cool crisp FALL breeze!

IBB Design Loves Local - 2016

I am SO honored and THRILLED to be a part of the IBB Design Loves Local Event coming up on Thursday, February 11th!

There will be so many wonderful vendors... 

COME AND CHECK THEM ALL OUT!

Concerning Valentine's gifts... I will have several new Pixel Hearts available at the event. 

As well as, adorable 5.5" x 5.5" Pixel Heart cards. Perfect for your Valentine!

Here are just a few of the items I'll have available on Thursday:

Framed 12" x 12" Pixel Heart Paintings

Framed 12" x 12" Pixel Heart Paintings

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas | I Want Candy

Acrylic on 24" x 24" Cavnas | Step By Step

Acrylic on 36" x 48"  Canvas with Silver Leafing | I Wanna Dance with Somebody

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas | 16 Candles

Acrylic on 24" x 24" Canvas | Mannequin | Available

Acrylic on 24" x 24" Canvas | Mannequin 2 | Available

Acrylic on 20" x 20" Canvas | Pretty in Pink | Available

Acrylic on 24" x 24" Canvas | In Your Eyes | Available

HOPE TO SEE Y'ALL THERE!

ARTWORK by JoJo: 2016

HAPPY NEW YEAR, friends.

2016... I can't believe it!

I'm looking forward to seeing what this new year has in store for my family, friends, and artwork! It has already started off with a B-A-N-G... check out this FAB article posted on DFW STYLE DAILY. Such an honor to be highlighted by the VERY talented, brilliant, and lovely Shay Geyer, owner of IBB Design. 
Thanks SO MUCH!

Even though I have begun full-throttle in this new year, I wanted to take some time to share some pieces completed towards the end of 2015. I took most of December off to focus on family-time, but I did complete the following pieces for said family, friends, and to give back.

Acrylic on 12" x 12" Canvas Board | For Baby Lauren | Gifted

Acrylic on 36" x 60" Canvas | I'll Be There for You | Personal Project

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas | With Every Beat of My Heart | Donated to the AHA Dallas Go Red Luncheon Auction 

I can't wait to share more artwork with you throughout this year!

Here's to a healthy, happy, and FABULOUS 2016!

A VERY Special Commission and Some Summer Vacay Shots

We are working on slightly upgrading/maturing my kiddo's room with a few minor changes/additions. 

One-of-which included my kiddo pleading with me for a specific commissioned piece of art.

"Come on, MOM... YOU CAN DO IT!"

With his sincere persistence and confidence, I proceeded to.... "try".

It might have worked out quite well. You can be the judge.

Kiddo has already provided me with his input.

None-the-less, it did make me realize that I have literally thousands of shots from our London trip this summer to still edit.... Ugggghhhh!!!!

At the very least.... here are a few inspiration photos!

The Royal Seal of England

The Royal Gates

Hyde Park

Hyde Park

The Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge

Our Swan Friend at Hyde Park

Hyde Park

The Elizabeth Tower.... or commonly referred to as Big Ben

And here is the commissioned piece of artwork:

Acrylic on 36" x 60" Canvas | Kiddo Goes to London

And I will....

Be posting more photos from our holiday abroad.

And.... final pics of kiddo's updated room.

What do you think.

Did I.... DO IT?!?!

Cinco de Mayo

Means.... Margaritas!

I'm hoping that my plan for a little family party tonight will work out.

Al Pastor Tacos, frijoles, cilantro rice, salsa, guacamole, and my famous
Margarita Cupcakes and
Watermelon Margaritas.

Check out the fiesta I threw my hubby HERE for a little more inspiration.

How ever you do up today... or any day... have a MARVELOUS time doing it!

HAPPY CINCO de MAYO, friends!

A STORY : Art With a Special Meaning

I am not a good story teller.

I am not a good writer.

I can calculate differential equations in my sleep and paint a large canvas, but I have never ever been good at putting words on paper.... or really in type.

So please excuse my inability to truly convey what this story means to me. But, I hope it is something. Here it goes.

I haven't shared a recap of the FABULOUS IBB Loves Local Event from last week at IBB Design Fine Furnishings... but, in one word ---- A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

I met so many wonderful people and vendors... including purchasing a few new items:
A Beautiful Heart Necklace from Couture Rocks
A Custom Gold Foil Print from My Blue Avenue
Cookies and Cakeballs from KimCake4U

But, most importantly..... I was able to share my passion for art with many people throughout an ENTIRE day! Plus give back to a fabulous organization which I love to support: Dwell with Dignity!

WHAT A JOY!

But, one thing that really touched me.
One thing that led me to tears.
One thing that was definitely "meant to take place"...

included a small painting...

And a woman named Gamze.

Last Thursday was her birthday but, she wasn't really feeling up for celebrating. However, she took her little 9 month old daughter to the IBB Loves Local Event.

Gamze with her 9 month old daughter.

Gamze saw the before mentioned painting and she was drawn to it. She said that it reminded her of something very special. A little time went by with conversation and googling over her sweet daughter when the most special thing happened. She shared with me the reason that painting touched her.... resonated with her... the very special reason/person behind that memory.

Gamze is an Interior Decorator. She has 3 children: a 5 year old son, a 9 month old daughter [pictured here], and a daughter who would have been a little over 2 - Alexis Harlow. It is Gamze's story to tell. One she shares for her daughter and others who fight and/or have lost the battle that Alexis lost when she was 81 days old [Trisomy 13]. 

Gamze mentioned that whenever their family sees a pink, red, and orange sky, they are reminded of Alexis. A radiant beautiful sky.... memories of her beautiful daughter. That is what the painting reminded her of... and then, she turned the piece over and read the title: "Valentine Sky". 

Acrylic on 10" x 10" Canvas Board Framed in White Wood | Valentine Sky

Events are fun...

Events are great places to meet new people...

But, when I hear why my artwork touches someone..... and they are willling to share that story with me.... 

THIS IS WHAT IS SO MEANINGFUL to my soul.

To find out more about their story, visit Gamze's website: Alexis Harlow Interiors.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

via

And a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours!

HOME TOUR: A 2014 Glam Christmas

As I mentioned in this post... we have changed up the Christmas decor in our home this year.

Actually eliminating the red. It's now more of a Winter Wonderland feel with warm shades of white, silver, and gold. Quite a different look than last year's decor found here.

There's quite a bit of glam and sparkle.... and I am LOVIN' it!

And believe it or not, so are my boys. They like how the home seems to flow and be more peaceful.

So, here is what I did.

I focused on three items of interest to be used throughout the home: trees, fur, and ornaments.
Plus glam and glitz where needed!

I utilized the reflection from our mirror-wall to add life to the silver ornament wreaths.
I love how they shimmer and shine.

I am also a HUGE fan of symmetry and balance.
So, I love to repeat a look I have created throughout the home.

It flows from our living space right into our bedroom.

We don't have an official Christmas location for the stockings, but I have always liked placing them on our buffet in the living area. Especially this year after giving a makeover to the buffet with white gloss paint. I really like the contrasting feel of the color combination of white/ivory and texture of gloss/fur.

Go HERE to see more details of our new white Christmas tree.

The rabbit fur pelts were new additions. I think the fur helps add to the warm and cozy feel. They were left over from our Wedding Vow Renewal Celebration and I am glad I now have another use for them!

I changed out some of our pillows and replaced them with silvery glam pillows.

The wreaths allow for a smooth transition into the bedroom [which you can see from the main living area since we keep our 2 pocket doors open during the day]. I added some bling to the bed with these snowflake pillows and some cozy warmth to our chair with a fuzzy throw. My tree collection also continues into the space with clear glass trees on the vintage chinoiserie dresser.

Just a little pop of Christmas cheer in my office with another one of my clear glass Christmas Tree pieces. 

Goes well with my clear glass paperweight collection... do you see a trend here? Ha!

I've recently added a new piece of art to my foyer.... and it seems to fit perfectly in the Christmas decor. 

That gold and white large abstract piece seems just right for our foyer!

Well, that's our little Christmas Home Tour for 2014.

You can go here to see my kiddo's room from this year.

It's wonderful to feel like I have finally reached the proper balance and style for our home. I want it to be warm, inviting, and peaceful.... and I think that even during Christmas it feels serene.

Thank you for visiting our little Winter Wonderland on Floor 24!

Linked up at Thrifty Decor Chick.