There is a well-known artists here on Steemit.  Her name is @opheliafu!!

@opheliafu was one of my first, and definitely my most supportive artist friends here on Steemit!

Not only did she follow me, comment, upvote, resteem and make a post in my honor, she also inspired me to begin the Collaborative Art Journey.

You see, I wanted to go to Steemfest on very short notice.  We became inspired to do some art together.  She did her part and donated her rewards to me for my journey.  I was totally taken by her generosity.  These were the first two pieces we did together.

"BIRD ON A WING" 

@opheliafu's offering:

Our final piece together:

"MADAME KALI"

My offering for our second collaboration:

Our final artwork:

Then I began to invite others to join in,and @opheliafu continued to play:

"MIDNIGHT SKY"

My offering:

@opheliafu's two-piece transformation:

Notice that @opheliafu often uses recycled materials in her art, like she did above with a page from a book.  I love sustainable art, so I felt her even more a kindred spirit.

I was blessed to have made my trip to Steemfest.  OMG!  What an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Of course, one of the highlights of Steemfest was actually meeting @opheliafu!!!  I was in the hotel lobby in the foyer taking pictures of @saramiller doing yoga in her boots!  @opheliafu arrived with her hat on and scarf wrapped around her neck.   She really didn't have to tell me her name, I could just feel it was her!  

If you look carefully in the reflection you will see @opheliafu in her hat and scarf on the right.

As @saramiller and I were couch surfing, a 45 minute walk from the venue at the Volks Hotel, @opheliafu let us store some of our belongs in her room.  She gifted me a handmade necklace,  and a moment for us to rest together away from the bustle.

Now there is one thing you need to know about @opheliafu--which is not a surprise at all!  @opheliafu does art in every free moment she has--LITERALLY!!  

@onceuponatime, @saramiller, me and @opheliafu.

She did art on the water canal tour to gift to others, and to add to her pre-made stack of masterpieces she had already prepared weeks before Steemfest.

We did a collaborative piece together too.  She drew the sights....

and things from her imagination.

She drew in the lobby and shared her works.

She drew at yoga,

and even at our last night's banquet farewell dinner.

I'm imagining that @opheliafu is with her art materials at home all the time as well.  If you've seen her blog, you'll know it is likely true.

Steemfest was way beyond my wildest dreams.  My faith in humanity had been restored.  I met so many people who felt like family, and @opheliafu was right there at the top of my list.  Upon our return I went full force on the Collaborative Art Journey.  Still @opheliafu continues to contribute her highly valued content,  constant support and encouragement .

"ARTIST'S EYE"

My offering:

@opheliafu's light-hearted rendition:

"ALL FIRED UP"

My offering:

@opheliafu''s "MAN OF THREAD"

"DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?"

My offering:

@opheliafu's "SNOWFLAKE NETWORKS"

"WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS"

My offering:

@opheliafu's 'HOME TWEET HOME"

She kept creating and creating, and offering up her joyful spirit with lots of tricks up her sleeve to keep it interesting.

"ON THE BALL"

My offering:

@opheliafu's stunning "ALIEN FLOWERS"

"ETHEREAL PRESENCE"

My offering:

@opheliafu's "BAREFOOT ON THE GRASS"

Yes, @opheliafu is also quite the expressive writer too!

"SHADOW MANDALA"

My offering:

@opheliafu's engaging "SACRED GLASS"

"SLIVER'S EDGE"

My offering:

@opheliafu's striking "UNDERWATER RED"

"BEYOND THE VEIL"

My offering:

@opheliafu's "MOON BABY"

She also wrote a story called "The Moon Baby" to go with her art.

"INGRAINED"

My offering:

@opheliafu's surprising and cheerful "STRANGE BEASTS"

"POWER SPIRIT"

My offering:

@opheliafu's touching poem and art "FROZEN MEMORIES"

It's great to have a heartfelt connection -- one you can feel half way across the world.  Steemfest brought us together in the physical realm, and I am ever grateful to be connected with such a divine and kindred spirit.   I sometimes have a cup of tea or a glass of wine with you, @opheliafu, while I'm playing here on Steemit. 

Steemit has much to offer--not the least of which is true connection and community support.  May your experiences with Steemit be as fruitful as mine, and may you build friendships that last across time and space.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"MADAME LOVE" created by @opheliafu for me while I was traveling to Steemfest.

Our most recent, active Collaborative Art Journey Invitation "Life Stands Still"