Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Poe in Heart, Rich in Meaning

There’s nothing wrong with Monet calendars. Nor, for that matter, is it a crime to love Ansel Adams posters, inspirational framed prints of windbreaker-clad climbers rappelling down treacherous rock faces, or tapestries featuring the “Footprints” poem. It is, however, but a day until the new year dawns. Isn’t it time we broke at least a little new ground in our choices of wall art? Meet edge-dwelling genius Vivan Mayser of Dear Dodo, a shop offering art prints and collectible crafts that can scarcely be described without words like provocative, thoughtful, unexpected, or unique. It isn’t only the vintage materials or the unassuming irony of the art, as in Elisa, Autumn Owl, Stork Stockings, and other quietly mirthful pieces; it’s the world in general that is created. Here we find lovely dreamscapes in pencil, Victorian-era child portraits such as Bunny Day, and the curiously entrancing silhouette of the Poe Sisters, raven-like both in raiment and in bearing. And if there’s another place on the internet where one can find a Moth Doll Brooch crafted from a tiny, century-old porcelain head excavated in Germany, it’s not on this side of the time-space continuum.

It’s easy to talk about adding a little novelty to our home environment, however. The difficult thing is mustering the courage to go ahead and do it. As a way of encouraging our Wishing Willow readers to take the plunge and actually challenge their tried-and-tired art motifs, Dear Dodo is offering a free print of the Poe Sisters to the winner of today’s giveaway. To qualify, visit Dear Dodo, then come back here to tell us about your favorite print. Tell us in a second post if you subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 1/08/09.

We have a winner! JewelryInfusions who said,
"I really love the 'Poe Sisters'. The stark contrast of the two images appeals to me, plus it has that psychiatrist 'What do you see in this image....' quality."

194 comments:

  1. Wow! What a fantastic shop! I really like "Lost." The Poe Sisters print is amazing! My husband would love it and it would work really well in our home!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really love the Poe Sisters Too!! I am a fan of Poe..and Twins:)
    I like the "From the Dream Book Nr.6"Print a lot!! I also think that "Clara" is adorable:)

    cyclona66@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am a subscriber:)
    cyclona66@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is a great prize. Thanks for offering it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Poe Sisters print is by far my fave, especially since I share a birthday (Jan 19th) with Poe. If I had to pick another, it would be Paper Doll #4

    ReplyDelete
  6. My favorite print is Dodo Day. Thanks for the intro to this fantastic shop!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm a subscriber, too! I really enjoy your blog- Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Princess Day
    DearDodo


    Nora
    neneelynn@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like the lost print.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Paper Doll No 3 is my fave. Thanks for a great giveaway.

    tskrush (at) cox (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  11. Subscriber :)

    tskrush (at) cox (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  12. She has some different prints, but I like them. My favs were Stork STockings Striped, DoDo day and Lost.

    thanks for sharing

    ceashark at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am subscribed

    thanks again\

    ceashark at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. i like the my little white mouse signed print

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great stuff. I think that I like Paper Doll Nr.2 the best.

    ReplyDelete
  16. The Curious Bunny is drawn so delicately; it actually looks fluffy. It's sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Happy subscriber! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love Autumn with Owl. Edgy, poetic prints - thanks for the opportunity to win!

    ReplyDelete
  19. i'm a subscriber via therethere at mail dot ru

    ReplyDelete
  20. My favourite print is Drawings from the Dream Book Nr.3.....I love it!

    Thanks so much!

    nancyrobster@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am a subscriber!

    Thanks

    nancyrobster@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. The Curious Bunny is my favorite

    ReplyDelete
  23. I like Dodo Day, along with others. Please count me in Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Curious BUNNY RABBIT - signed print is my favorite.
    ashlomb at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I subscribe
    ashlomb at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I think "Lost" is quite whimsical!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Dodo Day is my fave.I am a subscriber.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I really like the Poe Sisters print. I also like HUMPTY DUMPTY Junior and Little Duckling. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  29. The paper doll series is so pretty. I like the Paper Doll Nr 3. As a fellow artist, I really admire the subtlety of these prints. Very intriguing.

    scarey_karma@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. me,me,me,,i would love to win this for my son who just moved into their apartment!!!he would choose the sisters..i like the dodo day!
    oldplace.betty(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. and i am a subscriber

    oldplace.betty(at)gmail.com

    added you to my blog today as well
    http://oldwaybecomesnewagain.blogspot.com/2008/12/new-years-eve-contest-giveaways.html

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love Autumn with Owl, but all the other prints are equally amazing.

    iritca (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm a subscriber.

    iritca (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. that was really difficult....I couldn't decide between Princess Day and HUMPTY DUMPTY Junior and Little Duckling.......so I choose both (along with the Paper Doll series!)!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. The "Forest Gathering" is one of my favorites.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Drawings from the Dream Book Nr3

    Happy New Years!!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I liked Dodo Day, but I'm a true Poe fan, so the sisters are my fave! DH would love that print!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I too am a subscriber!!

    rrdianic@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I like the Forest Gathering Print.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I would love to win the Poe Sisters Print, it is definitely my favorite. From the Dream Book Nr. 6 is another great print. Great giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I too am a subscriber.
    Kissmyirishlass(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I like the STORK STOCKINGS striped print.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow..what cute prints. Love her etsy shop...love the print: Princess Day

    ReplyDelete
  44. The Poe Sisters is my favourite print.

    ReplyDelete
  45. The Poe Sisters is a very interesting print. My favorite from the shop is MISTER FLEA goes to the market. I particularly enjoyed the description of this flea, formerly a performer in the flea circus.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Very nice shop. "Drawings from the Dream Book Nr.3" is my favorite.
    Thanks for the great giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I love Stork Stockings Striped...

    and lots more! :)

    leftymylou at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I like Curious Bunny Rabbit and the Moth Dolls.

    galeogirl(at)comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  49. My favorite is the Paper Doll Nr.1

    brn2lisn(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I like Drawings from the Dream Book Nr.3 I think it is great how the birds are holding the ropes for the swing, thats really creative, thanks titanicluck at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Curious BUNNY RABBIT - signed print

    ReplyDelete
  52. I like the curious bunny.
    thanx for the contest.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I really love the 'Poe Sisters'. The stark contrast of the two images appeals to me, plus it has that psychiatrist 'What do you see in this image....' quality.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I would like the Poe Sisters for my granddaughter's room

    ReplyDelete
  55. i really like your shop. My favorite item is the STORK STOCKINGS striped- its very cute
    rita
    margaritakorb@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I am also a subscriber
    margaritakorb@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I like ELISA best, but Dodo Day and Bunny Day are close seconds

    ReplyDelete
  58. what a cool site, first time visitor

    ReplyDelete
  59. You've got another fantastic subscriber on your hands!

    ReplyDelete
  60. love dear dodo's shop!

    Forest Gathering!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  61. My favorite is Dodo Day. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Great work! I love Lost. Something very sweet there. :)

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I am also a very happy subscriber. :)

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Crawings from the dream book #3
    Butchbarbee66[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  65. The paper doll 4, is striking, would be the word I would use, not your everyday art and I really like that, I have added this shop to my fav. list and will be ordering as soon as the tax man pays up:)

    Julia

    ReplyDelete
  66. My favorite is Princess Day.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I love the poe sisters print it would go so well in my house it matches my decor so well thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  68. In addition to the print being given away, I also like the paper doll #2 print.
    -Terra
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  69. My absolute favorite is The Poe Sisters, but I also like Drawings from the Dream Book Nr.3. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  70. There is something about the Poe Sisters that gets me....I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Drawings from the Dream Book Nr.3 is my favorite. What a great find! Added the store to my Etsy favorites.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I really like Mister Flea goes to Market. I think it would inspire my 8 year old to write some very creative stories.

    reg8w@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I like Dodo Day

    tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. The 'dodo day' print is beautiful - thanks for the chance! alicedemske at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Also I just became a subscriber! alicedemske at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. my little white mouse is so cute!thanks jacquecurl@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Christina - xristya@rock.com - I like Autumn With Owl from Dear Dodo, and think that the anitquated look of the artwork is endearing!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Christina - xristya@rock.com - I'm a very proud subscriber of Wishing Willow but have been wondering why it hasn't been appearing in my box lately? Is it just me or is it taking a holiday rest?

    ReplyDelete
  79. Love the Poe Sisters print.

    ktgonyea at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I love Paper Doll #4
    Really cute prints!

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  81. I like Princess Day print. thanks
    vickers at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  82. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18706348

    Love this print

    ReplyDelete
  83. I subscribe

    misaacmom [a]t gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Wonderful stuff. I love it all, but I like "Dodo Day" especially.

    ReplyDelete
  85. I like the print Drawings from the Dream Book Nr.3... I love the imagination behind it!

    imanoptimisticbeauty(at)yahoo(dot)ca

    ReplyDelete
  86. I subscribe!

    imanoptimisticbeauty(at)yahoo(dot)ca

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hello! I adore the "From the Green
    Book Nr. 6!" Please enter me in your delightful giveaway drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I am subscribed to your site.
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I am loving the paper doll print here:
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18694057

    Beautiful things there!

    Christina
    bonafideliberal(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  90. Already a subscriber!

    Christina
    bonafideliberal(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  91. My favorite is Drawings from the Dreambook #3. Great works!

    ReplyDelete
  92. I like " Dodo Day". I like the meaning as well. I could use a dodo day right about now!

    ReplyDelete
  93. I like the Stork Stockings print.

    ReplyDelete
  94. cdrury@gmail.com
    i am a subscriber

    ReplyDelete
  95. The Poe Sisters is one that works for me. Would go well with my decor.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Actually, the Poe sisters is my favorite. But I also like Curious Bunny.

    ReplyDelete
  97. In the words of Allison, the duster fan on INTERVENTION,

    "The Poe-Poe?"

    I also like the "cute BUNNY RABBIT signed print" at Dear Dodo. My heart's #1 favorite is the Poe Sisters.

    Great giveaway. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Do I ever love your work! I'd choose My little white mouse" if forced to pick only one.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Great shop. I love stuff like this.

    I can't decide which I like better: The Poe Sisters or Dodo Day (though if Dodo Day were real and actually riding a dodo like that, it'd be the best holiday ever).

    Thanks for the tip on the fun Etsy shop and thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  100. BUNNY RABBIT original graphite drawing with mat is adorable. I love the poe sisters print too, it's amazing. Great shop! I saved it to my etsy faves.

    ReplyDelete
  101. I like Paper Doll #3 and My Little White Mouse. Beautiful work. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  102. I love the Mister Flea Goes to Market--thanks for the giveaway,

    ReplyDelete
  103. Princess Day is precious!

    I also love the Poe Sisters because I'm a Baltimore girl and love anything Poe related!

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  104. wow-wow i must say just 2 cute as to every thing over there and well i just cant pick one as my fave i have to say i like them all i realy do love things like this it so brings back that old time feel and well i'm one for any thing like this and well if i was to win this i would put it in my little ones room on her wall or even in my liveing room to go right a long with my rag dolls and no face dolls please enter me info this thanks

    ReplyDelete
  105. I really think these are amazing! I would have to say LOST is my very favorite of all!

    ReplyDelete
  106. The Po Sisters is my favorite print there!

    ReplyDelete
  107. The Poe Sisters. And I don't know why. It just speaks to me... and I don't even have a sister!

    ReplyDelete
  108. what an adorable print!

    I also am in love with "From the Dream Book Nr.6"

    Birds are all the rage this season!

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  109. My fav is A Little White mouse.Her art is really orgnal

    ReplyDelete
  110. I like the Poe Sisters and Princess Day. These are beautiful!

    mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I am a subscriber!

    mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com
    legacyofbrutalitysa{AT}gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  112. Great shop! I really like the Princess Day print! Thanks for the chance!

    sherri419 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  113. Besides the Poe Sisters, Grooming Bunny was my favorite! Thanks!
    dcbehlmer(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  114. I really like the stork stockings print. Very unusual and cute!

    ReplyDelete
  115. I love the Paper Doll Nr.4 - Original Paper Cut Collage print
    rosans4@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  116. I'm a subscriber
    rosans4@comcast.ney

    ReplyDelete
  117. Love the Poe sisters print is so very cool I would love to have it.

    ReplyDelete
  118. I like the Drawings from the Dream Book Nr.3

    adrian309@juno.com

    ReplyDelete
  119. Poe sisters and forest gathering are my faves

    ReplyDelete
  120. Clara - A Moth Doll Signed Artist brooch - One of a kind

    ReplyDelete
  121. the curious bunny

    ReplyDelete
  122. a prize with beauty and class

    ReplyDelete
  123. Autumn with Owl

    theyyyguy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  124. I like the curious bunny rabbit print!

    ReplyDelete
  125. I like dodo day.

    ladycat713@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  126. I soooooo love the "Drawings from the Dream Book Nr.3." Gorgeously blissful!!!

    Thanks so much for this fabulous give~away! : )))

    leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  127. I am also a subscriber.

    leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  128. Paper Doll Nr.1 is my favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  129. I love the Princess Day print. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  130. I liked curious bunny rabbit

    dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  131. Poe Sisters print is my fave. Thanks

    Amy in kamloops@ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  132. Oooh, Dear Dodo is one of my Etsy favorites! I like "From the Dream Book Nr. 6" and "Bunny Day" especially.

    ReplyDelete
  133. Forest Gathering is my favorite. garrettsambo@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  134. My favorite print is Forest Gathering, but all this art is beautiful and haunting. Thanks for the giveaway! Kellifrobinson2 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  135. I subscribe to Wishing Willow via Bloglines.

    ReplyDelete
  136. I subscribe thur email & reader!
    zestywonderland@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  137. i adore the MISTER FLEA goes to the market!

    heatheranne99@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  138. I like autum with owl.

    gesilver@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  139. ohh 'elisa' is beautiful. and so winter-like. but winter in a version of shakespearian england dreamed up by jeanette winterson and lewis carol.

    ReplyDelete
  140. The Drawings from the Dream Book Nr.3 is cool! I would love to win! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  141. I like the owl
    I would love to win this thanks for the chance

    ReplyDelete
  142. I like the curious bunny rabbit--so beautiful and delicate

    i'm purrprints at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  143. oh and I'm also a subscriber purrprints at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  144. STORK STOCKINGS striped has harmony and comedy.

    ReplyDelete
  145. I love the "Autumn with Owl"
    What a neat print.I love the
    owl sitting in her hair.This
    is so amazing the way it is presented.Please enter me and
    thanks for the giveaway

    CharlieGurl57@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  146. I am a subscriber



    CharlieGurl57@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  147. I love the Forest Gathering print!

    ReplyDelete
  148. Cool site, I love the HUMPTY DUMPTY Junior and Little Duckling so adorable, thanks for the giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  149. My favorite is Princess Day...thanks for the contest!
    bahjeep@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  150. I like Princess Day.
    donna444444@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  151. I am a subscriber.
    donna444444@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  152. Princess Day is gorgeous

    jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete