Altered Attic

Winning the Battle

2012-01-19T12:21:00.001-05:00

The end of the movie Cast Away when Tom Hanks is standing at the intersection in the middle of apparent nowhere, after the girl in the truck has explained where all the roads lead - seen it? Though a likely conclusion is inferred, the movie - like real life - doesn't finish the story for us.

Though I have not shared the experience of being marooned with only a ball for company, I identify with the sense of being lost and a search that, while seemingly external, is a metaphor for the inner journey. Miles-long stretches of open roads, no clearly marked destinations... crossroads. I've spent many hours standing there often not realizing that it wasn't going to be made easy by a bolt of lightening or script writer. Sometimes having choices is as overwhelming as not having any.

A studio stocked with enough supplies to go retail does not equate to art making. A stack of empty journals and cache of pens doesn't create prose. I've written poetry, short stories, essays, blog posts, worked in acrylics, collage, mixed media, assemblage, fabrics; however, I'm uncertain that I know how to do 'my real work.' And what is that work? All I know is that it involves creativity.

I just finished reading Steven Pressfield's The War of Art. It has been around for a decade and I'm no stranger to books dealing with the creative process, or more important, the lack of it, but I've only recently discovered the gem. Maybe it's the way he writes - decisive, direct and to the point - maybe it's the right time, or both, but the book has taken hold in my thought process.

A lifelong writer, I never had writer's block until after attending an advanced fiction program with highly credentialed authors as instructors. No slight to them, once I realized just how a 'great' paragraph should read I couldn't muster a competent sentence. How's that for Resistance, which Pressfield says is the enemy of creativity. Both real and imagined, Resistance is what stands between us, meaning, "Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us.

When I started making art, my naive self knew I could spend endless hours in the studio and never run out of ideas, options, techniques, materials. The exploration and experimentation were heady and just plain fun. But then I reached a point when, in retrospect, I started taking it too seriously. Pressfield's take on Resistance is eloquent and powerful; in my life it is the viney, tangled web ready to morph into a flesh-eating virus.

The more I learned about mixed media art and the blog community that teaches, supports and unites us, the more difficult it became to produce. The art war takes place in the hierarchy mode where most of us operate, a pecking order that inevitably leads to comparisons. That would have made my next step, or rung on the ladder, getting a piece of my work published in a magazine, possibly even a book. Those thoughts created a sound akin to a door slamming shut in my mind. So, I haven't completed anything - that I 'like' - for a while now. And worse, I've been unable to decide on the criteria for really liking a piece.

My best work may have been the backgrounds I did when Jim (my DH) needed help last fall. One of the 18x18s canvases was the dominant visual aspect of the piece. I suppose knowing that a background can't be screwed up, that it can only evolve or take on an entirely new life through texture, color, collage... makes it OK to play. But transferring that mindset to creating a finished project, one that reflects my inner artistic self, remains elusive. The longing for writing, for soldering, painting, sewing, whatever, doesn't necessarily translate to action.

I crawled out on the giant limb that usually rescues me from myself and invested in a new table/organizational system for my part of the studio. Yes, my husband said... you're swimming in a sea of pieces, parts and paper. But no, I answered, then I'll have to admit that I am committed to making art. Yet another Pressfield quote, "The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death." Yes, his book has turned me into a cheerleader of sorts though it may have more to do with my particular need for his words.

Rather than turn into an even more frustrated looney, I've been organizing and making room for the new work center. There I will start texturing, scraping, painting, sanding, writing on and messing in backgrounds until I figure out what I do want to create. I will show up and do the work. If you're still reading chances are you've found yourself in this dilemma; if so, read the book. Again, it's The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield. It might not change your life like it has mine, but I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

2011-12-24T21:27:00.004-05:00

Once again, a giant THANKS to Seth Apter for including my response(s) in the Christmas Day edition of The Pulse. Check out the amazing series featured on his blog, The Altered Page - engaging and inspirational!

Happy Holidays to all and best wishes for the coming year!

Tis the Season

2011-12-18T18:18:00.014-05:00

After late nights and long weekends, my husband, Jim, finished his paintings in time for the gallery opening. As with any date in December, the weekend was packed with arts events and it wasn't as populated as previous New Editions Holiday shows. But what do you know, one of the attendees was the art buyer for the University of Kentucky Hospital . The major renovation includes a mindset that embraces the 'art heals' philosophy; according to Herald-Leader reporter Tom Eblen, UK Hospital is a notable art museum. They continue acquiring works to showcase Kentucky's amazingly talented, diverse artists, the most recent being nine of Jim's 18x18 mixed media pieces! What an honor!

Take a moment to enjoy his work while I digress...

I am not the only one who feels unprepared, behind schedule, frazzled and, well, tired. I know I'm not. But even after years of experience, I'm off the grid, out of the loop, in an oddly egg-shaped orbit that has taken me far from recognizable turf. I've seen very little of friends and festivities and lots of, well, preparation.

I do have two teenagers with busy schedules and a chronic illness that eats my time, and then there was the day after Thanksgiving incident involving abscesses, oral surgery... a painful ten days spent watching movies instead of being productive, blah, blah, blah. My new dentist, as she was finishing up my root canal last week, said she had a few patients who were completely prepared for the holidays and just enjoying the season. We had a simultaneous urge to barf. I mean, really??

The rest of us, a whopping majority I feel certain, all have unique and myriad reasons why we're never caught up with that sit-back-and relax kind of satisfaction. Think about it... if nearly everyone of us - are you with me? - is caught up in the fray, what does that say about our expectations? Are our days really supposed to be Chinese fire drill rehearsals? In spite of the countless reminders, self-help articles, sermons and vows about focusing on the true meaning aside, I wonder if I'll ever be willing to shift my perspective.

It's a matter of programming driven by the expectation trap. Life, as John Lennon said so aptly, is what happens when you're making other plans. Like my planned commitment to make 12 December calendars for the swap group I've been involved with for a few years now. Nope. The gifts I'd envisioned creating. Nope again. Between our own issues and the unplanned, it's all too easy to give up. Instead, perhaps there's something to be said for giving in.

Just when I think I've had the most comprehensive lesson in surrender, I'm tested anew. But the positive side is an acquired taste for acceptance, an appreciation of the days after the pain, the breather moments between pressure points. Along with a full realization of the incredible blessings that overshadow any trifling complaints.

The only work I've done in the studio since September has been to help Jim by prepping (previously posted) backgrounds, but what a reward. I may not be sending out Christmas cards but who says New Year's Greetings won't be appreciated? Yes, it took three days to get lights on the tree and I have yet to bake a cookie.

I haven't visited ANY of my favorite blogs either, hence the off-the-grid sensation. Less than a week before Christmas, twelve days until we greet a new year, and I decided to watch football with the boys and now, drink coffee and write a blog post and allow myself mindful meditation to focus on the good that really does outdo the petty negatives.

So, just when I've mastered the art of the excuse, I find I don't need it after all.

Happy day, blessed holidays, greetings and love to all!

Have Heart

2011-11-09T16:52:00.003-05:00

A while back I won a shrine kit from the magnificent Kristin Hubick at Retro Art Cafe. If you aren't familiar with the Coffee Break packages, the Flaming Heart Milagro Shrine kit includes (3) 1/8" Masonite pieces, along with a small crown and cross, which I decided not to use in my design. After painting, stamping, drilling holes and other fun stuff, I glued the pieces together, further embellished, of course, and wire danglies. The finished piece measures roughly 5" x 4" with a 1" square opening - perfect for my message, have heart.

I sent the photo to Kristin and she entered it in the "I Love Retro Art Cafe" contest she has posted on Facebook. The deadline isn't until December 3rd, so there's still plenty of time to see just how much fun you can have with these nifty snap-apart kits. I just received the Baroque Door Shrine Kit (ATC sized) that I ordered, hoping to finish it before the end of the month.

Fall crocuses were just ahead of daylight savings time and enough wind to scatter the gorgeous color we've been graced with for several weeks. I already miss the beautiful trees and will ponder raking while I swish through the gold and russet colored carpet on the front lawn.

In the meantime, as the brisk chill brings spare time inside, I'm sure I'm not the only one planning for holidays and anticipating more studio time. And, the essential start to every day, a steaming mug of my favorite blend of fresh-roasted coffee - Big Blue - with a dash of cream. Yum. My darling husband, Jim, has been designing packaging (along with lots of other cool materials) for Coffee Times Coffee House, a Lexington-based, independent coffee roaster with uber-fresh product and, um, mail order service!

Backgrounds and then some...

2011-10-31T12:46:00.003-04:00

I was fortunate to be featured on Seth Apter's latest edition of The Pulse. If you haven't been there yet, check out the amazing variety of artists on The Altered Page, now talking about their favorite tools and/or techniques. I could spend entire days wandering around the blogs he has graciously shared over the months - such fabulous art!

My favorite part of the creative process is diving into, or on I should say, a white surface and it just so happens I've been working on backgrounds for the past several weeks.

I grab as much 'stuff' as I can scavenge in my studio (not difficult!!), like coffee cup wrappers, gift wrap, tape, sewing patterns, corrugated paper, wholey paper (of course - a must on every piece - available at my pal Saluda Jane's Random Arts!) glass bits, punchinella, whatever.

Then, along with molding gel and several other textured media, begin the layering process. And layering and layering...

then grabbing sponges, bottle caps and a spray bottle and commencing with five, sometimes ten paints over the substrate, and that's if the basic color theme doesn't 'evolve' as it usually does.

Sometimes even when I'm happy with the direction I can't restrain myself and spread (more) gesso on stamps or flick it with a toothbrush... I always end up covered and can trace the history of every piece by looking at my hands, arms and painting clothes! Yay! Thanks again, Seth, you are truly amazing.

Happy Halloween All!!

The Flea Market Arrived

2011-09-29T12:24:00.004-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, Trina at the The Paper Flea Market, had a water-damage related sale - the deal was $10 for a Priority Mail box. I love surprises and have done business with her before so I didn't hesitate. The biggest surprise was when I realized just how many treasures were jam packed in the box...

I can't imagine the value of the amazing stuff she sent me, but I suspect it would fetch quite a bit more than $10!! Game pieces, fabrics, tons of papers, post cards, playing cards, photographs, an entire book...

I love the vintage school work - who doesn't remember practicing the alphabet on ruled sheets (that were white at the time:), or the visual method for learning vocabulary - always my favorite.

These days every credit card comes with a reward or point system which has done away with the exquisite paper trail of old. The stamp books are a fave - I remember a really, really long time ago when my mom collected Green Stamps. She redeemed them for counter-top appliances, a barbeque grill and a canister set that my Dad said was nice but would never last. I just check to be sure, but they are still in use!

Game pieces, Monopoly money, playing cards and a birthday card that must have its roots in the Southeast, perhaps close to home?

The fabric was an unexpected treat - along with the wallpaper strips are two large pieces of old fabric and a couple of samples that are transparent, and quite lovely!

There hasn't been time or energy for working in the studio lately, so I've decided that I'm going to use this enormous stash for prompts. Journal pages, a collage, who knows? Trina was cleaned out of treasure boxes but the sale was so popular that she plans more in the future. Well worth checking out!

Stacks and Gifts

2011-09-21T09:02:00.009-04:00

Seth Apter's latest collaboration on The Altered Page, is the admission of our proclivity to stack. Hop on over to his blog to check out the myriad ways creativity can be piled! I immediately thought of the paper I use to protect the drawing table. Once a project is done I add the paper to the pile accumulating on a side shelf and tear off a new piece.

Yes, it's brown kraft paper, but, the sheets are also a journal in a sense. I can leaf through them and see what I was working on, sketches and doodles, stamped images, holes sliced out, lists, color experiments and a host of other information - phone numbers, names, dates - because having two teenagers necessitates the answering of the phone while working in the studio.

It also serves as alternative, readily-available gift wrap - what's better than recycling?! After I finished the box (below) I wrapped it with the paper I'd used and tied it with recycled sari ribbon. It may look a bit odd, but people who know me expect something a bit out of the ordinary. And, usually spotted with paint.

I gave this box to friends who had a baby several weeks ago. The one I'd made before was a deep earthy color and my daughter, though she loved it, pointed out that it didn't exactly look very 'baby gifty.' I agreed and made another that complemented the color scheme they used in the nursery.

I love lace and bits of trim and the myriad ways they can be layered to create subtle depth. And, fibers have to come into play somewhere, so, though you can't see them without enlarging the photo, there are charms tied and dangling at the back of the box.

I hope you are having a meaningful week with enough bursts of joy to fuel your creative process!

Mildly Creative - and Then Some!

2011-09-17T11:18:00.003-04:00

by Ken, August, 2011

Somewhere along my search for inspiration I ran across Mildly Creative. The proprietor, Ken, may or may not have a chronic illness, but his insights as a 'Quirk in Progress' run parallel to my own thoughts and beliefs. What is better than affirmations from a like-minded creative??

Two of his recent posts hit home in a particularly relevant manner. The Courage to be Boring speaks to those of us who don't lead socially exciting or outwardly adventurous lives, but derive our meaning and happiness from our internal passions... such as writing and art. One of my favorite quotes: "The best thing I ever realized is that I’d rather be boring than bored." Limits on energy and resources due to chronic illness often force this practice though it's considering it a choice is a fine idea.

My other recent fave, Doing and Failing is Better than Wishing and Waiting may sound logical and fairly obvious; however, I wonder how many creatives, aside from myself, might benefit from this practice. I highly recommend checking out Ken's brilliant site!

On the brighter side

2011-09-15T17:24:00.012-04:00

A big challenge when blogging about National Invisible Illness Week is avoiding rerun mode when discussing life with chronic illness. As in, wow, I was going to post every other day but suddenly it's Thursday! Oh well, a crazy barometer and the crazier schedules of the mom-taxi passengers, and so on...

I decided to focus instead on a couple of CI folks who chose to contribute to the positivity flowing in cyber world. The first is Michael Nobbs, a British artist, writer and tea drinker diagnosed in the late 1990s with ME/CFS/PVFS (otherwise known as Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome).

The debilitating fatigue that derails many a creative endeavor is Michael's daily existence; his philosophy, however, is about sustaining creativity in blocks of time based on available energy. He counsels that devoting even fragments of time to one's art leads to a collective body of work. He focuses on prioritizing, or as he says in his free email newsletter, "Getting Your Important Work Done."

His career as a creative despite a lack of resources is an inspiring reminder to me. Through his daily podcasts, drawings, newsletters and e-books his encouraging generosity can surmount the most wicked flare.

Many thanks to Michael! I hope you will check out his site, and find a way to support his important work!

Invisible Illness (Next) Week

2011-09-07T10:56:00.008-04:00

Though the national Invisible Illness Week doesn't officially launch until September 12th, I decided to post today because, well, I'm having a flare, probably like half the population. Yes, it's a stat; nearly 50% of us suffer from a chronic condition. It is very difficult to remain still when my dreams are so alive and energized. And when there are dirty dishes, laundry and chores that seem higher on the priority list than working in the studio, though usually not!

The IIW website is a wealth of information for those of us dealing with the myriad conditions that may go unnoticed, unless of course you happen to play tennis like Venus Williams (Sjogren's Syndrome) or golf like Phil Mickelson (Psoriatic Arthritis - both just like me!). In one of my favorite articles , founder Lisa Copen writes about the fact that living with illness doesn't mean choosing giving in! Next week I'll be writing more about this year's theme, Deep Breath, Fresh Start, the modus operandi for staying out of a funk.

Writing about feeling yucky seems trite given the multiple hurricanes and flooding, the fires in Texas, the impending 10th anniversary of 9/11, protests, war and unrest and, well, world hunger, the economy and politics and.... As in so many situations, I wonder how, as one person, I can possibly impact the lives of those suffering, so many far worse than I. But in preparation for the upcoming week I recalled a comment received several weeks ago.

A woman (who, unfortunately I wasn't able to contact/thank) wrote about my thoughts during last September's Invisible Illness Week. The realization that 10-month old words spoke aloud was very rewarding indeed.

Comment received in July from Smokey's Mom:

Ah, the silent chronic illnesses...I suffer from severe Fibromyalgia as a result of two separate traumatic injuries to my neck and lower back. I take so many medications, I've lost count. I cannot sleep at night without my Trazodone...I take 100 mg. of Morphine three times a day just so I can move and function. I am considered "disabled" (and I have the car plaque to prove it! Ha!) So, I really do hear you, and feel your pain. I am now experiencing rheumatoid arthritis in my left hand and fingers - good thing I'm right handed, lol. My life has changed so much over the last 15 years. You mentioned planning and then missing out on events - me too. Through all of this my savior has been my art. I'm certainly no pro, but being able to create art that other people want to trade me for or buy has been a blessing and it's what keeps me going. I don't get frustrated or angry any more, even when I lose time...Fibromyalgia is what I have, it's not who I am:) Your art is incredible. You are an extraordinary woman. How can you expect anything ordinary to happen to you. (Louisa May Alcott). I'm following your blog now:)

My lack of posting, due to my lack of arting, is very frustrating indeed but with this post I affirm that, like my friend states so well, though I have an illness I am not my illness. Thanks for sharing your eloquence Smokey's Mom, I hope you're able to create today!

2011-08-25T08:39:00.003-04:00

How very cool to get an email from Seth Apter with the cover photo and news that the book will be hot off the press in a few short months - March 2012!! Knowing that my words will be contained within those pages is such an honor! I was one of a hundred artists who wrote - in detail - about art, process, inspiration... come to think of it, I was rather brutally honest - it will be interesting to see which of my thoughts appear in print!

Seth, as I'm sure most of you know, is an amazing artist, writer, blogger and host of the fabulous blog series The Pulse. The Style File, launched early in July, is the first of six collaborative projects that asks artists the question, "how would you describe your artistic style?" Seth has gifted the art-blog world with an incredible opportunity to peek into the creative windows of a multitude of diversely-talented artists. My own descriptive was featured in the third installment.

If you haven't yet visited The Altered Page, grab a cup of your favorite brew and relax while browsing your way through a richly satisfying artistic world.

The making of a box

2011-08-16T09:20:00.007-04:00

In a post a while back I mentioned that the owner of the corner market has been kind enough to give me (by the dozen!) Swisher Sweet boxes. They are the most durable of all cigarillo boxes - sturdy enough to withstand paint, sanding and gluing, but without the complexity of a wood cigar box.

Textured backgrounds are my most favorite part of creating. I've benefited from so many others' blogs,articles in magazines and books, workshops and tutorials... I decided to document and share my process.

After a light sanding and coat of gesso, spotty pumice gel and some molding paste, I sort through the (exponentially growing piles) scraps left from previous projects and I save even the smallest bit so I don't have to do much ripping. Golden's Clear Tar Gel is so great for gluing, a habit I formed long ago, though there is likely a better (cheaper!) adhesive?

It's actually cool to look at this photo and see history, tissue, strip from a wedding piece, part of a teabag folio, text and other scraps - always pieces of wholey paper, acquired from my wonderful friend Saluda Jane - that remind me of earlier projects.

Usually I start with one of the colors in the palette that I have in mind for the piece, but I decided that a warm gray would be interesting so I could go in any, or many directions. If anyone is interested in finding a good warm shade of gray let me know because I had to search!

I seldom use the red family and when I did, I quickly realized that I wanted to brighten it up, incorporate some contrast so next came the yellows - Qinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold, Naples and Mars Yellows...

By far the most appealing aspect of painting is that if you end up with what looks like leftover pizza, or just don't like the direction your color is taking, a wash of Titan Buff is an amazing remedy!

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I took that opportunity to add another layer of papers and texture and went more in the bronze direction. Liquitex makes small bottles of coppery and bronze colors that are iridescent but not as shimmery as Lumiere.
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This time around I ended up with a deep red and earthy brown and, though decidedly different from others I've done, I liked it after a bit of tweaking.

Next the treasure hunt, which given enough time and patience, can be rewarding all on its own. I see a scrap of paper - below to the left - that came from my pal Alicia at Altered Bits quite some time ago... though we are often fairly isolated as artists I find that being surrounded by friends' supplies, scraps, gifts and works of art is most companionable.

Narrowing it down is the hardest part; deciding what message or feeling I want to impart often requires quite a bit of thought, one process I try to avoid in the studio. It's a sharp departure from the playing with color and texture and I can easily get hung up on details that really don't matter, as design can be every bit intuitive. I think that is the question I'd most like to ask every artist I know - at what point do conscious choices move to the forefront... are they preconceived in sketches, or determined while beginning of the piece?

I layered papers, mica, ribbon and added a handmade paper heart, bits of papers and lace, a small spoon... this gift will be in the mail soon and hopefully the hours I spent will seep from the box, enveloping the recipient with my love!

Buried Treasure

2011-07-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Seth Apter for drawing the art-blog community closer together - again!! He is so amazingly generous; blog world is definitely a better place because of Seth and all his efforts. Here is one of my favorite 'oldies'!

deadlines. all the years I worked at our agency we lived by them. we had drop deadlines too. nice language. get it done or drop dead? think about or do little else until the deadline arrives and the project, thing, action is complete and one can resume living. It has been nearly five years since I've lived - and died more than a few times - in that world. other than paying bills on time, washing socks when everyone starts yelling, and stocking the fridge with the basics, I don't have deadlines. doctor's appointments don't count because you all know that passing the hours in a waiting room is enough to kill anyone. I am fairly self-propelled, albeit somewhat tardy on occasion; my daughter says we put the 'pro' in procrastination. call me human.
today I had a deadline. I have been working on a journal project that has elicited joy, inspiration, new techniques and a creative high beyond my wildest imagination. so it didn't feel very dead. I delivered the 8 freshly varnished books to the gallery where the woman ordered them back in October. I remember my jaw dropped when Frankie told me how she'd priced them... more than I'd ever think of charging, though I think it's natural to undervalue our work, especially early in the game. today she said they were worth every penny, beautiful, each one entirely unique in concept, color, execution. my costs were negligible, but then again, can you put a price on the creative process, the energy and love, attention to detail?
I found out how much love I'd expended when I left them spread on the counter and got in my car to drive back home. It was all so bizarre, how could I possibly feel sad, wistful, empty even?? I called my friend Debbie, who has been making her living as an artist for more than 20 years. She laughed and said she still goes through it, the not-quite-ready-to part with it, kind of like giving away a piece of yourself. How silly?! She said it was a good sign, that I had accomplished my goal. that more than art, each piece is a work of love going out into the universe.
My good friend and professional photographer, Jeff Rogers, photographed the journals in his studio the other day - I'll post them as soon as he gets around to burning the images on a disk. Hmmm, maybe I should have given him a deadline.

Lobsters, Lighthouses and Legbones

2011-07-27T12:31:00.004-04:00

Maine is the only New England state I hadn't had a chance to visit - until this week. The photos I'd seen, friends' stories... there are no disappointments. Though I grew up in New York (state) I've lived in Kentucky for so many years that it is truly a refreshing memory zing to step into this climate (a couple dozen degrees cooler as well:) and culture.

A couple of hours on a sailboat offered a splendid vista, the coastline and legendary lighthouses are as amazing as I'd imagined. And to think that some of the oldest buildings in the country are in this area is fascinating.

My sister and brother-in-law drove up to Acadia yesterday and the photos are incredible. The original Acadians were French who were driven out by the English. They sailed down the coast and ended up in Louisiana, and Acadian morphed into Cajun along the way. I'm glad my mother is a history buff:), I mean, who knew??

There are so many photo opportunities that it's almost overwhelming. I plan to shoot a few that I can use in my art before we leave. Weathered wood, rust, doors and windows galore - yikes!

My sister (on the right), Robin, obliged for this photo so I wouldn't feel so, well, touristy by myself. But honestly, how often do you see a lobster this size?

Jim and my son, Dylan, went to one of the dozens of road-side markets that offer an amazing array of antiques and oddities. This 'thing' looks like an ocarina but when I started to blow on it, Dylan told me it was made from a human leg bone - in Nepal! So, I just admired it and decided to share...

I'm looking forward to the Treasure Hunt that begins tomorrow on Seth Apter's blog - hope you're planning to dig!

Almost Time for the Treasure Hunt

2011-07-26T15:33:00.001-04:00

Seth Apter will be publishing Buried Treasure in just two days!! I've got my post ready and can't wait to start the hunt. Thanks Seth for all you do and I'm sure this event will be a rousing success - so many fabulous blogs to investigate, some for the first time, along with many old friends. Hope you join in!

Journal Page

2011-07-20T11:46:00.003-04:00

I've spent so much time away from home - I miss the studio! I took my journal to the lake and managed a page... Having a small art bag makes it a fun challenge; sometimes I think I have way too much stuff for my own creativity.
This has been an 'interesting' summer, to say the least, and it's showing up in my work. Yay!
Happy Summer to all!.

2011-07-11T18:56:00.003-04:00

The funnest part of working on a vintage cigar box is getting started - creating layers of texture using a variety of media, scraps of paper, fabric, tissue and whatever else I have handy. And sponging on paint... sometimes I use as many as 8 - 10 colors to get the depth and finish I'm looking for. And then the endless possibility for adding elements from the rather extensive stash of 'stuff' I've been collecting for the past few years.
This box was commissioned as a gift for a gal who is studying graphic design in California. No, that wasn't daunting!! Too much anyway.

I photographed the box before I finished the clean-up on the hinges, which can be very tricky. Lots of E6000 comes in handy when attaching metal, glass and ceramic objects - I gathered the fabric from the top and glued it under a Czech glass button.

I wasn't able to use any photos on the outside, so creating an angel seemed the ideal way to go. Her dress is made of several layers - lace, fabric, tulle, trim, an old doll cape and topped off with a brooch. Her wings are cut from canvas paper that I textured and painted and embellished with Swarovski crystals.

The inside issue I had was lingering odor - I put small trays of baking soda in the closed box for a few weeks and it still had the vintage touch, but that really is part of its authenticity. I had several ideas for framing the photos and ended up covering each one with a piece of mica. I also used Golden mica paint for the inside lid base and Indian Sari trim, pearls and other fun touches.

Now that the job is finished I'm going to start on the cardboard box I gessoed last week - yay, time to play! Hope you are finding time to create, not always easy for me, but well worth the wait. Now, if I can only get my scanner working...

2011-07-05T10:31:00.004-04:00

I wonder if anyone else gets bogged down in a color rut... So often it's the faves that end up on the surface - blue-greens, yellow-golds, purples... I've been experimenting with an extended palette, using colors that I ordinarily steer away from and trying to incorporate a wider variety of 'stuff' into pieces. Having more fun, getting carried away, traveling into that inner zone where the muse can hide now and then. Thanks to Seth at The Altered Page, I'm finding and rediscovering so many art blogs - such inspiration!

My scanner isn't working and photographing pieces with glare issues doesn't present the best image, but for now it will have to do! I love making journals and the gallery wants canvases. Don't get me wrong, I'm so grateful to even be represented!! But it can be intimidating so I pretend that I'm working on a journal cover - what's that about? Somehow I have more freedom with journals than canvas, though it's obviously a mind thing. I'd be really interested to hear about your tools for stretching (aside from canvas:).

2011-07-04T11:30:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!

We've been hearing fireworks for a week now... and there's plenty more to come, but my favorite tradition is brunch with friends. In the mid-90s, a few neighbors started coming over for breakfast after we'd walked half a block to drink coffee and watch the 10K race. It grew into an annual event that we hosted until our friends Ron & Vickie took over. I look forward to relaxing with friends, some of whom I don't see most of the rest of the year.

Over the weekend, Jim captured some fun shots of the sparklers we played with... kinda fun to end up with cool creative shots without photoshop or manipulation.

I haven't had much studio time lately but I'm looking forward to making boxes for a few friends. The owner at the corner gas station is my source for empty Swisher Sweets boxes, so I walk out carrying a bag that makes it appear as though I chain smoke cigarillos!

I recently finished a commission, a vintage wood cigar box, and while gratifying it's also more time consuming. Something about working on cardboard is very low pressure; the one in the photo above was my first experiment with a cigarillo box. I'm going to document and post the process I use to create texture and one of the endless finishing options on cardboard that I find every bit as appealing as a box I've had to pay for - starting with gesso, of course!

I hope everyone has enjoyed a safe and happy holiday; it is one more opportunity to realize that despite the brokenness in our world we are very fortunate indeed!
Blessings to all.

No, It's Not Valentine's Day...

2011-06-20T08:34:00.001-04:00

Yes, this does appear very February 14th-ish; however, when making a card for my husband Jim, it's difficult not to go with the heart theme. I wrote a haiku on the inside:

notes play in my heart
a melody of love bound
to you forever.

Then our 21st wedding anniversary ten days days after his birthday. We've never been big on celebrating calendar holidays though our June 15th wedding was truly memorable. But more pressed into my heart is mid-October, which will mark 25 years on our amazing journey.
I look back at our wedding photos with a misty recollection. We'd already experienced and shared a great deal, but it was a mere foundation for all that has come to pass. Joy, grief, growth, art, building a business together, parenthood, illness... I'd like to say it has been clear sailing but any couple living an intentional, meaningful life together knows otherwise. We rarely argue, never have. We know the others' buttons but they don't get pressed deliberately.
It's no secret that parenting, even under the best of circumstances - two healthy, creative, intelligent and amazing teenagers - is beyond the realm of simple understanding. Every day I hope that, for every wrong move I make, there are a few good ones, teaching moments about being true to their real selves, stopping to think (at least once every few days) before speaking, the need for respect and nurturing their passion for dance and music. How it's vital to stay open to the infinite opportunities that create depth and wisdom. And kindness, compassion for self and others.
I also know for sure that chronic illness sucks. I speak from a place of frustration rather than self-pity. Losing twenty - or more - hours every week to the sleep and rest that ensure forward motion, is both a penalty and great motivation for sorting priorities. So many of my blog and art pals understand this altered life, an annoying (yet very thankfully not terminal!) path that differs with season, activity, stress... always unpredictable, a constant need to re-pace based on flares and inflammation. The analogy of having been 'thrown off the merry-go-round' is still descriptive, but it really is a shifty orbit. Its shape and distance vary so widely that, for example, by the time I get back to my blog more than a month has passed since my last post. I've made gifts for loved ones and managed to complete a commission, but my goal of creating daily, blogging at least weekly, just can't happen. It has deepened my character and, on the whole made me a stronger, wiser person, but I constantly struggle with guilt. All-too frequently the answer is no and I'm the one who loses out for not being able to take my daughter shopping, for declining, planning then not arriving, participating, enjoying. So, as always, I consider this positively, as my life's journey including all the detours.

Making my sister's birthday tag book was a sentimental and gratifying process. Like the birthday card for Jim and other small projects of late, I worked from a place of intuitive continuity... no stopping to think, critique, evaluate, just doing. I suppose creating, for me, requires turning off my brain (monkey mind) and being a bit braver than is comfortable. Nearly every piece I've begun with grand notions ends up on the 'other' table, in the stack or pile of experiments that may or may not be revisited in the future.
I'm trying to learn trust. To get it - understand that making art is relative to the degree of openness I allow amid an internal monologue all too susceptible to negativity. It really is about process, surrendering to flow. After making art for five years I'm only beginning to find my creative voice; the freedom to art, which can be very elusive, means letting go of all expectations.
My sister and I (for that matter!), were really cute kids, dontcha think?

2011-05-10T09:13:00.009-04:00

Spring... the ideal metaphor for life, the awakening: dormant bulbs that rise, cracking open the winter-hard earth; the miracle of trees, seemingly barren, suddenly laden with buds sprouting at the tips of once empty branches. The beauty of a still morning, silence broken by birds that call through now-opened windows. And the storm that strikes here and there and there... violence wrenching apart the calm, torrents of rain puddling on saturated ground and clouds, beautiful purple-gold bellies turned to gray rage, swirling masses capable of the ultimate destruction. Then the aftermath, a step taken out the door that reveals washed, dazzling brick and pavement and rooftop, enveloped by the warmer air perfumed with hyacinth, lilies, nectar dripping from God's own hand.

The seasonal roller coaster also wreaks havoc on my joints and absorbs my energy and passion drained despite the splendor of dogwood and cherry blossoms. Such effort to quell the frustration caused by the familiar inability to control my energy, schedule my time, any more than I can leash the lightening that rakes the night sky; and then the lucid awareness after the weeks surrendered and I find myself aware now of the distance since I have written, captured the ideas, dreams, fears and essence of my life journey.

I have woken to find that swaps and posts and comments have, thankfully, continued in my absence. That artists and fellow travelers on this creative path still walk, albeit the many shared words of silence, lack of time, creative energy, ability to make the art that saves our very souls and then post it for the people whose lives have enriched ours and to whom we feel connected as kindred spirits despite distance, differing life circumstances, degrees of activity.
The raging beauty of stormy spring has broken to reveal a voice that revives, whispers of all that beckons, a still-life jarring to wild splashes of color, the renewal energy, and with it, hope.

2011-04-01T09:46:00.005-04:00

I had the distinct honor and pleasure of making the guest book for my friend Diane's wedding (this past Saturday). She kept the guest book at our wedding in 1990 and all these years later, her joyful celebration was incredible and extremely well-deserved. Can't say my joints have recovered after hitting the dance floor though it was well worth the energy expended.

Spring. Transition... a time for new life and considering that, in spite of the state of the world, most of us are blessed beyond belief. The birds are singing and it's sunny... albeit 40 degrees all week here. In two days we leave for Rosemary Beach, Florida, and will stay in an fabulous private residence club, thanks to Jeff Rogers, my dear friend, photographer and publisher (visit his site and take a look at his gorgeous coffee table books), and his lovely wife, Missy.

~~~
We wake up in the morning but how often to we give thanks for that simplest of wonders. During this Lenten season, I've gone into my own wilderness to root out (even more of:) the broken places inside me that distance me from God. Living with a chronic illness has engendered a deeply implanted sense of gratitude. But while we are intact and going about our days, how often is a state of amazed Grace rising up like a fountain in our spirit?

The passing of two friends has shocked me - and my husband, Jim; both were 52 and died suddenly. Jim's friend, Lloyd, suffered a massive heart attack. They were camping and fishing buddies and our sons were in school and scouts together. The visitation was a reunion of sorts, the way most are since we're seldom able to reach out to those who have or do touch our lives, remain friends in our hearts and memories, live a short distance away, but are ensconced in hectic lives. Sigh. They have a memorial camping trip planned and I know Lloyd will be with them.

Deb Gilchrist, with whom I've been in two art groups with for years, was also 52. A brief battle with the flu and she was gone. I went to her blog and in her last post, dated February 28th, she spoke about the moon, connectedness and opening our hearts to let the pain from old wounds flow through us and dissolve. I was stunned when I read her words about not feeling that she belonged here, because, while I don't generally believe in coincidence, I can't help but wonder about her openness and the timing...

Following is an excerpt from Deb's last post. I wish all of you love, grace, gratitude and blessings.

In the wee hours, the full moon shone bright and beautiful in clear skies, beckoning us to stop for a time and honor the deeper parts of ourselves.

I've spent a lifetime feeling a connection to, or in my earliest memories, at least an awareness of something beyond what I could see or touch... alternating with the feeling of not quite belonging here. From an early age, I knew such feelings were not the accepted norm and so I learned to keep them to myself. I also understand that I'm not alone in this lifetime of knowing. But I've never considered it in this context.

According to Ms. Trinkaus, this full moon in Leo is urging us to open our hearts to all of our painful wounds – to acknowledge and allow this pain to flow through us, thereby dissolving the wounds of (perceived) separation. Cracking our hearts wide open...

Our Native ancestors called this the Hunger Moon, because it is the full moon of deep winter, when everything is frozen and dormant. Food sources were scarce for our ancestors.

On a very basic level, separation from the source of their existence.

Hunger Moon. Seems a fitting metaphor for this moon, as well.

Rumi said, "The wound is the place where the Light enters you." Let it be so.

I highly recommend visiting her blog and viewing the lantern ceremony video at the end of her post. Beautiful, haunting, compelling. Peace.

2011-03-16T11:07:00.000-04:00

Early Spring Haiku

rain pellets winter
hard earth, relentless echoes
softening the ground.

I'm certain that I'm not alone in feeling a bit caged of late, with the torrents of snow changing to rain, which despite being very needed, also tend to inflict cabin fever. Chronic illness and pain put a unique spin on the solitude, magnifying somehow, the distance between home and community. Except, of course, for my magnificent, brilliant and amazing friends in blogland!

This past Saturday was a brilliantly sunny, breezy day, and I decided enough! The sounds of the parade floats lining up along Midland Avenue, less than half a mile from our house, were more than I could bear. I mean, who doesn't love a good parade?! My favorite part is hanging out where they prepare to launch, not yet unwavering in character. So, Jim and I put the leashes on - the dogs - and walked down to Triangle Park for a great view.

Up behind the wall, the sheep were practicing for their St. Patrick's Day gig. Aside from watching Babe, I'd never witnessed such totally cool scattering and herding!

No St. Patrick's Day parade is complete without all things Scottish, which must make perfect sense... I suppose the proximity to Ireland does lends a more universal distinction to the bagpipes. I thoroughly enjoyed watching one group practice...

and another tuned up and ready to march.

Speaking of tuned up, the folks on the McCarthy's Irish Bar float were in full swing.

Along with a covey of Corvettes, heaps of Harleys and a bevy other bikers there were tractors. OK. This was our definite fave... in place of a John Deere logo, it said 'home made.' I love it.

Irish dancers performed before they headed up toward the middle of town and they were as colorful as they were brilliant. My, I'm sounding a bit like a travel guide, not my intent, but the dearth of art lately leaves me with little else to blog about.

My son (on the right) and his friend joined us and I snapped a few interesting shots on the walk home (including the photo at the top, the shell of a bug stuck to the wire on the side of the building that houses our local newspaper).

I admit I'm more than a little bummed that I don't have a prolific outflow of creative work to post. I have a couple of submitted-so-I-can't-post pieces, a wedding book to finish, several projects in various stages of completion and my altered fabric book awaits binding. One of the few to-do's I'm actually completing are embellishing a different St. Patrick's Day envelope every week or so; I recently joined Pass the Altered Envelope via the extremely creative and talented Kathy McElroy.

The need to paint, create backgrounds - even if I don't have a vision for them - remains overwhelming; I grabbed some small rectangular canvases at Michael's and had great time playing with color and texture. I have pondered a number of concepts and have come close to settling on the series but it sure hasn't been easy. Clutter and the need for spring clearing? An evolution in process? Who knows, but I think I'll get to work!

ballerinas, digital collage and vapor guns

2011-02-14T08:48:00.006-05:00

I've resisted the digital playground, maybe because it seems like a galaxy within the galaxy of art. Like I might fall into a black hole and never pick up another paint brush - ha. I have, though, been taking photographs for decades (spent thousands of hours printing my own medium format black & whites in the days before children:) and my fascination with images remains embedded in my creative heart.

I've taken a Susan Tuttle (extraordinaire) digital workshop, have a couple of books and adore so much of the work I see, whether it be collage or blog banner. Having a chronic illness does make working on the computer ideal but it took a disabled scanner, sewing machine 'issues' and a major roadblock at the art table for me to play with a couple of images. I am one of those who travel on a path and often freeze when I reach the wide open space. Most unfortunate. It's as though I have visions that I can't quite see, or I've learned enough to be dangerous - to myself! Then I have to take a break and deal with that inner critic... yes, kick boxing and vaporizing guns (gee, a bit behind on my techno-weapon lingo??) are in order!

Both of these are very much works in progress. I'm not sure what that 'done' feeling feels like. In the meantime, though, I think I'll just have some fun playing... now that I've traveled to another planet! My blog banner has been the same for three years now, well almost, and wowee is it time for a change. Perhaps I'll find one that works for me.

Happy Valentines Day and much love to you all!!!

Can't Judge a Book by its Cover!

2011-02-05T18:37:00.013-05:00

When I started the Altered Fabric Book workshop, I couldn't imagine how 15 sheets of paper folded in half (three five-page signatures) could possibly end up thick and juicy like the wondrous creations of Nellie Wortman! I've achieved bulk but I still have a long way to go! I've been prepping (60 surfaces!) and after a few rounds with a testy sewing machine, have managed to add stitching to quite a number of pages. Fortunately, the stitching isn't supposed to be straight, or even and the fabric is supposed to be gathered.

I've mostly conquered the machine - winding thread along a very specific maze of knobs, hooks and levers, keeping the bobbin loaded and functional, not getting carried away or breaking needles, so now comes the fun part - attaching the signatures to the spine. Bookmaking has always seemed, well, complicated so I have zero binding experience. Should be quite an adventure!

I had a fairly limited supply of fabrics and lace trims so I paid a visit to my pal Alicia, at Altered Bits. She's been studio cleaning lately and wowee, I found fabulous pieces to add to my collection. Honestly, I don't know how she manages to create such amazing art and acquire an eclectic variety of photos, collage sheets, frozen Charlottes, cool rusty stuff, curiosities, amazing trims and lace... but I certainly took advantage of her tidying streak.

I've already used several pieces of fabric from the amazing box of treasures that landed in my mailbox last week. The textile bundle I purchased is packed with exactly the variety of colors, textures and patterns that I needed to jazz up my pages. If you aren't already a fan, I heartily recommend a visit to her amazing site!

Early February is the ideal time for me to shop for delightful goodies... I am never one to wish time away but this winter has zapped my energy and I don't think I'm alone. I've visited several blog pals who also seem to be under the spell of the short, gray days and frigid temps. A friend of mine uses a light box and said she gets super energized after her daily session and I've heard rave reviews from a number of sources. Having a chronic illness that is hammered by the weather makes it very difficult to maintain my cheery, creative demeanor, so I'm looking for one to bask under while the sun is tucked away behind winter's mask. In the meantime, I'll continue to watch for reminders of spring...

Untitled

2011-01-30T16:06:00.009-05:00

My husband, Jim, has been very busy in the studio. Today I finally got to see his latest, just-finished piece (not yet titled) and I'm absolutely in love with it! He manages to incorporate multiple processes and materials and such detail yet it's cohesive and, well, magnificent.

A lifelong artist and illustrator, Jim doesn't get to spend a great deal of time in the studio - he's fairly consumed with the graphic design and advertising business.
Over the past 25 years, though, I've observed the way he creates - a series of pieces followed by a seemingly 'dormant' period when his creative muse is actually evolving wildly. So, when the opportunity presents itself, he uses a new trick or two and turns out a piece of work that leaves me totally awestruck.

I have spent all my studio time working on my altered fabric book, which is quite a process. Preparing 3 sets of 5 page signatures is a bit time consuming, though extremely liberating. It's a kind of artistic freedom that I so needed, sorta like getting out of my own way. I hope I can apply to every project. Now if my sewing machine will just cooperate!

A Learning I Will Go...

2011-01-15T16:15:00.006-05:00

Nothing like learning and exploration to get the creative juices flowing... and now is a good time to step outside the comfort-zone box that was becoming more like quicksand. I can't wait to start the "Altered Fabric Book" online workshop that I'm signed up for - through Creative Workshops.

I wasn't familiar with Nellie Wortman's work but for quite some time I've wanted to use more layers of lace, fabrics and vintage photos - and add book-making to my repertoire. One look at her blog - Early Morning Thoughts - and I was hooked.

A few years before we were married, Jim gave me a sewing machine for Christmas. I was a bit puzzled; though my mother is a lifelong, expert seamstress, I hadn't done any sewing aside from the very... creative skirt I made in high school home ec class. I learned the basics and used my new toy to make place mats, attaching hand-stitched quilt squares to a backing. I finished three. The remnants of the fourth are tucked away in a basket.

Jim retrieved the boxed-up sewing machine from the basement this morning so I plan to dig up the old quilt scraps for this book class. The idea of mastering the machine is a bit daunting, but a glance at the side-view of one of the many glorious book Nellie made is compelling enough!

There's still time to sign up, so check out the fabulous offerings at Creative Workshops!

2010-12-27T10:52:00.002-05:00

This photo album was my last creative output before Christmas. It was a commission, for which I am most grateful, and the last in a series of have-to projects that, along with the rest of the seasonal duties and festivities, left me a bit, well, uncreative.
I'm sure it's still in there somewhere, beneath layers of exhaustion, though a break is certainly much needed and will hopefully be restorative. I haven't cleaned up the mess. Yet. The entire house is oddly rearranged with clutter and goodies amid the decorations; there are two teenagers upstairs that don't know it yet, but today we are going to restore order.
Then comes the cleaning and organizing in my studio. A fresh start... yes. I believe that is what we are granted every day, but especially when looking toward a new year. I haven't made a list of resolutions but when I do, they will be very different from those of years past.
Whatever this day finds you creating, clearing, renewing, I hope it is calm, mindful and blessed. Happy Monday!

The Ice before Christmas

2010-12-17T09:58:00.008-05:00

I just deleted 30 emails... aside from the swap group I belong to, a few blogs I follow and one from Alice's dance studio, they were all offers I could not refuse. Free shipping... only four more days.... last chance... save 50%... final clearance.

Last Sunday's snow storm was followed by an ice storm and my kids spent a day and a half at what was to be their finals - and fun - last week before winter break. I had my projects lined up and my plan in place for each day... wait, like John Lennon said, life is what happens when we're making other plans?

To infuse a bit of holiday spirit, Alice and I baked cookies yesterday afternoon while dancing around the kitchen to Harry Connick, Jr.'s Christmas CD.

Squishing the too-sticky dough through her fingers between pirouettes and kicks she felt like a little kid again. We had fun.

But her dance class was canceled and by early evening she was not happy. She wants to DO something.

I empathize. What is this called... cabin fever?? My arthritis has been complaining a bit more, and though it has shortened my days, the house is decorated and the most important shopping has been done. Thank heaven for the internet!

This year was supposed to be different. I envisioned making dozens of small gifts for those I cherish, in my studio with music, well, a bit too loud, steeped in the warm depth of all the reasons why I cherish those people. Along with doing a Christmas card, they'll most likely have to wait.

Each day has been laced with a unique blend of tension, anticipation and drama sprinkled with newly made memories. I am thankful that last year I made a few small reminders of my philosophy, well, most of the time.

The limbs on my beautiful trees arch low to the ground; hopefully, they'll remain intact to blossom again in spring.

They are captivating and an interesting parallel for life on the inside. Beauty, beads of life encased in ice, a bit off kilter but surviving.

'Tis the Season

2010-12-07T11:15:00.000-05:00

No matter how many times I tell myself it won't happen, it does. By early December I've savored three Thanksgiving dinners, celebrated my son's birthday, decorated my parents' house for Christmas and, Sunday night, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a party at a fabulous restaurant - photographer and all. I have lost most all of my (prednisone) weight and I'm in good spirits but the auto-immune situation plants the brick wall in my path. And here I sit, more blessed than so many, yet... the shopping, decorating, unfinished art projects that I can't post and who wants to hear a lot of whining anyway?
This advent, Dr. Woody Berry, our Senior Pastor, is centering his messages around being still... listening, no, listening deeper. So, after spending an entire day without checking one item off my list, I silence the noise, the chatter and stories I tell myself whether or not I mean to*... and what is it that I hear?
The peace of knowing that I am loved, touched by life details of friends close by and in cyberspace. Like my beloved friend who finally came home so that his family and friends can care for him during this scary time of illness with vague diagnosis. Another who has found a hopeful alternative to poisonous post-cancer preventive treatment. And today, a post by a friend who survived a surely-fatal aneurysm. And I think about Patti Digh's words... "we are living in choice every single moment."
We may not be able choose our circumstances, cure an illness, live in the Martha Stewart Pottery Barn Christmas commercial, but we can decide our response. So, a bit like the wee pansy poking up through the snow, I can choose to show my color. There is much to be done but I can shine in a state of joyful gratitude for all that is, the wonders I have been graced with - deservedly or not - and the hope that underlines living in faith.

*Patti Digh is amazing. If you don't have her book, Creative is a Verb, I'd suggest it for any/everyone on your gift list, including yourself.

The Winds of Change

2010-11-20T10:59:00.007-05:00

Most everyone reading this is familiar with Seth Apter and the myriad projects he manages, along with creating his own art... does he ever sleep?? He spends so much time and energy on connecting the mixed media community, through his visits to studios, book reviews, and giving us a window into the 'hearts and minds' of so many talented artists.

I wonder though, if you have taken a moment to check out his book, created with Roxanne Evans Stout. I haven't yet 'met' Roxanne, but the collaboration between these two is amazing... seamless. The depth of each piece of art makes me want to reach in and, not touch of course:), but study it again and again.

A phrase written by the artist accompanies the art in The Winds of Change. They share their reflections, sentiments about Autumn, change, evolution, staying on the path... such an inspirational vision of a time, a life stage, a season, that is often fleeting but lingers in the soul.

Earlier in my life, fall was a visually stunning, yet emotionally troubling time for me; not so much for the introduction to an icy cold winter, but a vague sense of loss. It is the time of year when I left my native Upstate New York, relocated to Kentucky. I was a senior in high school and the friends and (boyfriend!) and memories I left behind would fall like tumbling bricks in my heart each year. That is, until I recognized the grief and let it flow into my words, art, photographs.

All of us have such stories, perhaps not equated with a season, but as Roxanne so deftly puts it, "Brittle leaves drift no longer." If you haven't yet taken a peek, or stocked up on copies for yourself (and others!), I'd highly recommend it - perhaps it will speak to you as well.

Skirts for Salvation

2010-11-12T21:25:00.008-05:00

Back in August, we got a call asking if Jim and I would create Christmas tree skirts to benefit our local Salvation Army. How could I say no? The days were long and hot and the studio was the coolest place to be.
My immediate thought was to create snow people with funky hats... This endeavor was a big shift from the wedding project and I didn't even start until 2 days before the skirts were to be delivered. Fortunately, my darling husband, Jim, had finished his prancing reindeer skirt in plenty of time to help with the background and mounds of snow.
Making the hats was my favorite part. Even in a time crunch I never knew there were so many fashion variations! I didn't even use half my ideas, which made cleaning up a royal mess.

If you're so inclined, visit Bluegrass Home Interiors, view all 32 skirts and cast a vote. Or two. It's for a great cause!

Real snow people wear hats!

And Jim's fabulous contribution - reindeer prancing for charity.

A few of my favorite hats...

I now pronounce thee finished!

2010-11-08T18:45:00.001-05:00

Once in a while, fortune does smile; while I didn't sell any canvases at the gallery show, a woman who loved my journals was also busy with the details of her daughter's impending wedding. She commissioned me to create three projects - the guest book, a box for envelopes and a photo album.

Aside from two belts and a bag of jewelry and knowing the colors - ivory and aubergine, she gave me no direction whatsoever. Just do what you do... if you love it, I'll love it. I must admit that, four weeks before the wedding, I was a bit daunted, however, I've never turned away from a challenge.
I purchased a 9 x 12 sketch book, blank photo album and pulled a cigar box from my stash. I'd like to say that it was a breeze, but any artist who has ever had a commission with a deadline knows better.

I started on the guest book. The background was not a problem, of course, that's always my favorite part - gluing, sponging, dabbing, adding more layers.... The belt buckle decided to be the centerpiece, since no photos were to be used. I extracted it from the leather and ground the stems down, made a sheet of paper for petals and designed the rest of the cover.

I couldn't find a guest book, or journal even, with lined pages - so we (my hero-hubby Jim) printed them out and I learned just how difficult it is to glue paper to paper, evenly and without smudges. I used a jar of Yes!, recommended by a friend, and for that I was thankful - no rippling or bubbles.

I had a piece left over from the bride's dress alteration and it seemed the perfect focal point for the box cover. After I had decided on the concept, it occurred to me that the box would be open during its use, so on to more design.

I chose a cigar box because I usually use reclaimed pieces; making functional art, however, is entirely different from working on canvas. I found that adding paint didn't leave enough clearance for the lid to open and close - at all - much less smoothly. I shaved away enough of the inside of the lid for it to work, thankfully without losing the hinges.

The photo album was the easiest piece, so I'm very happy that I saved it for last, though there always seemed to be just one more detail... I was immersed for three weeks, putting all else aside, like blog posting and visiting, staying in touch with friends, cooking and laundry.
The client was extremely pleased when I delivered what felt like a chunk of my life; the wedding was this past Saturday and I never did meet the bride, but now that they've debuted publicly I wanted to share.

transitions

2010-11-02T22:16:00.000-04:00

It is inevitable... autumn paints fiery colors across the trees, winds shift and chill, light disappears early in the evening. Yet each year it feels like the first, as does every other change of season. I suppose for those of us who do not transition easily, this isn't a negative, as it allows a fresh eye, open to seeing new detail in well-familiar sights.
Other transitions are not quite so simple. From fairy princess to teenager, cute little skeleton to rock band drummer... OK, they did dress for Halloween, but aside from the costume, the shifts are seismic and not always pleasant. Does anyone tell a soon-to-be, or new mother that her angel baby will morph into a stranger along about age 13 or so? That so many conversations escalate into arguments... that my 'style' will soon be ridiculous? I suppose the magazine articles were all there, I just didn't read them.
Not much for Woman's Day or Good Housekeeping, I went along my merry, blissfully ignorant way in total denial. Yes, separation is a good thing, the transfer of responsibility, boundaries, all the buzzwords are quite apropos; however, so are stab wounds to the heart, an unexplainable sadness, unshed tears. My husband is counting the days, well years, until our nest is vacant. I, on the other hand, am in no particular hurry.
I am adjusting to the changes and learning to respect space while maintaining order, dishing out what seem like the final lessons and advice that will come from me rather than peers. Though every day is a challenge, most all remind me of why I became a mother. I love every ounce of both of my teens and it's unconditional... as I tell them, no matter what! They are talented, creative, intelligent and a lot of fun. And most of the time I'm still cool:)

I hope this isn't taken as a 'downer' but a bittersweet observation on a life season...

Adhesive Question

2010-10-10T17:36:00.005-04:00

Lyle Lovett was the ideal voice to wind down the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games. "If I had a pony, I'd ride him on my boat..." He and his Large Band performed for visitors from every corner of the world who came together to cheer, volunteer, or compete for the coveted world titles.

Horses have been the focal point of Lexington in more than one way; 82 fiberglass horses are situated across the city adding a colorful and artistic element to the games and photo ops for countless tourists (and locals!). The horses, which began appearing across the city and at the Horse Park in July, are as diverse as the countries represented in the games.

Two of the designs - both in the 'top ten' - were created by my good friend Debbie Westerfield. Nonesuch, named for the tiny rural town where Debbie lives - and also the famed English castle built by Henry VIII - is the first of the two shown below. The second, Midway, is a reference to the small art town midway between Lexington and the state Capitol, Frankfort, where Debbie owned and operated a gallery for several years.

Most unfortunately, Nonesuch, adorned with hundreds of pearl beads (many from my stash) and crystals was vandalized early in September. Random, of course, heartbreaking, most definitely. Nonesuch spent a few weeks in an auto body shop for repairs to the nearly destroyed legs and lower torso, which were then primed a nice shade of gray.

Debbie has spent hours repainting and today, I spent the afternoon gluing crystals one a front leg, for the second time, obviously. Debbie's adhesive of choice is two-part epoxy; definitely a contender for sturdiest adhesion, particularly because the piece is exposed to the elements. After mixing the fifth tiny batch and trying to apply the glue as quickly as possible, followed by crystals, before it set up like concrete, I decided I didn't care much for two part.

I asked why she didn't use E6000, my weapon of choice, and she wasn't sure... the two-part had been recommended and though they fall into the same category of adhesives, we weren't sure if E6000 - far easier to use - would get the job done. So, I ask the experts. If you have any suggestions, experience or recommend either or both, please let me know. Though not as tacky as they were a few hour, I don't think I will have fingerprints for a few days:)

Doors and Dinosaurs

2010-10-06T10:49:00.006-04:00

I actually had the energy to take a photo walk the other day. The weather has changed fairly fast - as it usually does here - but it was a beautiful morning. Not the 100 degree days we'd had so many of, so I set out on my mission.

My photo walks are a challenge - depending upon how far I can walk, in this case around the block - to see. Really see, notice small changes, details that might otherwise be missed. What a metaphor for living a creative life. I'm not sure my vision has improved but I finally had a 'happy' studio day.

Something about making pieces for a gallery or hopefully to sell is very unnerving. I realize that I'm still fairly green, when it comes to making art anyway:) and I have to say that this is the first time I've experienced 'Monkey Mind' in the studio - questioning every move, not sure if I like or not, which color, etc.

In my writing history, I had a similar experience while attending a series of advanced fiction workshops with instructors who, well, let's just say their names are on many a literary book jacket. I had so much potential... isn't that so often the case? In two years I crammed so much into my brain that I couldn't write a sentence.

Then, in 2004, at workshop, I got sick. No energy, blurred vision, grief. I had to put all of my work aside; I don't think I realized how deeply embedded my writing desire was until I had to put it all away.

So, lest I digress too far from topic, I was having a crappy time in the studio. That is my haven, my sanity, my good mood:) So, the photo walk was important, and turned out to be quite an inspiration.

I've noticed that doors and windows continue to fascinate me... curiosity? Entry to the soul? Not mine, apparently, but the wavy glass (historic:), choice of curtain, or flowers or statue, are endlessly intriguing.

I haven't photoshopped these, just tweaked the exposure, knowing they'll be in my file should I require a new door or dinosaur.

Oh, the photo of the ladders against the porch... sigh.... still under construction.

2010-09-27T14:23:00.006-04:00

Everyone whose blogs I visit show so much activity. art-making that is; and now, National Invisible Illness Week has passed, and believe it or not, I have been making art! Having such limited time to spend in the studio certainly takes away from blogging, commenting and visiting all the wonderful artists who stop by, laundry, cooking, all that good stuff.

Most everything, aside from the frame and wings, which came from ArtChix Studios, is found. However, in keeping with the no copy policy, I snipped out a lovely photo for the frame and now cannot recall from which sheet it came. The inside of this box was a piece of cake compared the one on which I am now working.

Working on the cardboard cigarillo boxes proved very helpful, as a learning curve; however, the real wood has proven an entirely different, well, cigar. Hinges that can't be removed and reinstalled, rough, nearly shredded wood along the inside edges and corners that are too rough for sandpaper alone, not sturdy enough for heavy duty, so that's when trim comes in very handy. Like vintage lace and ribbon from Random Arts. I learned a lot while finishing off the inside of the box and I'm currently using that to hopefully have another done this week, before the opening of Gridworks at New Editions Gallery.

Gridworks Opening Reception!
Please join us in welcoming 17 local and national artists.
This Thursday September 30th, 5pm - 8pm

The gallery show was planned to coincide with the World Equestrian Games. The Alltech FEI Games officially opened Saturday night (I watched the ceremony on television, too much walking, but being there would have been amazing; I'm not certain just how many visitors we have but just considering the number of athletes, from countries that make me, well, Kentuckians proud to host, from Great Britain, Israel, Dubai (where the Federation's President, Princess Haya, beautiful, savvy and controversial - imagine that), China, Denmark and Guatemala. A choir of angelic children were flown in from Haiti to perform. That worries me a bit, but that's another story and, as usual, I digress.

This piece is an 'experiment' and that means deviating from my style, if I have one, and rethinking my approach to a mixed media collage. Again, mostly found objects, pieces from old books, a few small embellishments, a suspender clip from Nathalie Thompson's fabulous Etsy shop and an elongated X from the amazing Seth Apter, I used a face I cannot place. I guess I'll have to start writing down as soon as I cut. I cannot decide if the piece is finished or needs more... how does one decide? Helpful suggestions from art buds of course. I never tire of making journals, for fun, for sale, for friends who have unfortunate incidents or circumstances. In my next post I'm going to say thank you to a lot of people who commented on my blog during National Invisible Illness Week and others who have made my life more blessing than illness.
Ciao.

2010-09-19T11:09:00.004-04:00

Here we are, September 19th, the last day of National Invisible Illness Week.
I end the week filled with joy at the comments to my posts, the messages from friends and the dialog that I hope will continue until next September. I have learned so much from reading the blog posts of others.

Lani Gerity Glanville, mentor, friend, moderator of online art group I am proud to belong to, read my post and wrote an amazingly powerful piece. An Art Therapist, Lanie has a wealth of experience and uses her incredible creative talents to live, learn, share and teach. She has continued the conversation by delving a little deeper into resilience, one of her favorite topics. Well worth reading. Also, a post by a young, too young, gal who has Lyme's Disease (and a host of others) but who uses her illness to spread good. Victoria is her name and I was heartened by her words.

The bottom line is, for every person dealing with an Invisible Chronic Illness, there are countless others involved in their lives as caretakers, friends, partners, family... and I am more blessed than many. If you know someone who is suffering, take a moment and reach out. Oh, and the photos below? Aside from my email and blog pals these two are my daily entertainment!

Lance and Tony, both of whom I know personally aside from their excellent porch replacing skills, are two of the funniest people I know. Stepping outside with my morning protein drink, and sitting on the steps is often the highlight of my day!
Ciao and blessings to all!

the invisibleness of invisibility

2010-09-16T08:30:00.008-04:00

Here it is Friday and my goal was to post every other day during the National Invisible Illness Week. So much to say... about what it causes my family, especially my husband to endure, the guilt that flickers in my brain at the drop of a piece of laundry - that I can't wash at the moment, the lack of social life... If not for art and writing, I think I would be, well, a mess.

I did have a few hours this past week, after having been in a major flare for nearly two months, of self pity. Or, is it grief? When something of value ends, be it a life, dream, career, there is a natural cycle of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance (Kubler-Ross model). But when it doesn't end once but loss is felt over and over again? Though not in order, I do reruns now and again.

It is autumn, a season I love but one that, second only to spring, triggers more flares with each dip of the barometric roller coaster. And, since Medicare doesn't pay for my meds, to the tune of $4000 per month I'm relying on prednisone - woohoo. The good news is that I've begun consulting a very wise and educated clinical herbalist - Andrew Bentley. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience; I've begun taking pure plant extracts, the natural version with the anti-inflammatory properties I so desperately need. They will take longer to be fully effective, but side effects like lymphoma, no more red blood cells, etc. are not an issue.

So, in spite of spending too much time stationary, I am lucky! I have a good friend with Lyme's Disease and sides of fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression. She is a single mother and her daughter has also been whacked with the ICI stick. Doctors in Kentucky, or most of the ones I know, don't believe there is Lyme's in Kentucky, though I had it in 2004, before the onset of PsA. Like many other invisible illness, Lyme's often hides from traditional tests.
For every person like me, who knows exactly what I have and which battles to fight, there are dozens who are suffering with no answers. I have a wonderful book, Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired (Living with Invisible Chronic Illness) that is very validating and I highly recommend it to those with illness - or their families. Statistics show that half the population suffers from a form of chronic mental and physical illness, mostly invisible, which might be one reason there is a new edition of a book that was first published in 1994 and after ten printings has been updated with a host of invaluable info for, well, 1 of every 2 people:)

Life is a Merry Go-Round

2010-09-12T12:01:00.001-04:00

I'm lying on the sofa while my mother-in-law is cleaning out the refrigerator, cutting up the fruit she brought, along with the rest of my grocery list. Wow, I really have it made. Except, no bon bons, no soap operas. Nausea, swollen painful joints and the kind of fatigue that kicks you flat.
September 13 - 19th is National Chronic Invisible Illness Week. I wrote a post last year and now, here it is again. The biggest difference is that, along with the disability came Medicare. A donut hole?? What that means is that if I want the same medications that allowed me a better quality of life than this - I have to cough up several thousand dollars every year. Hopefully, my empathetic, fabulously wonderful rheumatologist, a word unrecognized by my spell check, will succeed in procuring a supply from the drug companies that, until their patents expire (my theory, opinion, not fact) gouge $1750 for the two injections I need every month. Forget the very costly eye drops that prevent the blurred vision. Well, sometimes.
I am lucky though. I know my illness - it's name is Psoriatic Arthritis with a side of Sjorgren's Syndrome; all part of the vast world of auto-immune disorders. There are so many out there who don't get diagnosed, go for years in pain, confusion, isolation, in other words, a silent hell. Those are the people I am speaking for; I know why I wake up so many mornings dreading the exit from bed after a not-quite deep enough sleep, to find that I feel like one does when the flu attacks. Minus the fever.
Just a few years ago, I was on the merry-go-round like most everyone around me, though it had begun to spin a bit too fast. Lean, running two businesses and competing in horse shows, life was at full tilt. Only then I got tossed, and I sat on the ground watching everyone else go by, oblivious, laughing or crying, living in the moment or dreaming. And doing.
We are all raised to be human doings rather than beings. Our net worth, accomplishments, trophies, medals, private success, whatever title we carry, real estate we own, car we drive, we are known for all that exists outside of reality, in other words, outside of ourselves. Outside of being. Human being. I matter, I am important just because I'm me. Well, that's what I try to focus on during the hours I lose to this chronic, yet not fatal, illness, that pretty much rules my existence. Those days when I look back at photos of me doing.
Don't get me wrong, I do art, but in reality, my reality, art is in me, my being. As is writing, which chose me early in life. And art is my therapy, my saving grace and for that I am most grateful. It brings to mind the countless chronically ill who have far worse battles than I, fewer opportunities to channel their grief and pain into a mixed media piece. So, if you're still reading, click the button to the right.
Oh, and thank you Janet. I hope nothing too gross was growing on the unidentifiable mess you found in my fridge. I am eternally thankful for your help and support. And, while I'm in a moment of gratitude I'd like to say that having family that understands chronic illness, like my mother and father do, is a blessing, albeit very much in disguise. I am blessed with friends, artists and bloggers, who have one or another form of illness. Right Karin?
If you are one of them, please leave me a post! Thanks from the ground, watching the merry - or not - go round.

note: these photos were before ICI... when I was a doing:)

Thanks Patti (Digh)

2010-09-11T20:25:00.004-04:00

Patti Digh is an amazingly gifted writer, creator, coach, mom, person, all extraordinaire. I've had the privilege of participating in one of her coaching classes.

Today, she spoke for me, and I would imagine, a great many others. Click on the title below the photo and read her amazing article. Thank you Patti.

each one a story, a life, a family, an overwhelming desire to live, to love, to survive.

(Isobel's) Pearl Dreams

2010-09-11T20:18:00.005-04:00

The last of my three canvases for the New Editions Show is (Isobel's) Pearl Dreams. I saved it for last because it's my favorite... maybe it will sell and that will make me happy - I suppose. Selling art is a goal, a dream and I dearly wish I could sell enough to at least pay for my art supplies. But I've gotten attached to Isobel, though she's not here but safely tucked away at the gallery.

The cool thing about cradled canvases is being able to continue the art on the sides, if that's what you call them. I think it makes for a nice presentation and it's fun continuing the theme...

Another two of Jim's (hubby) pieces. He has four pieces in the show and, though I tease him about it, his work has been shown and sold for years, while I'm the newbie:) The post cards/invitations have gone out though I haven't yet gotten my stash yet.

The titles of his are Safe In My Place and Introduction (below). Cool, huh?

(Evangeline's) Autumn Cloud

2010-09-01T20:44:00.006-04:00

Evangeline's Autumn Cloud was a bear to finish... don't know if it was because I wanted to do something totally different flower wise, or if the colors were hinky or precisely what the problem was. But, I worked and worked and layered and kept layering and finally was mostly pleased. I have an abundant stash of vintage buttons and I decided that adding them did change the look of the petals. The center is an antique coaster over gold mesh with a bazillion tiny crystals and such glued on the image - once again, I need to keep better track of which drawer the 'girls' come from and to whom to give credit...

The 12 x 12 below is Jim's (my hubby) piece; as you can see our styles are a bit different:) He has been showing (and selling!) for years now and it can be a bit intimidating working alongside him. He has actually been inspired a bit by a couple of my techniques though, so, YaY! I hope to have all of them photographed by my friend Jeff, the pro, because I don't have the lighting to get an accurate rendering.

Thanks for looking! More photos to come!

(Emma's) Inner Beauty

2010-08-28T11:11:00.000-04:00

The entire months of July and August were consumed by the creation of three 12 x 12 pieces for a gallery show, in which I'm very honored and grateful to be included. I have very little experience on canvas, especially a piece bigger than 6 x 6! My desire to have pieces in the show won out, and I began planning the series of flowers - this is the first. For the petals, I take a piece of heavy paper, texture, embellish, paint and torture, then cut it into pieces. Fortunately I have that enormous stash of found objects and junk jewelry I've mentioned, so I didn't have too much trouble finding centerpieces, frames actually for the images. I am really bad at cutting a face from a collage sheet - or one from my own stash - without paying close attention to the maker of the sheet. I want to give credit where credit is due, so perhaps a bit of research is in order. I normally get collage sheets from Artchix, Kris Hubick, Paper Imagery Design... well, I'll go look. If anyone recognizes the face, please enlighten me!
Titles elude me so I emailed photos to some friends and used a combination of my mother's ideas, Dylan's (my son) and an old school chum, Danny, whom I have not seen in 30 years! This one ended up as (Emma's) Inner Beauty.

The show will be open during the World Equestrian Games. If you get a chance, visit the link, the sheer enormity of this even is amazing. A newspaper article said that 315,000 tickets have been sold. 315,000. That's more people than live in this city; every road and visible surface has been painted, paved, revamped, including rundown building and other such eyesores (that is, if you don't happen to think that old buildings are cool). I love horses. Several years ago, I had a horse, a gorgeous, ginormous bay Saddlebred named Richard, actually RWG El Milagro's Sir Richard (though I didn't ride him in the world championship class:). I loved him dearly and we had many an exciting ride. I love to watch eventing, dressage and admire most every discipline that the horse has to offer.
I do not, however like traffic. Or long lines and other delays; I wonder how many locals have purchased their tickets. Or rented out their prime-located residence for top dollar. What do people do when their city hosts the Olympics?? I'm sure I'll venture out, at least to the gallery opening:) I'll post photos of the other two ladies as soon as I locate their origin.

soldering and synchronicity

2010-08-24T10:42:00.003-04:00

Every so often I find myself questioning the direction my art is taking... more cigar boxes, or mixed media canvases, how can I retain my sense of self and still evolve. The first answer came when the senior pastor at my church called on me to create a series of pieces based on the discussion during a new Sunday School class. The Edge is about our ancestral need to express our faith, in written word (the Apostles Creed for example), story and visually. Of course, I said, never stopping to wonder about the challenge he'd handed me.
Then, I dropped my daughter off at the Woodland (Park) Art Fair, a juried annual show that attracts 200+ artists and an enormous audience. Impressive art sprinkled with mixed media. Like this guy, a piece by Brad Devlin, a Louisville artist that I 'discovered' in Ann Arbor, MI a few years ago.

Having been in the midst of a rather nasty flare, I hadn't planned to stay but I happened upon a parking space - right beside the show - no walking! So, I wandered around long enough to chat with Brad, a few friends, and then I came upon Katie Sasser's booth - the most amazing jewelry! More mixed media on chain, it struck a familiar chord and I spent quite a while drooling over all the eye candy (not literally - it was too hot:) and talking about the best sources for tiny metal wings and things.

Quite unlike most of the jewelry there, I'm willing to bet you can see why it 'spoke' to me! And such a friendly, vivacious, wonderful artist; Katie doesn't have a blog or Etsy shop but told me to email her, that she'd be glad to take some of my bling and 'stuff' and turn it into amazing pieces for jewelry, assemblage, whatever.
I told her a bit about my art and that I'm a soldering weenie! She convinced me that, with a bit of practice, I really can make frames like the one I just put on a cigar box, and all kinds of cool stuff. She wrote down the name of a book where I would find everything I needed to know.

I'm looking forward to getting Stephanie Lee's Semiprecious Salvage: Creating Found Art Jewelry - the book Katie recommended, also just mentioned on Seth Apter's The Altered Page as a favorite art book; his post includes a lengthy note by the author that is an incredible read.
Her words on process are about, "figuring out some way myself to make something work with what I had on hand. An approach which I am hoping to refine with each minute at the work table." Hmm, not entirely unlike my own journey, which may or may not be so blessed without the humanity, inclusiveness, sharing and encouragement of so many who have walked this path a few steps ahead of me.

p.s. I dearly wish I'd had this box, the one with the frame, photographed before I gave it to my friend, Susan. Between the gold and the purple it didn't turn out nearly as nice as the piece did!

Cigar, Cigarillo?

2010-08-20T09:20:00.000-04:00

Having finished the 12 x 12 canvases that consumed the month of July and part of August, I was thrilled. Then I decided to have some fun. The local gas station sells cigarillos in a variety of interesting flavors, peach, strawberry, white grape... I can't imagine what they must taste like but I'll bet the nice Indian man who owns the place can't imagine why I keep asking for the empty boxes! I had to let sit for a day or so with the lid open to air it out! No more grape scent and I went to town, gluing, grabbing scraps and odds/ends that I've had sitting for quite a while.

Voila! The finished result is a half inch thicker thanks to all the layers, which also add stability, and hides the ink on the box. I have more junk jewelry than the law allows, or if there were a law I might be in violation. I've had my eye on the earring that I dismantled for the centerpiece; in the same family is a bracelet with some cool stones in the same 'family.' Below is the original piece:)

I had so much fun that I immediately started on a second one, which is a prayer box for my friend whose mother passed away unexpectedly, earlier this summer, and now her daughter is visiting a pediatric cardiologist. Needless to say, she has been on my mind a lot and I know it isn't a 'fixer' but hopefully it will generate good energy.

I plan to give it to her tomorrow night when we have a 'porch chat' and I'll have to take photos; they have one of the many gorgeous porches in this old neighborhood, wide with plenty of room for a small party. (Hopefully it won't be a hundred degrees:) We're having our porch replaced so I missed out this summer, but next year we'll be up to standard and will get to enjoy sitting out front, chatting with neighbors, exercising my eyeballs while they walk and walk....

Though the heat here (and most everywhere) has been oppressive, I am going to miss summer. So much of my relaxation and inspiration came while at the lake house, out in my favorite cove floating, gazing up at the clouds and thinking about.... absolutely nothing. It's no wonder I feel so much better when we're down there - now that school has started, routines are in vogue again and so is getting up 2 hours earlier than I need to, which is not my idea of a good time! I have a feeling that many art moms out there are struggling through the same transition, enjoying a bit of free time but not the rigors of a regimented day.

Oh, just in case you aren't on Michael deMeng's email list, you have to check out his new Shades of Alchemy iPhone app! For a very modest price you can summon the recipe for the "uszhhh" with the touch of a button. If you haven't experienced it - or Michael deMeng before, make sure to check it out! He's a fabulous workshop teacher, all around great guy and mega-talented assemblage artist. The color I mentioned is the coolest way to age paper and a great wash for any media. Hey, I used it on the cigar box!

Thankfully, I have an iPhone and will have the app up and running in the morning. He has plans in the works for non-iPhoners, so check out his Assemblog site for more info. Thanks Michael!

six word saturday

2010-08-14T21:57:00.002-04:00

creative, chatty, connected, contemplative, close

2010-08-06T12:30:00.001-04:00

I've already established that door hangers can be fun (yes, Sharmon, you know they can:) So, I'll just say that in the midst of a deadline for a gallery show, for which I am not yet prepared, I find myself distracted by fun. Not that a mixed media canvas isn't fun, but I don't have the seasoning to separate creativity from the thought that a date is looming large. I'm in the midst of my third 12x12 and I really love them; for me they are a larger project so making door hangers is like instant gratification, one of my favorite things!

Here's the one I made for Al, my nickname for my lovely daughter Alice, who never ceases to amaze me...

Art, Insecurities and Realizations

2010-08-03T21:41:00.003-04:00

Over the summer I've learned a lot about myself as an artist. Could have been the dozens of hours I spent making water angels in the lake... Several days I did little else; I truly realize the luxury of idle time, thought and the insight it often allows. We chose to spend our free time two hours from home in a cabin, minimal packing and travel time (and expense), no sights to see or relatives to visit (except the in-laws and Jim's mother is a great cook:). That's one of my ideal vacations, especially since this auto-immune disease swiped its portion of energy. But I've never liked to need a vacation to recuperate from a trip.

I have been making art for just over four years and I still hesitate to call myself an artist. Maybe it's a relic from my writing days. Tell people your a writer and the first question they often ask is, "oh, what have you published?" Hence the differentiation between writer and author. I have written all my life, published commercial and non-fiction, I also have the equivalent of an MFA in fiction writing. But since I haven't published I'm, well, a writer. I'm not even sure there is an equivalent in the art realm, perhaps a creative, a painter, a dabbler? I have sold some of my work but that isn't the point. The point is, it doesn't really matter.

Which leads me to another realization. I've always posted a certain type of work. Who is interested in my process and the little, often quick, sketchy fun pieces that are stacking up on my (storage) table. Like these four panels I did not long ago on the back of an old cut up board book - playful and light. I have received such lovely, fun, encouraging, warm and funny comments on whatever I post so I doubt this will be any different.

Speaking of sharing, nothing is better than knowing I'm not alone when it comes to tripping over knee-deep piles of stuff, guilt about undone chores, misplaced lists and sense of time travel, as in skipping over days and weeks. I've read so many posts about where has the time gone and the frustration of being away from the studio for too long at a time. There is much to be said from knowing we are traveling in the same boat.

Traveling. Of course we are all on a journey; I do wish that my creative dreams were a bit better defined. I wonder if I resist clarifying so that I won't have to take myself, my art more seriously? So I won't know if I don't accomplish spoken-out-loud goals? I'm not talking about the 6-month, two-year, five-year plan of the career sort. But, a lot of ideas do cross my mind like the big fluffy clouds in the endless, crisp blue sky and the space between my backfloating body and the heavens above. I want to reach the end of my journey knowing that I've lived as rich and creative life as possible, one overflowing with joys and just as few regrets. What about you?

Flight of Dreams

2010-08-02T21:40:00.003-04:00

Flight of Dreams

You stretch your arms, palms held out the way you reach

into the chambers of my heart, once lush, velvet with

dreams of my own, so many unspoken, now pale as

the last hint of evening light.

The sun has dropped low over

the old black barn, weathered by hundreds of

days just like this one.

The sweet grass and Queen Ann’s lace

return each summer from an imaginary sleep;

who would have guessed that an uncultivated carrot

could dream itself into such gauzy white lace,

nodding in the slow breeze, they sense,

like you do, a certain current in the air.

Others might shrug, if they noticed at all

or understood the flight of dreams.

I watch you gather up the breeze, rise into the veiled

yellow pink light and smile, knowing

that the magic in your heart is enough.

That you will defy this life of mortal gravity

the way only you can.

Door Hangers can be Fun!

2010-07-27T21:47:00.006-04:00

My best friend's daughter is 22 and she came to my rescue a couple of weeks ago - my studio went from the bomb/shrapnel decor to being sorted, mostly de-cluttered and while still messy, slowly but surely each category has its place.
Marina is also moving into a new apartment with new roommates, one a long-time friend and the other a newer acquaintance. I decided it would be fun to make a door hanger for her room so one side is inviting - today I am a princess. The two square images are from a Debrina Pratt inchie sheet - it's fabulous fun.

The other side is still fun but suggests that a little solo time is in order. When she and Hannah disagree on something their catch phrase is "Never Everything." How cool is that?! And the best part is the fun I had making it - I've had a few hotel door hangers for, well, a long time:)

I so enjoyed a small, fairly quick project as well. I've been so focused on the 12" x 12" canvases that are to be at New Editions Gallery on August 8th that I haven't done much playing. I shouldn't say I haven't been experimenting - I have pushed myself creatively on these pieces and I'm even proud of the results. I'll post photos when I'm done.

For now, though, it's time to squeeze one last lake trip in before school starts. My daughter has dance intensive all next week and then, well, no more sleeping until 9 or 10:00!

I hope you are all enjoying the last of your summer - if your locale is anything like mine you haven't had to turn your oven on to feel the blast of heat! Ahhhh, my cove awaits:)

A Haven in the Country

2010-07-26T22:33:00.005-04:00

Some people have the knack. I don't, but wish I did. My husband's aunt, a former New York jazz singer, definitely has it in spades. When she moved here to be closer to her sister (my mother-in-law), two sons and one grandchild (and us:), she found a one room house for rent on a farm in the middle of lots of other farms. What might look like a big empty space took on an aura of charm once she took over. She's managed to create one of the most fabulous homes I've seen.

I'm always amazed by the many faces of creativity - music, art, writing, cooking and decorating. Before Gail this was a concrete walk with a plain door (which she stained). She transformed the entrance, where my son hung out, into a quaint garden laden with flowers... they're everywhere you look - planted in the ground, in pots, on vines, and window boxes, a talent I wish I had; unfortunately, I have a brown thumb (raw umber:)

Along with the lake - my absolute favorite place - I love being in the country; even when it's hot and muggy, it's like dipping into a poem, resting on metaphor and the vivid color, scent and absence of sound. I've already written two poems since our visit and hope to revive that part of my old writing life, as a way of not taking it all for granted, seeing beneath and beyond the surface.

My beautiful daughter, stunning in the sunset, was the inspiration for the poem, maybe when it's cleaned up a bit I'll be brave enough to post it with the photo that, like a seed, blossomed in my head one evening, late, so near sleep and the words came like a gift...

Gail has made dozens of trips to Goodwill, estate and yard sales and is very handy with a paint brush and tool box. And, being the kind of person who never meets a stranger and always makes a friend, has received an eclectic array of gifts - pieces, from lamp shades, to carvings, fabrics, signs... all the treasures that make her place the one of a kind you don't want to leave.

I am a total sucker for old barns and this one, weathered and black, took on a sheen of pure gold in the waning sunlight.

The Queen Anne's lace is stunning. Actually the uncultivated form of the carrot, it falls in the weed category. I don't know why or who decided that one but it's obviously one of mother nature's finer offerings.

She made her famous pasta salad and dinner quite a feast. We also had pies, of course, and sweet tea and coffee for later when we had our percussion session.

The light was low and my flash doesn't have a good reach, so I wasn't able to capture the inside like I'd have wanted. The bathroom has a door, but the other 'rooms' are sectioned off with screens and other partitions.
I'd like to see our local magazine do a piece on her house and photograph it in a way that does the detail justice. I managed a few close ups that give a sense of her style.

I don't know about you, but I shove pots and pans in cupboards; when you lack storage space, the obvious solution is to choose well and display your wares on shelves, hanging from the ceiling, in window sills and counter tops.

A beautiful lace shawl with crystal beading looks like it belongs draped over the chair. She has used black and white patterns to lend unity to the space so that you'd never know it wasn't supposed to have four distinct living areas.

gotta love horses...

The jam session started after we'd cleaned up the pie. Jim's cousin is a renowned percussionist who teaches and plays with some of the most noted musicians across the globe. He started teaching my son to play the djembe, or African drum, years ago and we have one in the house. Tripp usually has three or four in his car, along with a collection of exotic noise making devices, all of which are great fun. I'm certainly no pro, but I can hold my own when the room starts vibrating.

right Henry??

Collage from a Box - Finally

2010-07-19T21:32:00.006-04:00

I posted this photo a few weeks ago, my selections from the collage box, another fabulous project from Lawendula at Woven Letters. Aside from a challenge in 2008 by Jane at Random Arts I don't recall ever taking specific ingredients and making a collage with them.
The rule for Collage Box was that all pieces didn't have to be used (phew, though I only left out a couple of papers) and other elements could be added.

I decided to use a 9x12 canvas board and started by layering every shade of brown and dark yellow I have, which is about 10 - 12 shades from burnt umber to ochre to bronze Lumiere. As I started pasting a few things down, adding some old newsprint, tissue paper and rub-ons, I realized I had no clue what I wanted to do. The next two photos were taken with my phone, which is good, but not great. I love the way everything is distorted at the top:)

I began to commit, pasting down a little house I drew on newsprint and a couple other paper scraps, but mostly sticking to my assignment. It was then that I realized that while I had chosen pieces complementary in color, the themes couldn't be more different - bingo cards, African totem-like pieces, a clown, heart, a swatch of French architectural wrapping paper and old, tiny film strip. Then I realized that it isn't any different from starting a new background with a rainbow of colors to choose from. So I loosened up and started placing and gluing.

Backgrounds are my favorite and while I wanted the elements to show through (a few did get buried) I still wanted more variation and texture. I pasted on a strip of lace trim and tissue paper and the piece of wholey paper that goes into every project I make, then more washes of color - quinacrinidone nickel azo gold, sepia, titanium buff to lighten up a few spots. Then I continued gluing and looked for my focal point. I'd started with the owl but the color, faded but rich nonetheless on the card was more inspiring. And what do clowns have? Balloons. Vintage buttons and wire and yes, I was ready, laid it on the scanner and when the image popped up I saw two eyes looking back at me. Funny how different viewpoint changes everything.

So I popped another button on and I think I solved that problem...

A Summer Day in the Country

2010-07-16T11:19:00.005-04:00

(please scroll down for the Buried Treasure post)

A Summer day in the country

When the ordinary ceases to amaze…

the unblemished coreopsis

fanned out in perfection alongside the old black barn;

when I tire of the honeysuckle, lush, fragrant still

beneath the withering July sun;

when I no longer notice

the checkered flight of a startled

butterfly, or a female cardinal

paused in the sanctum of fallen branches

as though hiding, for a moment,

from the duties of her nest, that

to an uninterested eye, might appear casual,

dull even;

when weathered wood

Isn’t poised for the click of my shutter,

just peeling paint, curling away from the knotted grain;

Then I will know that, even on an otherwise

remarkable day

I will have forgotten how to see.

dedicated to Jilly

Buried Treasure - post #1

2010-07-14T22:15:00.003-04:00

This Post, entitled, Polymer Clay Not my Forte, originally aired in September 09; I think it's one of my favorites because I had such a great time - close friends, art community, creating using a new process... hope to read your buried treasure soon! Click on the Buried Treasure icon in the right-hand column for more details!

(Sorry, no intent to dis myself, the title just rhymed:)
Still drenched in the flavors and sights at Hotel 21C, we ventured across the street to the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft for our afternoon with Polymer Clay. Our wonderfully talented and gregarious instructor, Lisa Simon, began by talking about the basics and showing us a few of her wonderful creations. Yes. She's the kind of teacher that makes you feel like any and everything is possible, if not in a four-hour window! Looking at the variety and complexity of her dolls was quite daunting for me though, a newcomer to clay, as well as Cassie, who is enormously creative but says she doesn't 'make art.'

We started unwrapping colorful blocks of clay without a clue about the shape, appearance, personality of our creations. Rolling shapes, making beaks, bulging eyes, crazy appendages, the time passed all too quickly. Especially for Debbie (on the right, glasses on her head) who creates and exhibits Raku sculpture women that are to die for (her finest to date graces my living room mantel:)
I'm not sure about the expression on instructor-Lisa's face, we thought we were off to a fine start; the head for mine, cut off below the eyes, is at the very bottom of the frame. Wasn't what I'd hoped for but there's no perfection, second chances even, in a four-hour class.

The class description said that all materials would be provided, and they were. Some of the more experienced gals arrived with a plan - and gorgeous embellishments like felt pieces and jewels, designs sketched out in detail - and finishing their pieces while ours came home in body bags.

Like Clarissa, a fellow Lexingtonian, the only one to create a round doll - quite fabulous!

And Ellen Yunker, who was wearing a doll-pin that she'd made in an earlier class (gee, I really wanted that pin!!). I didn't get a photo of her doll - it was fabulous!

But we hung in there, cut out little bodies and sewed cloth pieces together on machines with tension 'issues' and a bit of our own:) I'm ashamed to say that I haven't used a machine since senior-year home ec class when I made a skirt big enough for the school's quarterback.

Debbie made great progress, her creativity and talent shining through; Cassie and I are learning to love our little clowns... the class was finished before we were so we grabbed bits of embroidery floss, extra clay and fabric, bagged up and drove back home, with plans to gather at Deb's studio on the 30th and finish. I can't wait!

Collage in a Box

2010-07-14T10:25:00.003-04:00

Lawendula was kind enough to enroll me in the second collage in a box swap - in June. I think one day I'll post the events of this past June, now mostly a blur but time consuming nonetheless. I did faithfully take the photograph of the elements I picked out of the box, but just yesterday sat down to see what I could make with the eclectic assortment of goodies that caught my eye...
Anyone else doing this one??

Hot Fun in the Summertime

2010-07-07T13:22:00.012-04:00

This canvas, which there doesn't seem to be a decent way to photograph, is the second in a series of flowers (the fourth of which is nearly complete). I've spent most of my free (ha) time working on these 10 x 10's and haven't had much else in the way of projects to post.
Wow, the weeks have zoomed by faster than I can say "blog post." As soon as I vowed to post more often the world began to turn (hey, good name for a TV show); from having our upstairs bathroom ripped out, collapsed sewer lines (out in the street:), Alice's recital, birthdays and an anniversary (20 years!), a visit from my best friend... and did I mention ten days at the lake? And now it's July.
My father asked me why I blog (oh yeah, Father's Day too:) and I thought a minute and told him that I do it for my self. Sure, I like to share art and ramble but the biggest benefit comes from the other bloggers out there - yes, you. If you are reading this then chances are I've visited your blog (if not, please leave a comment so I can!). I benefit so much from the new techniques, different world views - and locations - anecdotes, writings and sense of community that I find necessary, rather than luxury. I don't often suffer from creative blocks, usually it's a lack of time, but they feel the same - they both stink and feel very, very icky. When I log on and visit a pal or two I remember the artist in me, that the voice I hear screaming in my head is the same one that sings with joy with paint brush in hand.

I usually take an art kit when we head to the lake, but for some reason this time I made do with a cheapo watercolor set, tape, scissors and a couple of magazines. I may be brave enough to post those pages later.
We are really fortunate to have a place on Lake Cumberland, which is enormous and very clean, making isolated coves the ideal place to swim, float, skip rocks, and enjoy the natural beauty that sometimes outshines our best efforts.

My loveliest creation to date, my daughter, who 13-years old today (can you tell??)

Adorable son on the skis

And handsome husband at the wheel

We came back from the lake in time for our favorite holiday, the Fourth of July, a day of much tradition - from a post-10K race brunch, to the downtown festivities and fireworks. I'm sure our parade reflects the size of our fair city, but while relatively short there's no lack of variety.

the drag queens were afloat; interspersed with the waving beauty queens and politicians there were some funky and colorful floats, like the people powered piano float. It’s a bike. A piano. A recycling project. A work of art.

and, um, these guys, one of whom was kind enough to provide a photo-op

Last, but not least, my son on his board (white t and jean shorts closest to camera) with his crew from the Void Skate Shop.

By then, hungry and parched, we paraded up to Third Street Stuff for a late lunch. The owner, Pat Gerhard, is one of the most creative people I know and the outside is as fun and funky - and welcoming - as the inside.

there isn't a good way to do justice to this decorated pole, but if you click on it for a larger view, you'll find all sorts of unique works of art.

Speaking of art, the fact that our graphic design and advertising business is located on the second floor makes it even cooler.

I hope you are all enjoying creative, fun and interesting summer days!

Ah, Yes, Summer Really is Here!

2010-06-10T17:06:00.012-04:00

One of the funnest parts of June is the transition from lacrosse, dance classes and school to summer vacation, birthdays (mine and Jim's), our 20th anniversary (yes that's me with post-80s hair:), dance recital and parties.
Notice I didn't say blogging:) I had vowed to post once a week at the very least and was feeling a bit disappointed. While delivering the Father's Day card that took me 4 hours to make:), my dad asked "why?" do you blog; and I told him it was a selfish act really... a recounting of creative ventures and life's major moments. And then there are the multitude of artists that I look forward to visiting, the new discoveries. It feels a bit lonely, isolated without the thread that runs through us all, hardly noticeable yet strong enough to hold the burdens, joys, triumphs and rants. In short, I miss all of my blog pals!!!

Now that summer is here and the kids are taking turns at camps, on mission trips, in and out with friends, I feel that gentle leveling that signals a smoothing of the new routine, one that I requires much adjustment every year. And my first post in weeks. My pal Mistress Debs announced her sabbatical and return with a brand new look, unlike me, who instead felt the days blur past without a word, just lots of chaos. Oh yes, lets see what happens when the sewer line collapses and we take the toilet and tub out of the upstairs bathroom and start ripping out the floor, only to find that the water damage means a contractor and all new tile; the same contractor who is getting ready to rip off the front porch and replace all the wood that the former owner had installed without first having it treated. New columns, rails, steps... And then the visit from my childhood best friend who lives in California (traitor), tying up loose ends on a few swaps...
Ahh, now I need a tall glass of sweet tea and a freakin' day in the studio!!!

My sweet 'baby' boy will be in high school this August? No, I need denial, lots more time before that day....

He did ride out of middle school in style, compliments of his good friend Maykah (standing on Dylan's left next to the babes:)

Working backstage during Alice's recital presented a rare opportunity to spend time with her, along with sore feet. The two sisters on either side are truly identical - I wish I'd asked Ashley, or was it Brittany?, to take off her glasses that, aside from a 1/2" difference in height, is the only way to tell them apart!

Can you tell that it's Al and not Michael Jackson? I won't even go there, but, did I mention the trips to Cincinnati? Alice is enrolled in classes that will prepare her for modeling and commercial work, her other dream:)

Cincinnati is such a cool city but most of the time the view is of the car in front, inching forward at a snail's pace... glad we don't have that traffic in our little town, which will host the World Equestrian Games in 90-some days. Speaking of the games there is art to be done!!!

This is journal #6, on its way to New Editions Gallery... I'm having a harder time letting go of this one. My pal Deb Gilchrist posted a photo of her beautiful grandmother on Facebook and said that she hesitated to use it in her art but then found it cathartic to honor her with a lovely piece. The woman in the photo on this journal is my late Aunt, my lovely, kindred-spirit second mother, who passed away last year. I always wondered what she was thinking, gazing off into the distance in some European city.
The journal is due for a trip to Jeff's, along with the canvases I've finished, for professional photography before I let go for good. I'm love, love, loving the background work, my favorite part of the process maybe? I just finished an 18" x 18" canvas, the largest ever for me, and I hope to post it soon. Soon, as in a few days rather than weeks!! Happy Summer, which officially begins today, though the thermometer has suggested otherwise, and I look forward to our visits!

outside the box, inside the box

2010-06-02T09:21:00.007-04:00

I have finished my second 10 x 10 canvas and have a good start on the third, and I've ordered the 12 x 12's I need for the show in August at New Editions Gallery. Entitled Gridworks, the show will feature square pieces, the smallest being 12 x 12. I'm totally used to working small, don't know why, but I've always gravitated to journals, oversize puzzle pieces, ATCs and inchies... and now that I've gotten comfortable with 10x10 I'm looking forward to the challenge.
The show will remain up during the September/October World Equestrian Games. Scheduled to bring between 300 and 500,000 people (what about the horses?!) to Lexington, the Games are considered by many to be more 'important' than the Olympics. Wow. I know it will be great for the local economy but I think many of us are in denial about what it will mean for our small city, surrounded by even smaller towns. There are lots of people who are fleeing to parts unknown and renting their houses and condos out for outrageous sums - hmmm that would pay for a lot of art supplies, but then again I'd have to clean up the studio!! And fix the upstairs bathroom floor, paint the living room... and a few other important things.
OK, I'm way off track. Before I start on that project, I thought I would dabble with assemblage, altering boxes and other non-canvasy things. During our spring break trip to Asheville I picked up several really cool boxes, but I'm a bit stuck. Do I remove the ceramic piece from the lid of this one? Or, sand and paint? Why does tearing up a perfectly good box make me feel a little like a criminal? Because I want to make them really cool boxes!

The carving is also going to present a challenge... maybe I'll release it from the box and use it for a cradle/frame and alter the inside. Why is this so difficult? Once I embrace change I'm fairly OK with plowing ahead. I would certainly LOVE suggestions... heck, if the concept is good enough I might just send it to you and be done with it.

I'm in desperate need of storage but I like clear boxes and bins so I can see what's inside. It also seems a shame to put an antique box to work! This cigar box also has a cool lid but I can see lots of possibilities for working around the design, which I love along with the hinges. I caught my son and his friends smoking pretzels - the cigar kind of course - the other day after smelling something awful in the back yard. Phew, It's going to be a long summer. At least they didn't inhale:)

I have the same issue with these framed pieces. I was so excited to find them... maybe I'll hang them in the bathroom until I come up with a great idea. Maybe I need to stop thinking flat. Canvas.

Working in other media isn't totally foreign, I suppose it has just been awhile; I've focused on journals since early last fall (just dropped 5 off at the gallery - yay) and need to mix it up a bit. I think I'll use the Michael deMeng class I took in 2008 at Random Arts as inspiration (he was just there again last weekend and I really, really wanted to go, but... maybe next time. We made two really cool assemblage pieces, a Morpheus Box and an altered book. Looking at them now makes me want to go back and work on them again, add a splash of my current favorite supplies.

It's not like I haven't done boxes; I really like this tin, another piece from a couple of years ago, especially the wax part and finding the best rusting solution. Alcohol ink works wonders on metal and plastic and the Tim Holtz line is expanding with new colors - bought a couple recently and I'm itching to use them!

So, suggestions for the box in the top photo, please, you might just find it in your mail box!

Summer is nearly here and school is out tomorrow so I'm praying for art time, and blogging time, especially visiting all the wonderful friends listed in my blogroll and others I frequent. If too much time passes I feel like I'm living in a void! Hope you have great plans for the summer and if, like me, you have teenagers (or kids of any kind) they include time in the studio. Stay in touch!!

2010-05-21T21:34:00.007-04:00

What is it about changing substrates that can make the same processes and techniques feel totally different. I've been focused on mixed media journals for months now; I don't know if it's the cost factor or the functionality. Working on something 'usable' made it easy to experiment, dive in, without any worries about outcome. And the low cost made for a non-existent risk factor.
Making the leap to even a smallish canvas, one that cost more than half-dozen journals and has no purpose other than hanging on the wall, has proven to be a block. I've collaged and painted tons of smaller pieces - board, tins, oversized puzzle pieces - but this is my first 'large' canvas, though it's only 10 x 10.
My DH is the opposite, most of his works are at least 2' wide. I look at my little tubs of Golden acrylics, dimensional paints, media, packets of glitter, rub-ons... my painting supplies last such a long time, a single 4' x 4' canvas would put a major dent in my stash in no time.
For now I'm happy with 10" pieces and will move up to 12" soon with a show coming in mid August. The Grid Show at New Editions Gallery is scheduled to coincide with the World Equestrian Games and each artist is contributing 3 - 4 pieces that are a minimum of 12" square. This is good practice:)

Alass

2010-05-10T20:51:00.002-04:00

Lately, my favorite part of a project is the beginning... as I've become more experienced at creating layers, textures, building up and sanding down, it never seems quite done. If I'm having a bad or creatively slow day I just make paper - pasting down scraps from the table, gelling and glittering, sponging and stenciling on the paint, just to get that... feeling of freedom that comes with making a mess, glue, etc. on the hands without (over)thinking.
By the time the paint is dry I've usually gathered design elements that change repeatedly until the last bead is glued in place. At times I lose my focus and have trouble remembering what the theme was in the first place. I've happened upon some lovely trims that I'm tempted to overuse along with a handful or two of the incredible stash of bling that seems to be multiplying in boxes and piles on the studio floor (hope I'm showing restraint - ha.)
I feel like I've finished a series (btw, the '7' and '3' are purposely mirrored, a subtle shout to a memorable year in my life) and am ready to move on to, well, whatever is next. I have some 10x10 cradled canvases, several boxes and books that I'd like to alter. There is never a shortage of substrates, materials, processes, sometimes just focus. But I'm sure I'm not the only one lucky enough to ponder the infinite universe of the creative life. Let's try to think of it that way if we find ourselves at odds... stuck, poised to break through to the next level...

S.W.A.P.

2010-05-06T11:32:00.004-04:00

In my lexicon, swap has come to mean "stick with a project," as in, meet the deadline. I always finish and mail the piece but my tardiness has become unacceptable. I tend to assign blame to my illness, after all, having to go to bed at 9:00 and sleeping until 9:00 with a nap or two does erase a few valuable hours from the day. But it's not all due to time, or lack thereof, or the needs of my children and ever-messy house. Disorganization has haunted me all my life and now is an enormous, unsavory beast that trails around behind me, taunting, from room to room, pointing, sneering at the piles, the clutter, the projects I should have done last week, last month, last year?
I suppose the key to organization is getting that way and sticking to the habits of tossing, having a place for everything and replacing them when finished. OK, so now I'm laughing so hard my side hurts. This confessional brings to mind the fabulous conversation I had with the intrepid, gifted artist Karin Bartimole, who has way more valid reasons than I to procrastinate. We hee-hawed about being chased by piles of papers (think Michelin Man) and tripping over the remains of the last art project. It makes me wonder, are artists as a rule, so caught up in creating and doing enough laundry so everyone will shut up so we can go back to the studio??
I've never been brave enough to read Somerset Magazine's Where Women Create, though I've seen enough to cringe at the airy, sunny spaces organized with drawers and bins and shelves... a bin for papers, one for lettering... enough to make me pull the quilt up over my head.
I asked my daughter once to help me, thinking she'd love the vast assortment of buttons, lace, paint, papers, packaging (to recycle as art of course), and her solution was to grab her dry-erase board and scribble, "Danger, do not enter unless you are Patti." Thanks.
I have decided to divide this holy terror of a task into small pieces and remedy the chaos, clear the clutter and turn this house into a comfortable albeit fung shui'd home. And, since maintaining my sense of integrity is highly important to me, I've decided to stop swapping - after I send a huge jug of cool, fun, amazing items to the next person on the list, and mail two packages overseas.

Along with my meeting deadline issues is a tendency to put off saying thank you and showing off the fabulous treasures that have come to be in my possession through a variety of means. For example, this fabulous piece has been waiting to be acknowledged so I can find just the right space to show it off. I entered a drawing on What Whitney Made Next and won this fabulous bowl. Take a look at her site and you'll be amazed, as was I, by her gorgeous art. In a recent post she claims to be the messiest person in the universe but I think I'd be a worthy challenge.

Oh, remember One World One Heart - the incredible global blogathon organized by Lisa, the Whimsical Bohemian? How she pulled it off I'll never know. I signed on and got totally blown away by the tremendous number of responses I got. I tried, really, to enter as many as I could but I think I only managed twenty or thirty. Once it was over I visited blogs and saw the unbelievable array of art won by those who spent a bit more time leaving comments than I did. But then, by a stroke of luck, magic really, I got a note from Dawn Simpson, an artist from Northern Scotland. One look at her site, Crafty Ramblings, and it's hard to believe all she manages to accomplish. She's busy moving now, and will live closer to where she works, and in the photo link she sent, it looks just the way I've always pictured it, lush and green and magical. My ancestry is Welsh so one day I hope to visit.
Getting back to Dawn, she told me I had the winning comment in her OWOH drawing and could I send her my address. I did and when I opened the package, I felt as though I'd hit the jackpot, won the lottery.... A canvas, tags, cards... an overwhelming number of amazing pieces that she'd made and that, again, I'm just now getting around to acknowledging. I didn't photograph all the cards and I've used a couple but she sent nearly a dozen and the complexity, detail and stunning originality absolutely blew me away. So far that I waited a couple of months to post them? Well, that's the issue then isn't it. Take a look at her work and you'll see why I only needed to win one drawing.

Thanks for 'listening' and I'm sure there is more than one head nodding in agreement about the difficulty of mess. I'd like to hear your stories, maybe I wouldn't feel so bad:)

North Carolina is the place to be...

2010-04-27T09:18:00.004-04:00

The necessities for a fabulous cabin vacation include a scenic view, privacy in a wooded setting, ambiance, and of course, amenities A bit of research in the Asheville area uncovered Carolina Mornings, an agency with properties that offered just the right blend of comfort, quality and value.

We'd gotten a very late start - but that's another story (think Chevy Chase Vacation movies) - and the detour on east I40 meant a shorter albeit far more scenic route. So an hour past Knoxville the sun slid behind the Blue Ridge mountains like butta; we'd driven over the French Broad River, code name for my bladder; all of a sudden there was a tiny blink of a town, the only evidence of life was a noisy saloon that lit up the dark rural night. It was packed to the brim with rafters, kayakers, climbers and cheerful waitresses, one of whom pointed the way to the restroom. I must have looked like a mole, blinking and car-weary and the kids were getting antsy but I had to resist the urge to grab a chair and a frosted mug and slide up to a table of buff young adventurers. We vowed to stop in again on the way back but in daylight we never could find it.
An hour later, thanks to Garman, we finally reached Weaverville, another dark little town save one quick mart... milk, bread, water, eggs, cereal and a few other necessities. In walks the poet, the only reason why the station was still open. It was the night before his wedding and his bride-to-be had called ahead to see if 'George' would wait for the bachelor party, the solo guy, his dog, a cozy fire and the six pack of beer he'd come to pick up. We chatted, relayed the trials of our journey and he told a poem he'd written in the sixth grade about poop. We would end up crossing paths twice more during our week there.
So Garman told ups up the hill, up and up, and no sign of life but finally...

Hmmmm, is this our destination??

Nope, not like the photos on the internet.

Well, I'll be, could this be the one??

No, couldn't be... the cabin we rented had four bedrooms, not fourteen.

And then, just like Goldilocks in the Three Bears, we found just the right one.

This one is the perfect fit!

Sure enough, and was it ever perfect. The owners were ever so gracious and we extended our stay an extra night. North Carolina reminds me a lot of Kentucky, only more progressive in ways that are good for arts and tourism. Culture and class in charmingly quaint settings and every time I visit I never want to leave.

Dylan and Alice found the brand new hot tub in minutes and I instantly fell in love with the kitchen, i.e., hey, is this nicer than mine? No wonder I don't like to cook! The laundry room was so conveniently located off the kitchen I didn't mind throwing in a load or three.

And being up at such a high altitude must have played a role in my feeling better, almost normal, not stuck in the nasty flare that taunted my joints and drained energy and clarity of mind.
Nice dining room for a cabin...

Living room with a vaulted ceiling and one of the many decks, one right off the master suite, secluded with a lovely view and comfy chairs.

Every day we found a new adventure... the area is so blessed with vibrant downtown galleries, arts and restaurants, street musicians and fabulous food. We saw three families from home there and all agreed that a week wasn't enough.

And oh my, the shopping!

Our first trip was to Saluda Jane's, aka proprietress of Random Arts, where my blogging has its roots. Afraid she'd leave town before I had a chance to see her, we drove down the first day and revisited our favorites - the Saluda Grade Cafe, an antique shop, a few galleries and shops...

Then off to find Jane. She had a workshop in progress and when I peeked in the door I saw her on the other side of the building. I casually wandered through the across the sea of tables crammed with busy artists, who all looked up, of course.
But I just had to give her a quick hug and stock up a few favorites. One can never have enough wholey paper... in sheets, an assortment of cutouts and a great price.

She was showing a workshop attendee this gorgeous, sumptuous ribbon... click this link to see what Jane is up to and get some of your own - the price is right and opportunities are endless!

A couple of days later we stopped by a junk shop in Hendersonville and the owner remembered us from last time... maybe because, like then, Dylan wound up in the dungeon playing the drums while I found all kinds of goodies - from cigar boxes, porcelain dolls, frames, lace and books. I also stumbled upon a bundle of letters between a local woman and her husband who was a soldier in WW2... one of the letters begins, "My Dearest, I can't believe the war is finally over..." I can't wait to put them in order to I can enjoy their journey.

This time there was bongo drum in the window, along with tons of other 'stuff' and the owner heartily encouraged Dylan to get up there an play - he sounded great an attracted a lot of attention.

If you look behind them, you'll see what I mean when I say this is one authentic junk shop - Seldom Scene has nothing categorized and everything at a great price!

After we got back home I finally got my act together and shot some of the treasures I am anxious to start doing something with - even if it's trading. I'll do some high res scans of the photos and some documents and share as soon as I get to it!

I have SO much more to post - thanks for stopping by and sticking with me... this past few weeks has been very difficult with my arthritis, illness in the family and all the other stuff of life. Hope to see you again soon!!

Happy Birthday to Nicole and Congrats to a lucky winner...

2010-04-12T09:30:00.007-04:00

Do you know Nicole Campanella (Beadwright)? Her birthday is this month, she'll be turning... whocaresty-seven, and she's giving away the most amazing piece. You can click on her name to register and read all about it... but you'll have a thousand-word understanding of just how beautiful it is once you see the photos (she has more views on her site).

I haven't known Nicole long (since OWOH) but one of the things I love most about her is her strength. Tenacity. Keep right arting through whatever crisis comes her way. I need to have people, artists, friends like her in my life, to remind me when I haven't finished a two-weeks overdue project because I'm having a flare, or have to spend 14 hours in bed because it hurts too bad to get up, that there is beauty to be found in every situation. It might be the angel faces I can find in the distressed ceiling in my bedroom or a squeeze from my darling husband, a pal, my fourteen-year-old who would sit in my lap if he fit, a surprise in the mail... a delightful post like Nicole's, the amazing messages in the dozens of other sites I visit regularly.
Hop on over and register - you'll be glad you did!

I have so much to post that I don't know where to start. My goal is every other day until I'm caught up. I don't want to slip out of the loop, let myself down - I started my blog in April of 2008 and the connections it has allowed me are way too important (yes, that means you:)!

Good Friday

2010-04-02T20:50:00.004-04:00

A cabin in the woods is an ideal place to spend Holy Week; after the self-examination and contemplation of Lent the transition to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday were peaceful, quiet and, well, still introspective.

To be honest, I've always wondered about the meaning of 'Maundy' Thursday, so when I arrived home this evening I skipped over phone and email messages, delighted to read an insightful, wise post most excellently written by my pal, Rev. Pete Jones. He enlightened me (and many others I'm sure:) as he said:

"Maundy comes from the Latin word meaning, basically, commandment. More specifically, a new commandment given to the Disciples on the night of the last supper: You shall love one another as I have loved you. A new commandment. Love. Agape. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my life, my soul, my all. That kind of a new commandment."

I just love that.

My wily, uber-cool teens showed me where they wrote in the morning moisture and then waited to see the sun reach down and lift the words to the sky like prayers. Those two never cease to amaze me.

The sun set into the mountains at the close of Maundy Thursday - I caught this shot a tiny bit late. My daughter and I curled up under the quilt on the comfy bed in the master suite (of the nicest cabin we've ever stayed in!) and read the devotional that described the events written in the Bible about that evening. It has become a habit during the seasons of Advent and Lent, to read the scriptures and messages with one of both of my kids.

Alice's knowledge is impressive (again, thanks Pastor Pete, head of the camp where she has explored and found her own spirituality - and voice) as we talked about humility and grace, about Jesus washing the dusty feet of his disciples, even those of his betrayers. We also talked about how cool it would be and all the questions we'd love to ask if we had a chance to spend time with Him.

The many wonders of this long-overdue vacation were simple enough. Living downtown doesn't offer a chance to view the expanse of night sky embedded with stars, crystal clear and distinct no matter that they are ancient in formation and millions of light years away. And I admit that I seldom stop to study the amazing array of textures and colors... such depth in a small patch of tree trunk.

It's humbling to include those among the highlights... along with the shopping and browsing in such amazing galleries and shops. Asheville certainly knows how to take care of its own. The support for local businesses is a solid way of life rather than a trendy concept.

Next I'll post some of my favorite 'finds.' I'd say I was quite successful in my junking expeditions, boxes and porcelain dolls, a set of letters to and from a local woman and her military husband during World War II. How cool.

I hope your week has been creative, fun and meaningful. If you have read this post you have certainly made mine more rewarding. Good Friday and Happy Easter to you!

Hello from Asheville

2010-03-31T14:08:00.002-04:00

This week has been amazing... Asheville is definitely the town for artists and art lovers. Or shoppers. Or people who like to eat. And see cool buildings and signage and listen to street musicians.
We've run into 3 people we know from home... guess this isn't the most original idea, must be because it's a good one.
Our cabin is amazing... hot tub and uber kitchen (nicer than mine) and lots of mountain air.
Will post photos when we return!

what does March look like?

2010-03-24T21:18:00.004-04:00

I actually chased a rainbow the other evening, after another of the kind of rains that portend the arrival of spring. The rainbow had moved on leaving a brilliant, fabulous sky. It has been quite a while since I took a photo stroll, guess I've been impatient with the gray, damp chill of earlier weeks... so unfriendly to my arthritis; but I was drawn out by the fiery hues that seared the gray flat expanse and lit the grass and first crocuses with an unearthly glow.

Then I noticed the colors of the March Calendar Girl. Carbury Neal, of Vermont, one of the members of the swap group I belong to, used the very same palette. Intentional or intuitive? I'm not sure but she nailed it for sure.

I anticipate the arrival of Miss April any day now. (My month is June so I have plenty of time:)

I wanted to share the girls of the first three months. It's amazing how many variations one concept can conjure. That used to be a frightening concept for me, no right way, no guidelines even, a vague idea and the rest is left to the artist's imagination. I don't worry like I used to (last year:) and find myself embracing the challenge.

So far I've loved them all - Miss January was created by Carol Moore who has a fabulous new blog - go check it out! February's doll, with her gorgeous red attire - I LOVE the skirt - was designed by Kathy Masone. At the end of the year I'm going to put them together, try to find the best way for making a book. Maybe:)

There are several other goodies that I've been waiting to post - like my amazing OWOH gift! My computer, beloved laptop, right arm, communication with the world, has been sent off for warranty repair. This machine old and I can't do justice to the photographs.

Next week when we come back from Asheville, North Carolina, where we'll relax and enjoy a beautiful cabin in the woods, I'm hoping my computer will be waiting, smiling and happy - and ready to work!!

To all who are traveling, getting ready for spring break trips, be safe, have fun and come back next week to say hello!!!!

2010-03-15T20:32:00.005-04:00

Journal covers, box lids, giant puzzle pieces and, of course, canvas, all fair game when it comes to mixing up the media. I have felt myself growing and stretching, almost on a cellular level, as an artist and it's exhilarating and feels a little frantic at the same time. Frantic because I don't have the hours to produce the ideas that surge through my brain, and exhilarating because, well that should be obvious.

I was just visiting Nicole over on Beadwright and wow, I admire her ability to post nearly every day. Especially since she has lupus, an autoimmune nightmare that, like mine, steals her precious time and energy and dumps them into some toxic, useless wasteland. But she doesn't let that stop her from saying hello; I feel like I need to have loads of new work to post but I suppose that isn't the point. The reason I know that is because I have met SO many wonderful, incredible artists who commiserate, support and come back to visit.

Bloggers like (Bluebeard and) Elizabeth at the Altered Book Lover, who posted to let me know she was going to feature my little space on hers. She likes my art and said she finds my blog inspiring - that's the magic word.
My main mission in this lifetime is to appreciate the depth and beauty in others, to connect in a meaningful way that sparks a smile, memory or sense of kindred spirit. Now that is what blogging is really about! May your day be blessed.

2010-03-11T08:27:00.006-05:00

I haven't been able to post any of my work for so long... before the gallery show on the 20th (of Feb:) I spent every spare second getting the journals and canvas finished. After the show I spent over a week recovering but over the weekend we finally had some sun and I was able to set up outside and get some photos.
My favorite journal was purchased before I could have it photographed, but it is going to a wonderful home. I've decided to do a series - wasn't quite done with that thought:)

Hope is a departure from my usual; I most always use photographs I've taken, or old copyright-free images. If you recognize 'her' let me know so I can give credit - I can't recall where I found the lovely girl.

I'll take them to New Editions next, the gallery that sold 8 journals in November, to see if the owner will take more - wish me luck. I want to start an etsy store, now there is artfire and another one I hadn't seen before... and I'm not sure about whether they work or not. Being a novice, I'll take all the advice I can get!!

These photos distort the sense of size... the journal below is small - 5" x 5" - but my second favorite, at least I think!

The one below used to be a child's ABC board book, and it's 8-1/2 inches square; I had to paint a background for that magnificent flower, one of the many surprised in my bobbles and bling purchases

I have more and will post them as I finish the photo work... thanks for looking!

Is Spring Really in the Air?

2010-03-07T16:49:00.004-05:00

It was a fine day for Lacrosse... low 40s and sunny, for the first time in... days? weeks? Definitely a chill in the air but it felt great to sit outside with a bunch of other parents who don't know the rules or strategies of the game. My son, Dylan, in the foreground, has been playing for three weeks now! Their middle school hasn't had a team in years and there are only a handful of teams in the area, albeit a large handful.
Aside from drumming this is his passion, the only sport he's shown an aptitude for along with enthusiasm - I suppose all sports are expensive these days, padding and helmets and monster gloves, those sticks and sports glasses... we've joined the ranks of parents trying to figure out how to get our kids to two places at the same time - but the season isn't as long as soccer:)

Now that Alice has grown and Dylan hasn't yet had his 'spurt' she's nearly as tall and they look so much alike. She was a good sport and spent the day at the invitational; we haven't calculated the number of hours he has spent in a theater watching her dance.

Hey look, no arguing!

Spring fever two ways - I'd love to know if you like one more than the other...

Haiku for Crystal

2010-03-05T10:13:00.005-05:00

What's more fun than going to a baby shower? Making the card of course!! I've been to a zillion showers, some more interesting than others, but this was an elegant, catered party with fabulous hors d'oeuvres, quiche, mimosas (I only had one) and gourmet cupcakes. Hosted by my friend Debbie, (often referred to here as my art angel:) and she definitely knows how to throw a party. It was a three-hour long gathering of interesting, funny, charming women!
Though many of us were meeting for the first time, we are all bonded by motherhood. One of my favorite part is the sharing of our own stories - the sometimes heartache, funny labor room anecdotes, and always fond remembrances. It's amazing how, after two, or a dozen or more years every detail is imprinted in the part of our memory that will never fade.
I brought the card back home - plan to remove the wire and attach it to a small collage with the embellished heart and the haiku I wrote:

For Crystal

tight fist unfolding
whispering dreams, songs of love
to your waiting heart.

The baby, grandchild of my good friend Cassie (glamama) is due on the 11th!

Treasures Flying Across the Globe

2010-02-26T10:32:00.008-05:00

One of the best things about the last Paper Swap (hosted by the fabulous Lawenda) was that my partner took.... a bit of extra time to get the package together, as did I. With good reason though - we decided to make a custom piece for each other.

Dale is from Canada and lives in Korea. She made this fabulous necklace for me! Loads of detail that adds interest to the amazing style. Speaking of paper, she also included a section of Korean newspaper and a pack stationery made in Korea that is too cute - I'll have to scan a piece. I love collecting papers from other countries, whether it's tissue paper, newsprint, wrap or wallpaper, stamps... All great additions to my stash!

We agreed on 3 ATCs and I absolutely love hers... they are rich in color and design and will make my collection infinitely more fabulous.

Dale requested a journal, my specialty:) She said she hadn't used one before so hopefully this one will inspire her to begin. I had a blast making it and though I worried that the medium-weight cover wouldn't stand up to the layers I like to pile on, I was pleasantly surprised.

I found a new source for small journals (3-1/2 x 4) and I'm thrilled because it actually has blank pages. Most of the affordable, ready made journals are lined, which is great for writers but a lot less to cover up for journaling.

I'm still digging into my son's old Pokemon stash for ATCs... I forgot to gesso the back side of one so it will be obvious:) Hey, doesn't that make it a recycled treasure??

I've only made a handful of ATCs for swaps, but next to inchies, they are my favorites. Mine are simple in design and construction but the possibilities are endless. I hope to spend more time experimenting. Talk about complexity and fabulosity, check out the incredible pieces recently posted by Alicia at Digital Arts, and Debbie, aka Mistress Debrina - definitely worth framing!

The one above is my favorite, though it makes the least sense:) It was one of those - start out with no idea and then suddenly flow - experiences that make the creative process, well, divine indeed!

This tissue paper butterfly has been fluttering around the table for a while now, looking for a home and I sure it will be happy in Korea. Dale is primarily a jewelry maker so I rounded up some extras goodies for her package!

Off to make a card for a baby shower...