The Question: Hi Barb! I saw the huge article on you & the ART SLUT thing, in the Key West Citizen. I’m so excited you’ll be back for a while & I’m planning on coming to your book signing on Sunday. Can’t wait to see you again. This is so exciting!

Anyway,here’s my question. I live in the tropics - Key West of course & I’m re-doing my house. I want to stay tropical, but add elegance, instead of the typical funky island look. I always loved what you did at your gallery. Got any good suggestions for me? Thanks, Island Babe

 The Answer: Oh that’s so sweet, Island Babe! Yes, I’m excited to be in Key West too! It’s hotter than a pair a big-boy-jumblies right now though, Jeez! Thank God I glow instead of sweating. Whew! Anyhoo, YES! Please do come to my book signing. It’s at Voltaire Books on Simonton & Eaton, in Key West this Sunday from 3 to 5PM!

Back to the matter at hand: Thanks for your question & here are a few suggestions for your fabulous, elegant island villa. You didn’t say a budget or if the house is old or new, but you can make an incredibly chic look by taking a bunch of furniture you already have & adding in missmatched bits. Paint them all black - you heard me. Make them match in color, in spite of their oddness. Use intentionally strange shapes & if you want to really make it last use a brand called ‘Hammerite’.  It comes in all kinds of finishes - from metallic to matte & even pounded steel. They are all amazing, easy to use, long lasting quality. Check them out at www.hammerite.com.

Then, choose your favorite, pale pastel for the walls. Lilac, light blue, something in a cool hue will work great, especially with stark, glossy white trim. Then cover any upholstry with black - the richer, the better - like velvet. Accent with bold, black & white fabric prints. Try zebra & heavy paisley. Mix ‘em up for spice.

Add in a few white alpaca throws for the floor. Choose a metal finish & stick with it - I like silver, myself. Add a few simple & well framed (preferably over-sized & done by you) nudes & fresh flowers.  if you have any awesome collections like shells or whatever, display them framed for presentation & preservation (plus, they’re easier to clean this way). If you do paint or take photos or whatever & have a large enough room to squeeze in an easel, it will add visual interest & style. If you’re afraid to display whatcher workin’ on just put a drape over it for later unveiling.

You can knock out this knock out look in a few short days & it will be Fuh-nominally gorgeous, island-elegance (& I don’t use the F word lightly!). Your friends are going to be so impressed with your ArtSlutty Self!!

Need more ideas for creative living? Check out my new book!

 The Question: Hi Barb! I saw the huge article on you & the ART SLUT thing, in the Key West Citizen. I’m so excited you’ll be back for a while & I’m planning on coming to your book signing on Sunday. Can’t wait to see you again. This is so exciting!

Anyway,here’s my question. I live in the tropics - Key West of course & I’m re-doing my house. I want to stay tropical, but add elegance, instead of the typical funky island look. I always loved what you did at your gallery. Got any good suggestions for me? Thanks, Island Babe

 The Answer: Oh that’s so sweet, Island Babe! Yes, I’m excited to be in Key West too! It’s hotter than a pair a big-boy-jumblies right now though, Jeez! Thank God I glow instead of sweating. Whew! Anyhoo, YES! Please do come to my book signing. It’s at Voltaire Books on Simonton & Eaton, in Key West this Sunday from 3 to 5PM!

Back to the matter at hand: Thanks for your question & here are a few suggestions for your fabulous, elegant island villa. You didn’t say a budget or if the house is old or new, but you can make an incredibly chic look by taking a bunch of furniture you already have & adding in missmatched bits. Paint them all black - you heard me. Make them match in color, in spite of their oddness. Use intentionally strange shapes & if you want to really make it last use a brand called ‘Hammerite’.  It comes in all kinds of finishes - from metallic to matte & even pounded steel. They are all amazing, easy to use, long lasting quality. Check them out at www.hammerite.com.

Then, choose your favorite, pale pastel for the walls. Lilac, light blue, something in a cool hue will work great, especially with stark, glossy white trim. Then cover any upholstry with black - the richer, the better - like velvet. Accent with bold, black & white fabric prints. Try zebra & heavy paisley. Mix ‘em up for spice.

Add in a few white alpaca throws for the floor. Choose a metal finish & stick with it - I like silver, myself. Add a few simple & well framed (preferably over-sized & done by you) nudes & fresh flowers.  if you have any awesome collections like shells or whatever, display them framed for presentation & preservation (plus, they’re easier to clean this way). If you do paint or take photos or whatever & have a large enough room to squeeze in an easel, it will add visual interest & style. If you’re afraid to display whatcher workin’ on just put a drape over it for later unveiling.

You can knock out this knock out look in a few short days & it will be Fuh-nominally gorgeous, island-elegance (& I don’t use the F word lightly!). Your friends are going to be so impressed with your ArtSlutty Self!!

Need more ideas for creative living? Check out my new book!

 The Question: Hey there, Annie! I have a question for you. My boyfriend’s birthday is just around the corner and I’d like to do something unique that doesn’t empty the wallet. I’m thinking you have some pretty fabulous ideas being that you are….so fabulous!!
I want to do something creative and memorable and I’m guessin that’s right up your alley!

Thanks A.A!!!

 The Answer: Oh how I love the love! Good question ‘Artsy & Anonymous. Let’s face it ~ this is for a man & since your budget won’t permit you to buy him a car or new golf clubs… What’s the other thing men like? Well, SEX - duh! I’ve compiled a list list of saucy things to do on the cheap that’re sure to make any man happy & bewildered at your mad creativity. Here goes:

1. Make yourself a birthday cake: Smear icing on your tummy & stick a candle in your belly button. When he comes in the room yell, “Surprise!” & tell him to eat it!
2. Take him to a strip club & let him watch while you get a lap dance. Or, surprise him with a strip-o-gram at work & you give the lap dance (only do this if he has a private office!).
3. Enlist a trusted friend to take a suggestive photo shoot of the two of you. Have the best printed in sepia tone for a magic effect, frame it & give him a memory that will last forever.
4. If he likes poker, arrange for a guy’s night… you make all kinds of goodies for them, then leave OR, you could stay, wearing a spicy French maid’s outfit & acting as his servant all night long (later, teach your master a different kind of pokey-poke!).
5. Arrange for an evening of oil & water sports. Get a bottle of good champagne, a slip-n-slide, a kiddie pool & a Twister board… Oh yeah!
6. Go get a book of erotica & learn a new trick together. Show him how creative you can be! You know, they all want to do that ‘one thing’ & there are plenty of books out there on how to do it. Believe it or not, with a little practice, this can turn into something you actually enjoy. THAT will be a great gift for your guy!
7. Concoct a culinary masterpiece & serve it to him in bed.
8. Get a great big canvas & do a painting together, while nude. Then, let it turn to painting & doing each other…
9. Write him an erotic, short story. Then, act it out.
10. Be his mistress for a day. Come up with an alter-ego & figure out her story & become her. What would she wear? What does she do? Wear a wig… the whole enchilada…

Life ain’t about sex, baby-doll, but if you’ve got the love part down & are looking for an innexpensive way to please your man - it’s a good option. You can find a lot more spicy options in my book & I’m sending you a free copy of the digital version for your question. You can get the paperback here in our store.

Have a wonderful time & as always, remember to ‘Live Life Creatively!’

Con mucho amor, ArtSlut Annie

 The Question: My boyfriend’s birthday is just around the corner and I’d like to do something unique that doesn’t empty the wallet. I’m thinking you have some pretty fabulous ideas being that you are….so fabulous!! I want to do something creative and memorable and I’m guessin that’s right up your alley!

Thanks, A.A. in LA!!!

 The Answer: Hey A.A. ~ Awesome! I love the birthday surprizes & let’s face it, there are a few things men like, but mostly, they like to be surprized by spicy sex. It makes them feel like Big Boys when we want them. So, in addition to the new shirt or IPod or whatever, here are some of my all time faves for makin’ a man feel special:

1. Smear your tummy with his favorite frosting, lie down in a dark room on a lightly greased shower curtain. Put a candle in your belly button & wait. When he comes in, yell, “Surprize!” & make him eat it. It’s good for everyone!
2. I don’t know why, but I’ve found that men like midgets & I’m guessing yours is no different! There are a myriad of fun things to do with them, but I’m talking about going to a show. I see you’re from LA. Have you heard of Lucha Vavoom? It’ Mexican wrestling, burlesque, stand up comedy & midgets all in one show! Who could NOT love that? That sounds like about the ArtSluttiest damned thang I’ve ever heard of!
3. When you go downstairs next time, knock ever so lightly on the back door. This drives men crazy…
4. Get a book on opening your own back door for him. You actually can do this & love it… believe me, he will go out of his mind for you… Don;t do this unless you really like gettin’ it on, because he’s never gonna get off you again.
5. Take him to a strip club & have him watch you get a lap dance from the hottest chick there.
6. Concoct a surprize scavenger hunt birthday party for his friends. This is best done in a theme that appeals to him & with everyone in costume. You can make his & make him wear it, after everyone surprizes him.
7. If he likes poker, throw a poker party for him & the guys, then leave Or, stay- with you as the caterer & wait on them hand & foot like a naughty servant (with him as your master, of course).
8. Show up at his work to deliver a naughty sining telegram that you wrote yourself. Then, just leave his whole office wondering.

I’ve gottat run to go do something beautiful for now, but I hope that helps! Let me know if you need any ore & you free, digital version of my new book is on the way for being today’s chosen question. There are TONS of great ideas in there! Use ‘em & remember to ‘Live life creatively!’

 The Question: Hi ArtSlut love your work… Here is my question. I’ve been married to my lovely wife for 15 years. We have an adorable 4 ½ (the ½ is important to her) daughter. We have date night every Thursday. Our daughter spends that night with her grammy an papa. I need a really cool itinerary for our next date. We have been really consistent but I want to blow her socks off next week… I want to add some extra Mojo. Whatcha got for for me?

 The Answer:

Hola Mr. Mojo! Thanks for your question, ya big cutie pie! Wow, sounds like your wife’s a lucky chick, to have someone who’s so sweet. Since I don’t personally know her tastes, I’ gonna give you a mini list of some good sock blowers that you can mix n match for many Thursdays to come. Here goes:

• Enroll the two of you in a Thursday noght drawing class & start calling her your muse. At the end, do a drawing of her (preferably nude or suggestive). Have it professionally framed for your bedroom & surprise her with it on your anniversary.
• Take her out to test drive some new cars (even if you don’t need one) & take her to a make out spot in one… The two of you will giggle every time you see a Lexus from now on.
• Take a yoga class together & get really sweaty…
• Go to a local bar & make up a silly story together, using all the characters you see there. Then, surprise her by submitting it to magazines as a short story - including the layout of how you did this as a fun, date night with your wife. Chick mags will eat it up & she’ll be so proud.
• Hire a massues to come to your house & rub you both down, then get out.
• If money’s tight, take her to gallery openings, check out the art, drink the wine & act like rich people for a night.
• Write her a song, then play it badly during a toy piano serenade - wine helps.
• Tell her how super-models are always hitting on you, but you say, “Step-off, Biotch! You could never take the place of my beautiful wife!”
• Gift wrap her a pair of socks with a card that says, “You’re gonna need these.
• Body paint each other & roll around on a sheet together. Then, surprise her by having the sheet stretched & framed.

This is just a start, Hon. I love the question & when you get through with some of these, I hope you’ll post it again. Naturally, I’ll be sending you a copy of the e-book free, for posting it & you’ll fine lots more spicy inspiration in it. Enjoy!

 The Question: How the frig’ do I get oil paint out from under my nails? Ok, yeah…I’m trying my bit at an oil class. Won’t ever make it big, but its going to drastically improve my skills at picking paint for walls. Fun Site!

Oily On An Island

 The Answer: Firstly, Miss Oily Pants, I’m glad you like the site & I’m sure you always had mad skills. I’m proud of you for making a move towards self expression. I’m sure you will love that class & see improved creative thinking in all areas of your life from the experience. Kepp it up! Now for your question: Survey says!… “Oil loosens oil”. I personally despise the smell of baby oil, but any light oil will do - cooking is fine, whatever & when you get it all loosened up (a stiff brush will help), you’ll be able to easily remove it with any old soap. Of course, I recommend ours, because it says, “ART SLUT, It’s not dirty. It just feels good!” How freakin’ cute is that?! Anyhooch, my little messy mama, I’m off to make the world a more beautiful place. Have a creative day & imagine all the other excellent uses for oil…Meow! Read the rest of this entry »

 The Question: Today’s question is a general response to people always asking me about love… which is really pretty funny, since I’ve never married. So, considering that - wtf do I know about relationships, Right?

 The Answer: Well, off the top of my head, I can tell you a sure fire way to avoid divorce - don’t marry! On the contrary, I’m all about marriage if it’s what two people want, but I really do believe in waiting for the right one & not just someone. That involves a LOT of factors & although this column usually leans toward the art of things, today I decided to go for the scientific reasoning behind our actions. The following article is from yourmamazingbrain.org. I hope you enjoy.

Then, go get my book for a few spiy tid-bits on gettin’ it on… Btw: Any amazing men out there have about 34 minutes to spare?

The science of love

When do you know if you fancy someone? What does love do to your brain chemicals, and is falling in love just nature’s way to keep our species alive? We call it love. It feels like love. But the most exhilarating of all human emotions is probably nature’s beautiful way of keeping the human species alive and reproducing. With an irresistible cocktail of chemicals, our brain entices us to fall in love. We believe we’re choosing a partner. But we may merely be the happy victims of nature’s lovely plan.

It’s not what you say… Psychologists have shown it takes between 90 seconds and 4 minutes to decide if you fancy someone.

Research has shown this has little to do with what is said, rather 55% is through body language, 38% is the tone and speed of their voice, Only 7% is through what they say.

The 3 stages of love: Helen Fisher of Rutgers University in the States has proposed 3 stages of love – lust, attraction and attachment. Each stage might be driven by different hormones and chemicals.

Stage 1: Lust - This is the first stage of love and is driven by the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen – in both men and women.

Stage 2: Attraction - This is the amazing time when you are truly love-struck and can think of little else. Scientists think that three main neurotransmitters are involved in this stage; adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin.

Adrenaline - The initial stages of falling for someone activates your stress response, increasing your blood levels of adrenalin and cortisol. This has the charming effect that when you unexpectedly bump into your new love, you start to sweat, your heart races and your mouth goes dry.

Dopamine - Helen Fisher asked newly ‘love struck’ couples to have their brains examined and discovered they have high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This chemical stimulates ‘desire and reward’ by triggering an intense rush of pleasure. It has the same effect on the brain as taking cocaine! Fisher suggests “couples often show the signs of surging dopamine: increased energy, less need for sleep or food, focused attention and exquisite delight in smallest details of this novel relationship” .

Serotonin - And finally, serotonin. One of love’s most important chemicals that may explain why when you’re falling in love, your new lover keeps popping into your thoughts.

Does love change the way you think?
A landmark experiment in Pisa, Italy showed that early love (the attraction phase) really changes the way you think. Dr Donatella Marazziti, a psychiatrist at the University of Pisa advertised for twenty couples who’d been madly in love for less than six months. She wanted to see if the brain mechanisms that cause you to constantly think about your lover, were related to the brain mechanisms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. By analysing blood samples from the lovers, Dr Marazitti discovered that serotonin levels of new lovers were equivalent to the low serotonin levels of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder patients.

Love needs to be blind - Newly smitten lovers often idealise their partner, magnifying their virtues and explaining away their flaws says Ellen Berscheid, a leading researcher on the psychology of love. New couples also exalt the relationship itself. “It’s very common to think they have a relationship that’s closer and more special than anyone else’s”. Psychologists think we need this rose-tinted view. It makes us want to stay together to enter the next stage of love – attachment.

Stage 3: Attachment - Attachment is the bond that keeps couples together long enough for them to have and raise children. Scientists think there might be two major hormones involved in this feeling of attachment; oxytocin and vasopressin.

Oxytocin - The cuddle hormone - Oxytocin is a powerful hormone released by men and women during orgasm. It probably deepens the feelings of attachment and makes couples feel much closer to one another after they have had sex. The theory goes that the more sex a couple has, the deeper their bond becomes. Oxytocin also seems to help cement the strong bond between mum and baby and is released during childbirth. It is also responsible for a mum’s breast automatically releasing milk at the mere sight or sound of her young baby. Diane Witt, assistant professor of psychology from New York has showed that if you block the natural release of oxytocin in sheep and rats, they reject their own young. Conversely, injecting oxytocin into female rats who’ve never had sex, caused them to fawn over another female’s young, nuzzling the pups and protecting them as if they were their own.

Vasopressin - Vasopressin is another important hormone in the long-term commitment stage and is released after sex. Vasopressin (also called anti-diuretic hormone) works with your kidneys to control thirst. Its potential role in long-term relationships was discovered when scientists looked at the prairie vole.

Prairie voles indulge in far more sex than is strictly necessary for the purposes of reproduction. They also – like humans - form fairly stable pair-bonds.

When male prairie voles were given a drug that suppresses the effect of vasopressin, the bond with their partner deteriorated immediately as they lost their devotion and failed to protect their partner from new suitors.

And finally … how to fall in love

1. Find a complete stranger.
2. Reveal to each other intimate details about your lives for half an hour.
3. Then, stare deeply into each other’s eyes without talking for four minutes.

York psychologist, Professor Arthur Arun, has been studying why people fall in love. He asked his subjects to carry out the above 3 steps and found that many of his couples felt deeply attracted after the 34 minute experiment. Two of his subjects later got married.

 Every now & then I’ll meet somebody who talks about ‘just wanting to get laid’ or makes an assumption about me, because of the name ‘ArtSlut’ (although usually people are smarter than that - Thank God!).

So here’s the thing: We all want to get laid-duh! But it’s not just sex. We are wired, as humans, to want love & I personally, don’t believe that anyone is exempt (If they are, I don’t want to meet them). Humans need love, like drugs - what? Did I say that? You know what I mean… So, in the words of Kid Rock, “Get inthe pit & try to love someone”!

The Song of the Day is a chemically charged, rockin’ & raunchy lover’s song by Lucinda Williams, who was obviously high on Dopamine & Seratonin when she wrote it… (Lucky bitch). It’s called “Righteously”. Listen carefully, it may cause addicition or somethin’.

Hello Lovahs!

Here’s the latest skinny on ArtSlut Schtuff:

Zee book:
It’s doing great! Just on Nashville & Knoxville radio for 3rd time & they want me to do a weekly series. David Lawrence Show (4million listeners!) on XM Radio channel #171 will be next. Stay tuned for time & date. It’s a daily pick on a review site today: http://www.jimagnew.net/daily_picks.htm. It’s now available in paperback for $14.95 on Amazon & soon on Barnes & Noble, in addition to ArtSlut.com (of course) & hopefully, your local bookstore, soon. Please let me know if you’ve got a cool store that would like it. Of course, we wholesale & it’s a killer display with the shirts & hats! – duh!
*Post a question for ArtSlut Annie today & get a free e-book version of “The ArtSlut’s Guide to Makin’ It ~As a Visual Artist” check it out at www.ArtSlut.com

The Site:
The Ask ArtSlut Advice Column is my favorite new (re-instated) thing & I’m having a ball with it! I’m also offering a free e-version of the book to anyone who posts a question for Ask ArtSlut today! So go check it out! It’s really turning out great & it’s gonna get even more bad-ass, before you know it!

So, check out the site, get the book & ART SLUT shirts, call me for book signing parties, wholesale orders, guest appearances & general, world beautification consulting. I’m awfully busy, but I can still make your ArtSlutty dreams happen!

‘Till next time, this is Barb Benson,
Top ArtSlut, reminding you to “Live Life Creatively!”

 The Question: Dear ArtSlut, I’ve been an artist all my life & have always dreamed of quitting my day job to do it full time. I’ve sold a few pieces to family & friends, but haven’t had a gallery show, yet. I do have a little money saved, but it seems like a giant leap & I’m pretty nervous about it. I haven’t gotten your book yet either, but was hoping you could give me a few pointers on making the switch. Thanks, The Chickn Painter

 The Answer: Hey Chickn’! Thanks for writing! This is a very exciting time of life - sort of like art career-puberty (full of nerves & chnages, Oh my!). So, here’s the dealio: Before you go out on your own, realize that making art and making a business of it are two different things & both are awesome. If you’re going to be an artist as a career, the art making is only part of it. Your ‘company’ makes your art -a ‘product’, then, they - you, have to market & sell it, as well as handle ‘the business’ (& everybody likes to have their business handles, right?!). Set aside at least a half day/wk to do just that… After you’ve prepared the appropriate materials - statements, inventory list, bio, etc… use the time to set them in motion by contacting galleries, posting the info on your website (assuming it doesn’t conflict with any representation deals), coordinating group shows, etc.. Even if you keep your ‘day job’, schedule in a specific amount of time every week or even better, make 1 call a day. You’ll be amazed at what daily dilligence will accomplish for you - even just brainstorming new contacts for the next week - the plant that gets the water is the one that grows. So, give your passion some love.

Here are a few ideas for you:

1. Get your domain name now (preferably, use your name) & if you don’t know how to build a site or do it well, get help. You may be able to do a picture blog more simply (& soon you’ll be able to sell your work on this site too!).
2. Get your biz license & tax permit & meet with a tax preparer to set a system of record keeping in place - You NEED this!
3. Make sure your work is documented, labled & photographed, use these with bio, statement & any past press or promtoional materials to make a ‘pitch kit’.
4. Make a schedule for yourself of business tasks & goals, then accomplish them: get cards, research galleries, museums & interior designers to call on, group shows to get involved in, make a contact list & track correspondence, do follow up calls & send ‘pitch kits’.
5. Be sure you are prepared, emotionally. A ‘no’ doesn’t mean you suck, Hon. It can mean the schedule’s full, or we’re not doing photos right now, or be about price point. There are lots of reasons. So, respond with a polite, ‘Thank you for your time’. Do you have any direction or feedback for me? I’d love to know what you’ll be looking for in the future,’ You may find that your next serious of “Flaming Fairie Fantasies” in oil on canvas, is just what their looking for.
6. The MOST Important thing BEFORE quitting your ‘day job’ is to make sure you have a little cusion to fall back on, because NOTHING KILLS CREATIVITY LIKE STRESS. So, make sure you have at least 6 months of living money & a good start on your tasks, before you take the leap!

You’re right Chikn, I do cover this stuff in the book & I’ll send you an e-copy of it for the letter. Meanwhile, I hope this helps & I’m sending you this freakin’ great link for inspiration, too. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIJtKxdRQzY

 The Question: Dear Art Slut,
I am going to Nashville on Sep. 9 to interview some old guys that did this head hunter thing in the forties, so I can make a book that’s based on the experiences they had off the coast of New Guinea and I’ll be going to that place in May for a more groovy feel.
My question is about the Grand Ole Opry I want to go on Friday because I have the BBQ dance on Saturday with these guys over eighty, That should be sweet.
Do they sell drinks at the Opry?
Should I drink before if they don’t?
Will they understand my ArtSlut hat?
Should I just stay in my hotel and Get the photos and interviews with a clear head?
You guy’s are all I have, The advise I get in front of 801 bourbon just turns into a dark ride.
Stay sweet.
Love, the W.

 The Answer: Wowsie W!
That’s super-cool. I’ll bet you’re talking about the most fantastic documentary ever made - “Sky Above, Mud Below”. It was absolutely, amazing! What a fantastic opportunity for you!
As for your ???’s:
Do they have Drinks at The Opry? Yes, for 17.99ea.
Should you before? Maybe not - especially if you’re driving.
Will they understand? Probably not. They need for you to let them know that they’re ArtSluts too. Splain it to them Loosie! Country music gives us very creative dances & that particular breed of ArtSlut seems to have a really magic way with a Bedazzler. You gotta love THAT!
Conducting an interview with super old, brilliant scientists while intoxicated? We would recommend celebratory drinkies afterward, instead. You never know what they learned in cannibal land & you shouldn’t let your guard down, just in case.
Have a wonderful time on both of your trips & don’t loose your head!