Painted Cats

 

Some artists use cats as a canvas and charge $15,000 a pop.  As the cat's hair grows and sheds, it will need repainting every three months.  It is claimed that the cats do not mind at all, but I know my own would have no part of it!  Not, that I have ever had the urge to paint mine.....However, if you do, you will need an airbrush, and some nontoxic paints.  I find it a bit bizarre, but we did once paint our dog and the dog DID like it, glutton for attention that she was. 

 

Prayer Songs

Titled "Prayer Songs", this box assemblage was created by Jeanne Borofsky.  I love both the piece and the title, possibly because prayer flags have been "incubating" in my mind for at least a year now. 

Today I cleaned off my table...well, enough so that there is some order along with space to work....and also did research for my next project, a commissioned piece which I've been putting off.

Tomorrow my daughter and grandson arrive from California for the entire Thanksgiving week, and playing with them, as well as creating Thanksgiving dinner are up next for me. My prayer for you is that you have a most wonderful  giving of thanks with family and friends!

Frame-UP

When I went to photograph my display of three icon dolls, Rudy jumped up and posed himself.  Because he IS a work of art, and makes a fine display, I am showing him here.  Perhaps I'm just a crazy cat lady, but I see cats as marvelous living sculptures.

The cabinet, an old salvaged one which I painted a bluish gray, serves as a frame for the dolls.  Each would also display well in its own box, but why not just use what you have on hand?  I'm making a mental note to "frame-up" all my single pieces of art....It could be a natural extension of my shrine making.

This May Get Me In Trouble......

I hope someone will step forth and let us know who created these dolls.

I also hope I may be forgiven for posting them without proper credit.  I have lost my notes, but find these art dolls too inspiring to not share them with you.

I Was Hispanic

I was born in Estonia, a northern European country, but I am so drawn to all the Spanish speaking countries!  I love the passion, music, saturated color and art.  The only possible explanation for this could be past life....right?  Until I had the experience of feeling like I had come home when I went to Mexico and, also, Peru, for the first time, I definitely did not buy the idea of past lives.  Now, I think it's quite possible.

These two wall hangings are available form one of my most favorite stores in Austin, El Interior. 

info@elinterior.com
www.elinterior.com

I have hit a dry spell, in spite of being so excited about all the goodies I brought back from the Houston Quilt show.  Maybe I'm in "overwhelm", still digesting all the wonderful things I saw.  Or, maybe it's the commission piece I need to do before I allow myself to have fun......

Back to Angora Goats

Here you see a very small piece of a rug created by Lisa Shell from her hand-dyed wool .  I jokingly mentioned how much easier the process would be if we just dyed the sheep and then sheared them.

I did just that, in fantasy... and while I was at it, I included the grass and the sky.:-)

Yes, it's done digitally, and I absolutely love it.  It's definitely worth doing because it's fun and pretty.:-)  However, is it art?  Not in my book, but what do you think?

Box Shrines in Celebration

Dia de los Muertos is somewhat similar to our Memorial Day, but more celebratory. 

The elements of fear and dread were traditionally not to be part of one's view of death - Celebrating the Day of the Dead is done in anticipation of the end of life for those that believe that the soul remains alive forever. 

Every year I make a box shrine in honor of this, and here are a a few from the past, now in private collections.

The last photo is of this year's shrine which will be offered at an auction to benefit the street children of Oaxaca.

Day of the Dead Figures

These figures are created by the Aguilar sisters who live and work in the village of Ocotlan, Mexico.  My friend, Louise, and I visited them 5 years ago and were surprised to see how humble the living and working quarters of this world-famous family are.  We also learned that ALL their best work is purchased by galleries and stores.  For more information about the Aguilar family, here is a good site.


Left, Calavera by Concepcion Aguilar
Below, Catrinas by Concepcion Aguilar

I have a small collection bought here in the US, but the DOD figures I am showing here are at El Interior, Austin.  The purchase price runs between 50 and many hundreds of dollars.

Left, Market Lady by Guilermia Aguilar
Below, Mujer de Iguana by Concepcion Aguilar

Day of the Dead

altar by
Polly Johnson & Ed Jordan

altar by

Lucinda Hutson

by El Interior, Austin

below: by Miguel Ravago

1. Photos of saints of particular importance to the family sit on the altar along with photos of the deceased relatives (The Day of the Dead, The Heard Museum)
   
2. Candles are always present on the altars. Families light candles on the altars and on the gravesite of the deceased. (The Day of the Dead, The Heard Museum)
   
3. Flowers, which symbolize the brief life of man, are used as an offering on the altars. Yellow marigolds, known as "the flower of the dead," and other fragrant flowers are used to communicate to the spirits the richness of the offering. Sometimes paths of marigold petals are created by families to aid the souls in finding their way home. (The Day of the Dead, The Heard Museum)
   
4. Pan de muertos (Bread of the Dead) represent the souls of the dead. The essence or soul of the bread is consumed by the dead when they visit their loved ones. (The Day of the Dead, The Heard Museum)
   
5. In Mexico, death is something to be celebrated. Skeleton dolls and toys are made for living children to play with. Thus, the child's first acquaintance with death is a cheerful one. (The Day of the Dead, The Heard Museum)
   

 

Day Of The Dead

on left, altar

by Joanna Ordonez

below, altar
by Lucinda Hutson

The Day of the Dead is a time for the 

dead to return home and visit loved ones, feast on their favorite foods and listen to their favorite music. In homes, family members honor their deceased with ofrendas or offerings which may consist of photographs, bread, other foods, flowers, toys and other symbolic offerings.



                                                                                                           

Day Of The Dead

The Day of the Dead is widely celebrated in Austin.  Festivities began last week-end and will continue through the first week of November.

I love the tradition of remembering departed loved ones in this positive, fun, and colorful manner!  So, I celebrate with you by showing you inspiring Day of the Dead art and altars.

Above, an altar by the staff of El Interior in Austin.

Right,  2008 display at Museum Mex-Arte in Austin.

DOD altar by Maplewood and Ridgetop elementary schools in Austin.

Silk "Paper" Fusion

I love silk!  When I saw silk fiber packages in these colorways....Yes, I'm still talking about the Houston Quilt Show....I had to bring them home with me.  I was afraid that they might only "decorate" my studio, so I also bought this book. I never do any projects demonstrated in books, but it will be a good reference book to have.

The colors of my fiber packages and the book cover are not really the same as they appear to be in my scans.

The book is written by Australian, Judith Pinnell.  I get to figure out the meaning of "washing up liquid". :-) 

I want to make bits of gossamer fabric...light and sheer in which color and texture floats like clouds.  Just wait and see!

Pure Joy in Wool

WoolyLady brought incredible hand dyed wool fabrics and kits to the Houston Quilt Show.  A bit pricey, yes, but oh, so wonderful.  She will gladly send you color samples.

http://woolylady.com/

Nifty Dry Goods

I saw this supplier at the Houston Quilt Show a few years ago and was delighted that they were there this year as well.  It was notion heaven, with a multitude of trims and other notions arranged in groupings of luscious color. Most items can be purchased by as little as half a yard, and that's a good deal for anyone who creates small things.  Shopping online isn't quite as much fun as feasting your eyes in person, but take a chance....It's all wonderful.
Click here