Art Alchemy Studio

Spiritual Mailbox

2012-01-12T19:18:00.003-06:00

As a gift for all my local friends, whether artists or not, I am offering a hands-on free workshop. Selah Gay, an Austin artist, is going to help insure that everyone has fun.:)

Paint it Black?

2012-01-06T17:22:00.002-06:00

Wrong, according to fabric gurus who unveiled their top trends for spring-summer 2013 in Paris on Thursday.

Fabrics for spring 2013 are expected to be bright and colorful.

"We don't believe for a minute that fashion is going to turn all austere, that consumers are going to start dressing all in black," Pascaline Wilhelm, fashion director at textile fair organiser Premiere Vision, told reporters.

From neon pink to deep ochre or metallic silver-blue, and a slew of synthetic greens from traffic light to pale mint or lime, the season will be "very colourful, serene, punchy without being aggressive," she forecast.

Fabrics for spring 2013 are all about graceful fluidity, with stretchy wool or supple, light-as-air blends of silks and synthetics -- or at the other extreme, thick, scrunchable fabrics that feel almost crunchy to the touch.

Whether fluttery fine, or solid and sculptural, the season's styles will be built around "benevolent," reassuring fabrics that gently envelop the wearer.

Each year Wilhelm's teams sort through 15,000 swatches from a global web of fabric suppliers, who pitch their creations to fashion designers at half a dozen annual fairs organised by the group in Paris and around the world.

For 2013, "we are betting on beauty and innovation," said Wilhelm, who each season puts together a stylebook of colours, textures and patterns, based on the samples and her visits to weavers around the world.

Ever since the economic crisis of 2008-2009, according to Premiere Vision's chief executive Philippe Pasquet, weavers serving the high end of fashion have resisted the temptation to cut back on research and development.

"The sector has really understood that fashion will wither and die if it does that, if it slows down, looks inward. This is a kind of consumption that is driven by desire -- not by necessity."

High-tech fabrics and finishings abound in the offer for 2013 -- from laser cuts to welded buttons -- with a focus on cleaner technology like waterless dyeing and printing.

Nature and simplicity get a look in too, with fabrics that suggest the living world through tiny, subtle imperfections, either embroidered or printed.

Transparency is another big theme, with lots of gauze and layerings "in a more seductive, sexy spirit than recent years," and laser cuts and chunky, cut-out lace making a big comeback.

When it comes to patterns, Wilhelm sees a return to old-style draughtsmanship with intricate floral motifs, alongside a design trend she dubs "supranatural", a kind of high-tech take on the living world, whether insects or leaf shapes.

Geometric patterns come in soft, delicate shades that look as if they could have been drawn with colouring crayons -- or an iPad.

"What is certain is that weavers are investing in the equipment to create new textures, new colours," Wilhelm said.

Anticipating tomorrow's trends also "means taking on board what is happening in China and Brazil," said Anne Liberati, trend manager for the ModAmont accessories fair.

"Emerging markets are not suffering from the crisis, and they want colour."

Accessory colours for spring-summer 2013 sweep from frosted pastels to bold primaries in geometric patterns -- but all with a big focus on mixing synthetics and natural materials, Liberati forecasts.

Lacquered metals meet powdered, frosted textures, plastic pastels pop up alongside old-style embroidery, while floral patterns are rendered with a meringue-like stucco finish.

A kind of nostalgic, seaside theme also runs through the accessories world, with driftwood buttons, rusted chains, worn and frayed straps.

Other pieces are inspired by the work of African artisans, who weave coloured kaleidoscopes out of recycled plastics.

Personally, I don't care as long as it comes in clear colors and breathable, comfortable, easy care fabrics.

Studio Assistants

2012-01-05T16:29:00.003-06:00

Napping is more important these days than my art table. I am not complaining! Issey, center, steals too many of my supplies. He runs away with them, and even if I find them, they carry teeth marks. Yes, I do hide precious stuff from him, but that means it's also hidden from ME! :)

My Love Affair

2012-01-05T15:28:00.004-06:00

No, my affair is not with this ornament which I made for a friend's Christmas present, but it is with Facebook which has taken all the time I formerly spent on my blogs.

I just love feedback. I'm interested in what people think, and Facebook is spontaneous enough that people are much freer with comments than they are on blogs.
My favorite ones are the slightly off-the-wall ones, but any which allow the real person to "appear" are especially welcome.

Right now I am designing a class for non-artists. More about that later. As I continue healing from chronic illness, both my patience and joy in teaching has returned!

Assemblage from Auto Parts

2011-11-11T15:06:00.011-06:00

I am no more taken by most assemblage than a painter is taken by most paintings.

However, the work of Australian artist, James Corbett, takes my breath away! Whimsical, funny, futuristic, polished, and very original...but I think it's the movement within each piece that I admire the most.

Fashioned from 1950 and 1960's auto parts, each assemblage take 2 weeks to create, though the larger ones take much longer.

Day of the Dead Altars

2011-11-01T21:31:00.007-05:00

These are some of my favorite
Day of the Dead Altars. I love
the joy with which the dearly
departed are greeted on this
annual visit back to their relatives.

It is a reverent, yet joyously
celebratory, holiday.

Day of the Dead Art

2011-11-01T15:37:00.009-05:00

Some random images from the internet
of my favorite Day of the Dead art.

Halloween Carvings

2011-10-29T10:37:00.008-05:00

I don't much like Halloween, but I like these amazing carvings by Ray Villafane.

My favorite is the first one as it definitely is having the
most fun! :)

Blessed Journey

2011-10-27T17:09:00.003-05:00

There has been much going on to demand my attention and energy. It's been a very challenging three weeks, but somehow....as if by magic....I remained calm. I marveled that I was able to design and complete this serene feng shui altar, but now believe that I had it backwards. It is working with the various feng shui components which brought me peace.

I create these works for Design for Energy, but I am having difficulty letting go of this one. I love how it makes me feel!
http://www.designforenergy.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=71

Great Wealth

2011-10-09T16:54:00.008-05:00

With a laughing Buddha, goldfish, a large purple crystal, lots of gold coins, and other symbols and cures, this altar is for bringing great wealth to its lucky owner. I created this piece especially for Design For Energy.

http://www.designforenergy.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=71

How Can It Be October?

2011-10-02T17:23:00.004-05:00

Here in Texas, I am still in my bare feet, with the AC running. So, how can it be October already? I haven't given a thought to creating my annual Day of the Dead art, but I did run across this very interesting hand knit scarf for sale at Etsy, not that I would be cool enough (or cold enough) to wear such a thing.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80482300/esqueleto-alegre?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

Feng Shui Love Altar

2011-09-21T21:22:00.005-05:00

This altar box is energized to beckon love and partnership by the use of color and other feng shui symbology. A large, specially charged, crystal will be hung from the small gold hook you see on the inside right.

For more information on my feng shui altar boxes, or to purchase...please contact
http://www.designforenergy.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=71

A Child's Feng Shui Altar

2011-09-08T10:11:00.004-05:00

When I received this special order for a 6 yr. old girl, I thought I would make it like any other, appropriate for the rest of her life.

I was only clear on the fact that pink is her favorite color, that she liked make-believe, dance, clouds, and the moon. The energy I picked up from photos of her told me
that she needed love and joy, and most of all, she needed to believe that all things were possible for her.

Now, I know this sounds odd...at least to me it does...to get that information from a few fuzzy snapshots....but, here it is, nevertheless. Although I work with energy in my PSYCH-K practice, I never cease to view this as a miracle.

This work is titled "Free Spirit"
Feng Shui altars may be purchased from
http://www.designforenergy.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=71

Breathe Wellness

2011-08-29T16:48:00.005-05:00

Spray painting is challenging in this 107 and up heat. The paint dries mid air, so the only time that works for spraying is early morning. This poses a challenge for this late riser, not too together without plenty of coffee, artist.

This feng shui altar contains all the appropriate symbols for healing. The inside sparkles with bottles of magic powders and the energy of crystals. Although I pore over every detail of creating a work, I don't enjoy photographing it so much. You'll have to take my word for the fact that all my work is much better "in person".

What to Do Inbetwen Projects

2011-08-26T09:48:00.003-05:00

Excellent advice for all artists by Danielle Laporte, too lengthy to re-post
here in entirety, but so well worth reading.

http://whitehottruth.com/white-hot/creativity-the-corpse-pose-what-to-do-in-between-projects/

Prosperity

2011-08-18T14:06:00.009-05:00

This shrine box is packed with feng shui symbols of prosperity, including the laughing Buddha and a large purple crystal.

And who can't use prosperity? I always have mixed feelings when they go to their new owner. But, they bless me in the creative process, the time they reside with me, and again with the money they bring me when they are sold.

Everything I create is one of a kind. Some of the elements I use are new, but many are antique or are pieces I gathered years ago. I couldn't duplicate anything even if I wanted to.

Blessings of Love

2011-08-11T12:08:00.005-05:00

This box shrine carries my intention of bringing love. To assist with this process, I have used many feng shui symbols of love, including a beautiful carved Kuan Yin as a central figure.

My research of feng shui has had a profound effect on me. I am cleaning my home of extraneous "stuff" (No, NOT my studio!), and changing whatever I can to be more harmonious with feng shui principles. It seems to be working!

Faith

2011-07-28T13:50:00.007-05:00

"Faith makes all things possible....Love makes all things easy."
My first Feng Shui shrine! I used luck and love symbols.

What Are You Creating?

2011-07-17T13:34:00.006-05:00

I mean this sincerely. What ARE you creating?
Is summer more or less productive for you?

Here it is very hot and I slow down a lot. (The other day, my car thermometer read 112 degrees!) My reason (excuse?) is that it's just too hot to go out and spray paint my boxes, too hot to hunt for odd bits for my assemblages.....and, frankly, sales could be brisker. But, really, does it matter what "they" think? Don't we create art primarily because it makes US happy?

Right now, I am...as they say in Texas...fixin' to create Feng Shui altar boxes and am in the prep stages. I need more supplies. But, what about you?

Sculpture in the Wild

2011-07-10T13:02:00.006-05:00

I saw trees like this when I was in Tanzania,
and, just like the ones I saw, this massive
trunk makes a wonderful home for small creatures.

But, oh, what creatures this one holds!
No one knows who the sculptor was, but everyone is amazed that it was so carefully done as
not to kill the tree.

Assemblage

2011-07-01T18:34:00.006-05:00

I greatly admire Assemblage by artist Lorraine Reynolds. I stumbled on her work quite accidentally one day while on the internet.
You can see more of her work at
http://glimmeringprize.blogspot.com/

Nature's Poetry

2011-06-22T10:58:00.002-05:00

I created this Celebration Box from all natural materials. It is a joyful piece, and feels alive with energy from amethyst, quartz, and other crystals.

The Healer's Toolbox

2011-06-11T18:56:00.004-05:00

Though I have personal interest, training, and experience in healing, I don't believe that tools are necessary.

I have known healers whose offices were so jam-packed full of paraphernalia I was both intimidated and....just like a kid....a bit giggly.

I certainly did not set out to poke fun at anyone, but this box shrine did "ask" me for everything in it! Notice the healer's heart is prominent.

Mano Santa

2011-06-04T17:26:00.010-05:00

When I created this box shrine, I was thinking about the many, almost sacred, miracles that hands perform: healing, soothing, guiding, helping, signaling, speaking as in sign language, and so on.

When the piece was finished, I could not think of a name that would say exactly what I had in mind, so I called for help from my Spanish speaking friend, Gabriela Luna, a jewelry artist and musician in Mexico City. http://gabrielalunamx.blogspot.com/

"Mano Santa" is just what I was searching for.

Magical Respirator

2011-05-26T17:31:00.006-05:00

I can be a very slow learner, especially when I'm enthusiastic about something.

Last year when I got sick, I acknowledged there was a problem I needed to address immediately. It took my Auto Body Shop (doing an unrelated fender repair) pointing out a faint red powder all over my charcoal gray car.

Spray painting within a large cardboard box in the garage is not safe. Paint particles travel. How many were in my lungs...my bloodstream? Was this why I was feeling so sick?

I researched the problem., and because I found only complex and very expensive solutions, I vowed to give up spray painting my boxes. (Each little box gets at least 4 coats of paint with sanding in between....and I like the smooth finish!)

The paint must have gotten to my brain, as well, because by this year, I only remembered I couldn't paint in the garage, that it would ruin my car.

I spray painted only outside and got sick again. I like getting up close and personal to my work, and was oblivious to breathing in the fumes. Ever since I worked as a Commercial Artist I have loved the smell of paint. (It's not so easy to couple nausea, headaches, body aches, and dizziness with an activity you thoroughly enjoy.)

A FaceBook friend steered me to a safe, inexpensive solution. I'm elated! Now to find some safety goggles large enough to go over my glasses .....

Blessings From The Universe

2011-05-14T09:51:00.007-05:00

What I found fascinating in my travels to Oaxaca and Peru is how seamless the melding of indigenous beliefs and Catholic religion brought by the Spanish was. I found the Mexicans' and Peruvians' acceptance of paradoxes both puzzling and charming.

My newest work, titled "Blessings From The Universe", a box shrine using seemingly conflicting spiritual and religious symbology, was inspired by what I discovered in Mexico and Peru, so different from the absolutes to which we are accustomed.

Junk Mail Art

2011-05-08T10:13:00.007-05:00

The artist, Sandhi Schimmel Gold, has used junk mail only in his art. No technology or dies have been used. He hand paints, hand cuts, hand applies, hand embellishes and hand finishes. (For whatever it's worth....I am quoting the artist. (I, myself, do everything by hand without technology, and naively assume everyone works that way.)

I share his work because it's quite amazing an inspiring. I love the concept of creating beauty out of trash, something which this artist, I think, does extraordinarily well.

Two New Box Shrines

2011-05-05T17:23:00.008-05:00

"The Alchemist" refers to all agents of change, be they chemists, shamans, or artists. This was my first assemblage in many months, and I had a rough time working in a cleaned up studio. It is "well seasoned" now.:-) I work best in organized chaos which to someone else might look like a "total mess". It's a good thing I don't feel that way about the rest of the house!

When I was in Tanzania I saw hundreds upon hundreds of zebras, and learned that each one was different. Looking at groups of them, it's easy to see them as being the same, but really looking at individuals it's easy to see that each one has a unique striping pattern. And, so it is for the rest of us. "No Two Alike" is the name of the piece.

Abundance of Inspiration

2011-04-24T11:33:00.004-05:00

Three projects ago, I started off with a completely cleaned off work table. Instead of this making things easier, I was surprised to discover that the opposite was true. I had to stop constantly and get items I needed from their designated storage places. Near completion of the project, everything was back on the table and I had very little space in which to work. :-)

I put all paper related things away, and began the second project. Now I had to bring all the plastic bins to the table so I could look through them for just the right things I needed for the Mekuna Metata doll. Frustrating and time consuming. I used to know where everything was until the major clean-up.

The third project brought yet more stuff to the table.:-) (There was much overlap in what I needed, and so I only put fabric away.) Non-artists would undoubtedly call my table "a mess", but I call this happy jumble "abundance of inspiration"! Another lesson in perception! And, Issey, my studio assistant, is happy and very busy, also.

"Hakuna Matata"

2011-04-20T17:14:00.006-05:00

Meaning "No Worries", I have named this new art doll in honor of the spirit of the Tanzanian people.

I attempted to exert some control over how she turned out...wanted to make her light in spirit, and at one point tried to force her to hold a flamingo (Don' ask why!) and she want' having any of it. A basket of fruit on top of her head didn't work, either. She insisted on looking just the way she looks!

I have used my wrapping technique over a wire armature, the bottom of which is inside a weighted cylinder so she can stand.

Completed Collage

2011-04-17T13:24:00.003-05:00

"Remembering Sammy", 16x 20

My kitty, Issey, whose favorite place (other than on my bed or by the food dish in the kitchen) is my art table full of "toys", must have thought that I was there to play with him and his "toys" and not to work.

After several starts, all trashed by playful Issey, he allowed me to complete this commissioned collage. Perhaps he objected because the piece honored a beautiful Balinese by the name of Sammy, instead of featuring himself, "The Royal Highness, Prince Issey Myake".

Accent on Joy

2011-04-10T10:18:00.003-05:00

The standard of success in life isn't the things. It isn't the money or the stuff -- it is absolutely the amount of joy you feel. (Abraham-Hicks)

And, my work in this wonderful new store, "Accents & Elements", in Austin, Texas brings me joy! accentaustin@yahoo.com And, I have begun work on a commissioned piece. The Tanzania art doll I have in mind will need to wait a bit.

Tanzania Fashion

2011-04-09T17:10:00.007-05:00

I have been taken by the native dress of each country I've visited....to the point of wanting to wear it myself. Somehow, it never seems appropriate once I get home, though. What I noticed in Tanzania is that it's less about the clothing itself as it is about the creativity in how the pieces are put together and the style with which it's worn. (Of course, being tall and slender doesn't hurt!)

Makonde

2011-04-04T12:36:00.007-05:00

"Makonde" is the name given to the traditional carving in Tanzania. Ebony is used, but there are also imitations, artificially darkened.

Though I can appreciate the amount of work which goes into each piece, I did not become a fan.

The wonderful thing about a group tour is the number of things one sees which one would miss if on a solo trip. The bad thing about group travel is that one does not have a choice in what one sees. Had I seen any work NOT produced for the tourist market, my opinion about Tanzania handicrafts might be very different.

I think my fellow travelers were very pleased with what they saw. I did buy one small bowl because the giraffes carved into it looked completely different from any of the many other giraffe decorated bowls. Yes, I like "different".:-)

For more information about Makonde:
http://www.blackwoodconservation.org/carving.html

Tinga Tinga

2011-03-30T21:37:00.003-05:00

The Tinga Tinga style of painting is said to have originated in Tanzania. We visited an artist's home where he had about 4 or 5 dozen paintings laid out on the ground. I alternated between feeling charmed by the style, confused by the display, and lost in an internal discussion with Self about whether this could be called art or not.

My brain goes into overload when I see a large number of repetitive or mostly repetitive offerings. My co-travelers, perhaps because they were non-artists and better funded, bought and bought.

More information about
Tinga Tinga painting at http://tingatingamemo.com/memo_tingatinga.html

Craft Fair, Tanzania Style

2011-03-29T13:57:00.008-05:00

Perhaps my greatest pleasure in visiting a country is seeing indigenous art. I believe I may have been spoiled by choosing to make Oaxaca, Mexico my first country to visit.:-) The beadwork of the Maasai of Tanzania is colorful and joyful, but I was a bit disappointed by its sameness. Innovation and creativity does not seem to be part of the culture.

To be fair, I wasn't there because of the country's arts, and if I were a beader, I may have learned something....but I found myself longing to do some creativity workshops with these ladies. :-)

These bracelets, in different colors, but otherwise exactly alike were sold by the Maasai women, but also available in every shop selling souvenirs.

This is a very simple version of a wired neckpiece worn by the Maasai.

Here I Come

2011-03-10T18:09:00.005-06:00

Tanzania, animals of the Serengeti.....Here I come!

I may have to go through an animal print phase when I return.....Hopefully, inspiration will run in a different direction, though. All I'm planning is on is to drink it all in.

This trip is way outside the box for me. Already I am "missing" the colors and sounds of Mexico or Guatemala.

Tanzania Journal

2011-03-05T11:09:00.003-06:00

We all have our own ways of expressing ourselves, and journaling has never been my style. I say this because,
somehow, I just never got around to it on or after any of my trips, though I intended it.

Now I am going to Tanzania, and I have prepared this little notebook for my art journal. I've been on a long hiatus from doing art, and if nothing else, doing this reminded me of how much joy playing in my studio brings me.

Collage is a simple way to open channels to that creative part of me which has been asleep.

On Developing Creativity

2011-02-24T09:55:00.000-06:00

“Creative work doesn’t start without stillness.”

Painter Rebecca Alzofon thinks “sitting still and letting ideas pass through you” is a necessary part of the creative process.

But it may take some fortitude and discipline to stop ‘doing’ all the time.

“A lot of people panic at first,” she says. “If they’re not used to this, they find themselves just sitting and not doing anything, and they think they’re wasting their time, and make themselves get up and do something while they’re waiting for inspiration.

“But you have to hold still, and be peaceful.”

She thinks some activity may still be alright: “You might be able to look through a book, or look at pictures, or just scratch on paper.”

She notes this has probably caused a lot of people to stop the effort to paint, because they believe you need to be physically active and productive to “prove” you are creative.

“They think if you’re not doing that, you’re failing, and you don’t have it in you.”

Alzofon says part of her struggle as a professional artist is staying on track.

“People see my work and I get various reactions, all of them positive, but they would distract me if I went after them. So I have to keep a cap on that, and it’s painful to turn so many people away.”

She has also taught adult art classes and tutored private students, in addition to creating her own paintings.

The restrictions of labels

Alzofon agrees that the label “artist” commands more respect and higher prices than “woman artist” and says friends of hers regularly talk about the issue.

“The problem is,” she says, “making it in the art world is so difficult for anyone, it starts to get pretty foggy about what is causing the problem.

“But I never did promote myself as a ‘woman artist’ and never thought of myself that way. It’s been disturbing to hear people qualify any artist as a ‘woman artist’ if they’re female, and otherwise they’re simply ‘an artist.’”

Referring to the issue of feeling “entitled” to work as an artist, Alzofon notes, “I don’t put myself in situations where others expect me to place anything other than my painting at the highest priority.

“Because of my aversion to social expectations, this might make me appear eccentric to many people, and I miss out on enjoying the company of more kinds of people, but this is what I do.”

She agrees living as an artist can get hard.

“There are times when I say, I hate my life and wish I could escape,” she admits. “And then I think, the only way to escape is to get better at what I do, and do it harder. Then I will protect myself from these disappointments, and I’m back at work.”

While painting, she finds herself often in a meditative state, and says, “problems go away if I just start painting. Nobody is going to stop me from working.”

By Douglas Eby

What is Art?

2011-02-18T14:14:00.004-06:00

Art is what we call...

the thing an artist does.

It's not the medium or the oil or the price or whether it hangs on a wall or you eat it. What matters, what makes it art, is that the person who made it overcame the resistance, ignored the voice of doubt and made something worth making. Something risky. Something human.

Art is not in the eye of the beholder. It's in the soul of the artist.

(This is a repost of Seth Gordon's blog. I don't know Seth Gordon, but I think this is the best definition of art I have ever come across.)

Hearts to You

2011-02-13T19:06:00.008-06:00

I love hearts and use them in various forms in my art, but tin hearts crafted in Mexico and Peru are my favorites.

El Interior in Austin has them....almost as much fun and a lot less expensive as traveling further south! info@elinterior.com

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Creative Personalities

2011-02-05T14:30:00.001-06:00

Well, this explains it all!!! :-)

Creativity researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi includes descriptions of the multiple characteristics of creative people.

In a post of hers, Juliet Bruce, Ph.D. notes that Csikszentmihalyi wrote, “If there is one word that makes creative people different from others, it is the word complexity. Instead of being an individual, they are a multitude.”

“Like the color white that includes all colors, they tend to bring together the entire range of human possibilities within themselves. Creativity allows for paradox, light, shadow, inconsistency, even chaos –and creative people experience both extremes with equal intensity.”

Here are a few qualities he lists, as Bruce summarizes:

A great deal of physical energy alternating with a great need for quiet and rest.
Highly sexual, yet often celibate, especially when working.
Smart and naïve at the same time. A mix of wisdom and childishness. Emotional immaturity along with the deepest insights.
Convergent (rational, left brain, sound judgment) and divergent (intuitive, right brain, visionary) thinking…
Both extroverted and introverted, needing people and solitude equally.
Humble and proud, both painfully self-doubting and wildly self-confident.
May defy gender stereotypes, and are likely to have not only the strengths of their own gender but those of the other as well. A kind of psychic androgyny.

For more, see her post Understanding Creative People – and Csikszentmihalyi’s classic book Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention.

Cat Models Scarf

2011-01-19T12:30:00.003-06:00

The scarf, which I named "Fuzzy Plum" is completed and, finally, I can work on the Angel in earnest.

Issey, my model, and I both like the scarf! :-) I could have been more pleased had my model been willing to adopt more graceful poses, but I settled with being grateful that he didn't maul the scarf.

I used a plum and black variegated acrylic for the main yarn, randomly adding short pieces (no more than 3 feet in length) of purple boutique fibers in a variety of textures from my vast collection.

Life Is Good!

2011-01-10T17:05:00.011-06:00

Because of my CFS--not because of advancing senility...my ability to focus is poor compared to what it used to be. So, with the adage of "If you chase two squirrels at once, you will catch neither." in mind, I placed 100% of my attention on getting well. I now have only two months left before my trip to Tanzania to accomplish this.

For the past 8 months I have worked as hard on improving my health as I have on any challenging job, and art and blogs have fallen by the wayside. I still have a ways to go...and, because of an additional issue of gluten intolerance and all the damage done due to years of not being diagnosed, I will always need to be fully conscious of what I eat and what I do. However, I happily report that I am newly inspired! And, if I don't quite have my former life back, it's a darn good facsimile.:-)

I have begun work on large wall hanging! The finished size will be at least 4 ft by 6 ft....and I'm thinking it will be larger, yet. Here you see it laid out on my kitchen floor. At the same time, I'm also knitting an artsy-fartsy scarf. :-) Life is GOOD!

Grandma's Superhero Therapy

2010-12-20T20:27:00.001-06:00

I am still in my "incubating" period. I am picking up little items that appeal to me for assemblage or who-knows. I am also revisiting my past in my dreams and, frequently, in imagery I happen to come across.

Several lives back, I was a serious photographer...meaning, I was very serious about the artform. I emulated Diane Arbus, and today I ran across photos that I thought Diane Arbus on steroids would have done.

I love this work, both the imagery and the concept. Not many people know this side of me.:-), but I would have been happy being on either side of the camera!

http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/grandmas-superhero-therapy-18?ref=nf

Artist Without Eyes

2010-11-30T14:20:00.003-06:00

Our lives are full of discovery! As soon as we are certain that our assumptions about something are correct, we find out otherwise. This is an amazing video about how vision is misunderstood....or, if you prefer, an amazing video about an amazing painter.

http://www.wimp.com/artisteyes/

A Long Project

2010-11-16T19:21:00.006-06:00

It took me a year to complete the beginning inventory of music celebration art for Danny Ray's Music. Happily, sales are going well!

Today my work was announced in Danny Ray's newsletter. I'm so happy to be associated with this upbeat, successful business!

I will continue selling other (not music related) art from this website.

Artsy Cats

2010-11-14T17:03:00.005-06:00

I like to play with my cats and I aso play with art. Sometimes, it's fun to combine the two. I printed 3 separate photos on ordinary paper, backed them with lightweight board, and then cut out the shapes. Cat paper dolls, my favorite!:-) I placed them on a painted background and scanned them. I worked on this image a bit with colored pencils and scanned it again, resulting in this image.

Once the cat cut-out has been created, it can be place on any background of choice. Here I have used my cat, Rudy, as a design element on this graphic. Or, one can allow the cat to do the placement himself! Lucky is the artist...in this case, I....who has several beautiful spots and cats who like to arrange themselves within these.

I am just a bit closer to creating a cat ala Rodrigues' Blue Dog......I have chosen Sophie (above) as the cat, and, so far, but I don't know about turning her into "Purple Cat". I may have to call her something else. And, that's how these things work. I start with an idea, but then there are many transformations before something new is born. I am still 'incubating'.

It took me a while to realize that I was sharing something which is now done by many...if not most...of you by using PhotoShop. lol

Fiber Art by Oscar Silva

2010-10-27T14:23:00.010-05:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day! A good friend took me for a ride through the beautiful Texas countryside to the studio of Oscar Silva whose work knocked my socks off.

First, there were a few walls full of shadow box assemblages using a variety of natural materials, beads, and metal. They reminded me of my own work, yet they were so very different.

Then there were small whimsical vessels shaped a bit like gourds. I wanted every one of them.

The larger hanging pieces incorporated weaving, knotting and wrapping techniques. A feast for the eyes and for the soul.

You can see more of Oscar's work at http://oscarsilvaartist.blogspot

Black Pottery

2010-10-21T10:57:00.008-05:00

This time of the year my thoughts always turn to Oaxaca, both because it was approximately at this time of the year that I was so happy there, and because I love the Day of the Dead celebrations. Oaxaca is THE art capital of Mexico which is what originally led me there.

A distinctive ceramic process has brought much fame to the small village of San Bartolo Coyotepec of Oaxaca. For centuries, San Bartolo Potters have used a pottery firing process similar to Japanese Raku. Artisans of the village fire clays to create a jet-black, ash-covered surface, which when burnished with a smooth stone, produces a lustrous sheen, similar to a clear glaze over a black surface.

Although I am smitten by color, I think these examples of black pottery are wonderful.

Purple Cat Challenge Winner

2010-10-02T14:58:00.002-05:00

Carol Swallowcliffs is the winner of the Purple Cat challenge. Though simply drawn, this kitty definitely has a purrsonality.

Judging was done by professional designer, Marinda Stewart.

Congratulations, Carol, and please contact me.

Life As Art In Progress

2010-09-28T09:55:00.011-05:00

One thing I always ask other artists is what inspires them, particularly after an absence from the studio.

One artist friend, Patti Gibbons, seems to do the balance thing extremely well, so I asked her to share what inspires her; what keeps her going, actually, it seems more like flying....through all of her busy life's challenges. The magic is in her last sentence, I think.

Inspiration

Sometimes my muse disappears. When she does (and she does it often), I don’t go looking for her. I go about life, figuring that she too needed a vacation, and usually her departure coincides with the fact that both my house and studio are a royal mess.

Usually at that point in time, I also need a break from my workaholic life, and welcome my muse’s retreat. I rest, research, and look.

My down times are when I find I am most inspired. I spend time traveling, taking in the landscape and adventures while visiting museums, historical sites, shopping, or sitting in Barnes and Noble looking at magazines. Sometimes I peruse the internet, looking at art, and scan my Twitter and Facebook pages, finding shows or art challenges. Or maybe I watch a movie, read - and write blogs.

One of the ways I have jump started my art is by participating in collaborative internet art challenges/books which are based on a theme - which force me to think outside my comfort zone, and out of the box. Sometimes my best art has come from those challenges, and they have inspired me to do a series of work.

I carry a camera and an extra set of batteries on my adventures so that I can capture images which will eventually become inspiration for a body of work.

Don’t fret that the muse has left for a while. She always returns, full of energy.
Enjoy the quiet, the adventure, and make your life a work of art in progress.

See more about Patti at
http://pagibbons.com
http://pagibbons.blogspot.com

Celebration!

2010-09-25T11:10:00.005-05:00

I finished the outside of "Celebration". It's far busier than my usual work, but I like it.

After a solid year of working with holding Danny Ray's Music as my inspiration, we are now very close to installing them in the store. Oy vey, I have mixed feelings about that. My heart goes with each one, so I hope it is received tenderly.

Pruple Cat Challenge Reminder

2010-09-24T14:10:00.003-05:00

There's only a week left until the judging! Some of you sent in your submissions early, but everyone else....I would appreciate having them e-mailed to me at Chaska@ix.netcom.com next Friday, October 1.

If you happen to be reading about the challenge for the first time, it is to be a purple cat created in the style of Rodrigue's blue dog. Scroll down just a few posts and you'll see all the information.

Celebration!

2010-09-20T11:53:00.007-05:00

I am so happy! A flare-up of a chronic illness laid me too low to do any art at all. I knew I would feel happier if I did, but couldn't.

This..."Celebration"... is my third piece in a week!!! (The other two are glassed in collages and I don't know how to shoot through glass.)

After so many months, am I inspired or not? Hmmm....yes and no. Actually, I think it's the same as ever....some parts creating themselves as if by divine intervention, while others I wrestle with. I am having some difficulty figuring out what to do with the outside of this shrine, probably because I am over-thinking it.

Aside from that, I have forgotten what and where all my small elements may be in the abundance of my studio! :-)

Plays Well With Others

2010-09-12T19:13:00.006-05:00

I cannot create in a group. For me, visiting with people and watching what they are doing is absolutely irresistible. So I was curious about my friend, artist Nona Parry's recent experience. She was kind enough to write this guest post:

Because art is such an individual response to ideas, thoughts, environment, and events, Arting tends to be a rather solitary practice. And when the art one makes is wildly different from that made in one's physical community, solitude can become remoteness.

This is something I find living in New Zealand. The Tribe I identify with are under-represented in Wellington. So while I'm Stateside for seven months, I am eager to meet and make art with those who are on my own wavelength.

Recently, I spent two days with a pair of dear art-friends in SoCal. There are so many advantages to Arting with empathetic others! Probably the most obvious is the sharing of techniques. Not only do I get to try out new-to-me techniques, but to share what we've learned in experimenting for ourselves; learning a faster, simpler, more
ergonomic way to do something is a major benefit of Arting with others!

Another benefit is sharing supplies and resources. Trading supplies creates access to unique or unusual components [I brought shells and vintage items from New Zealand], and group-buys reduces the financial outlay for everyone.

But the best benefit of Arting with others is the camaraderie and support we share! With multiple imaginations working, there are no mistakes that cannot be altered or covered, or made a feature of! "What if..." is such a fertile group game, with prolific and inspiring results!

http://funkybodydecor.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Funky-Body-Decor/37965566890?ref=nf

I love this photo of Nona !

Bezel resin charms

Lots of Blue Dogs

2010-09-06T12:29:00.013-05:00

Here are lots of Blue Dogs to inspire lots of purple cats. I hope these pics will get you started.

Purple Cat Challenge

2010-09-04T10:35:00.008-05:00

I am an admirer of Rodrigue's Blue Dog....any of them....ALL of them. For months now I have been wanting to do a take-off on his work by producing a
PURPLE CAT Rodrique style. It has remained a desire, but maybe you can inspire me by making Purple Cat a reality.

The winner will be drawn from the 3 submissions which capture Rodrigue's humor and style the closest. The prize is a credit for $75 to spend in my
"Artist's Stash". (Sorry I can't afford to give you cash)

Guidelines: Cat must be purple. Any size. You retain the art, but give me permission to post it here. Good images are to be e-mailed to me.

Choosing the three top contenders and final drawing from these will be by a third party. (I don't want anyone mad at me!:-) on October 2, 2010 NOON Central (Images which arrive after this time will not be eligible)

If you have any questions at all, please ask via e-mail (chaska@ix.netcom.com) or in the comments.

The Butterfly Effect

2010-08-23T12:37:00.003-05:00

Today I want to invite you to participate in this project.

http://twodressesstudio.blogspot.com/2010/08/butterfly-effect-open-is-calling-you.html

Gathering 1.5 million handmade butterflies to commemorate the 1.5 million children lost in the holocaust.

The project's name is derived from this poem:

I Never Saw Another Butterfly

The last, the very last,

So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow
Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing
against a white stone....

Such, such a yellow
Is carried lightly ’way up high.
It went away I’m sure
because it wished
to kiss the world good-bye.

For seven weeks I’ve lived in here
Penned up inside this ghetto.
But I have found what I love here.
The dandelions call to me
And the white chestnut branches in the court.

Only I never saw another butterfly.
That butterfly was the last one.
Butterflies don’t live in here, in the ghetto.

Pavel Friedman, June 4, 1942

Pictures Within Pictures

2010-08-22T11:34:00.007-05:00

When inspiration fails me, I find my camera an invaluable tool to study composition and color....if nothing else. With me feet rooted in one spot, I like to see how many good compositions I can capture by no more than changing the camera angle.

Back in the days when we used film in our cameras, and everything about photography was very expensive, I became accustomed to being very careful with my shots. Even now, with digital images I don't like wading through many images. It's much easier to compose through the viewfinder! After all, would you consider doing many different paintings of the same scene and then decide which was the best?:-)

Last Call!

2010-08-03T18:21:00.008-05:00

The online Icon Doll Class begins this coming weekend! You have until August 7 to sign up. Come and play! You will learn techniques and design principles while stretching your creativity.

The below samples from a previous class show wonderfully creative interpretations of "Icon".

Gena Lumbroso

Georgina Diaz

Anne Hoke

An Interview In Pictures

2010-07-23T12:35:00.044-05:00

I saw an interesting challenge posted on Carol Swallowcliff's website:
http://swallowcliffs.blogspot.com/2010/06/blog-challenge.html

It took me over a month to get around to doing this interview of myself in pictures, but it was a lot of fun.....Below are my efforts.

Who are you?

What do you like about where you live?

What might your perfect afternoon look like?

If you had an hour alone in your studio, what would you do?

What are some of your favorite things?

What foods nourish your soul?

When you simply need to take a breath and reground yourself, what do you do?

How do you nurture your creative dreams?

Does your heart have a secret wish you want to share?

So, now you know all about me. Post a link in comments if you want me to know about you!

Icon Dolls

2010-07-18T14:33:00.010-05:00

You may recognize the first three as my work. The three beautiful examples which follow are from students of my last Icon Doll class over a year ago. As a teacher, I can't imagine a greater pleasure than to watch (and assist in) another's creative process.

"Nocturne" by Sue Kurowski

"Harvest" by Anne Davis

"Autumn" by Dorothy Kansteiner

Online Class!!! Mixed Media Icon Doll

2010-07-17T14:41:00.006-05:00

This is Madame Butterfly, one of my icon dolls. You will choose your own character to personify. Although I will teach you my techniques, my goal is to assist you to stretch your creativity.

3 weeks, Aug. 7 - Aug. 29, $30

Chaska@ix.netcom.com to sign up

The Eastern Orthodox Church fully ascribes to the teachings of the Seventh Ecumenical Council (see above), and celebrates the restoration of the use of icons after the period of Iconoclasm on the First Sunday of Great Lent. So important are the icons in Orthodox theology that the ceremony celebrating their restoration is known as the Triumph of Orthodoxy.

In the traditions of Eastern Christianity, only flat images or bas relief images are used (no more than 3/4 relief). They believe the first icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary to have been painted by St. Luke. Because the Eastern Church teaches that icons should represent the spiritual reality rather than the physical reality, the traditional style of Orthodox iconography was developed in which figures were stylized in a manner that emphasized their holiness rather than their humanity.

Traditional icons differ from Western art in that they are not romantic or emotional, but call the viewer to "sobriety" (nipsis). The manner of depicting the face, and especially the eyes, is intended to produce in the viewer a sense of calm, devotion, and a desire for asceticism. Icons also differ from Western art in that they use inverse perspective (giving the impression that the icon itself is the source of light), and for this reason make very little use of shadow or highlight. The background of icons is usually covered with gold leaf to remind the viewer that the subject pictured is not earthly but otherworldly (gold being the closest earthly medium in which to signify heavenly glory).

My own idea of an icon doll is a formal, static rendering of an important figure. I would want my figure to command reverence, respect, and...perhaps...a bit of mystery.

Another Version

2010-07-15T17:47:00.004-05:00

Whenever I switch from doing one art form, it takes me a while to "get into the flow" of it. It is when I arrive at almost a hypnotic state that I do work that I like. In the beginning of something new....something I haven't done for a while....there is too much paying attention, too much fiddling around....perhaps, not enough of the right kind of supplies.

I took the previous counter-weighted necklace apart, but then wound up reusing only a few of the beads. I am happier with this, more "beefy" piece. The beads are much larger in scale, but the necklace is still comfortable to wear because of the counter-weight. Also, I am using definite "repeats" and a few black onyx beads to give contrast. I have two more to do, and then I'm done, I think. My kitty, Issey, likes jewelry making WAY too much! :-)

Counter-weighted Necklace

2010-07-08T12:33:00.005-05:00

The project: Create a custom necklace to work with a tropical print t-shirt. The customer has neck and back pain and is bothered by the weight of anything but the lightest jewelry.

The solution is a longer necklace with a counter weight in the back. The piece is worn further back than an ordinary necklace, and stays there.
The larger and heavier the beads are, the heavier the back 'balance piece' needs to be. This not only works like magic, but looks beautiful from the back as well as from the front.

Be careful what you name your studio assistant. My Issey Myake fancies himself to be expert in jewelry. At first I was amused by his checking out my audition of beads. But then....

Oops....one strand of small blue beads is removed from the mix. It's a good thing the customer is crazy for cats!

Issey came running out of "nowhere" and slipped into the photo. It's not the camera he loves, it's the necklace.

I created a simple counter-weight of 3 strings in keeping with the simplicity of the front. The more elaborate the body of the necklace is, the heavier the back needs to be, both for actual and also visual weight.

Oh, Such Hands!

2010-07-02T16:39:00.006-05:00

When I lived in the Santa Cruz, California, area, I thought the local artists to be the best!

Recently, I returned to my former home, and after honing my own art skills, and seeing a wider range of art works, I still think that the Santa Cruz area is home to many very amazing artists.

I fell in love with the Many Hands Gallery in Capitola,
http://www.manyhands-capitola.com/ Visit the link and you will be inspired. The prices do not do justice to the caliber of the artists. My guess is the competition is very stiff.

My favorite works were the assemblages by Marlana Barendregt. Whimsical, beautifully balanced, and exceptionally creative! Although these would not have been the only works I wanted to bring home with me, these were the most unusual.

Be sure to click on these to enlarge them.

Missing Art

2010-06-27T17:59:00.006-05:00

These are the two pieces I sent to the following Assemblage Show I blogged about in late April.

RE:fuse/RE:use, Tabletop Assemblage

http://climategallery.com/main.swf

The gallery's mission is to find and exhibit artists from all over the United States and the world. The gallery provides opportunities for artists' work to be seen by curators and other arts professionals working in New York.

It has been a month since the show ended, and my three e-mails to the gallery have gone unanswered. Be careful with this gallery.

Craft or Art?

2010-06-15T16:05:00.003-05:00

Two quotes which I like very much answer the eternal questions "What is art?" and "Who is an artist?"

"A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist."
Louis Nizer

"Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist experienced."
Leo Tolstoy

In creating the above Artist Trading Cards, I was a craftsperson. I think most artists are also craftspeople whereas not all craftspeople are artists.

Keeper of Cats

2010-06-12T10:25:00.006-05:00

This box shrine took me a long time to complete, perhaps because I knew the intended recipient and wanted to make her happy (totally disregarding what I preach to others about everyone being responsible for their own happiness:-), and I am easily distracted these days.

The completed shrine had several more cats added, just for good measure, but, as sometimes happens, I shipped it off before photographing it again.

The Keeper has an energy wheel for a halo, and wings to show her angelic qualities of devotion and patience. She holds a heart over which is draped a service ribbon, for she is in service of her cats.

On the back of the box, I have included the quote "Some people after having cats go on to live normal lives."

Modern Crop Circles

2010-05-30T10:46:00.006-05:00

I have cleaned off space on my table and have started to work again. However, I am "all over the place"!

My mind goes from one idea to another rapidly, and today it's on crop circles! I did not know that large, complex crop circles were appearing in the "here and now".

Is it art or is it math? It certainly is craft mastered!

Canada, 2010

Galactic Butterfly, 2009

All Seeing Eye, Aug. 2008

Incubating Ideas

2010-05-20T19:22:00.005-05:00

Here you can see little Issey Miyake looking as if he is thinking "What does she expect me to do with all this?!" (He is such a good boy! Little Santino would have had the table cleared of all small rollable items.)

Issey has yet to see what actually happens on this table. I've been sick.

I like to call this non-productive period "incubating time". I don't know that the blue-green images sparkling in my feverish brain will amount to anything, but I do believe some down-time is a good thing.

Congratulations!

2010-05-15T12:57:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to this week's collage sheet winnders!

Gina, Lillian, and Robin each get 4 collage sheet downloads from Altered Pages!

I do hope all of you will want to share what you do with them.:-)

Fiber Artist, Kathlyn Avila-Reyes

2010-05-10T13:14:00.018-05:00

Last week I had the good fortune of meeting Kathlyn in person at Artistic Artifacts in Alexandria , VA. Kat generously invited me and my friend, Virginia, to her house!

Her house was lovely, filled with light, and everywhere was both her own work and also folk art she has collected. It was impossible to drink it all in.....There was so much to see, and I am grateful that I have a few photos which Kat is permitting me to share with you.

To reach Kathlyn, you can e-mail her
at avilakats@aol.com
She does not have a website at the present.

The Winners & Another Give-Away!

2010-05-08T12:58:00.010-05:00

The WINNERS!

I placed all names into a box and drew 3. (Unfortunately, some of you did not leave your e-mails for contact.) Sherry, Crystal, and Lori....Congratulations!

Jackie of Altered Pages will send you the downloads. You are under no obligation to use these immediately, but I do hope that when you do, you will allow me to see and post what you created.
*****************

Next Saturday, May 15, noon Central, we will draw another three names for these same sheets.

Those of you who did not win this time, please enter again by leaving your comments on this post.

1. State how you might use them
2. State when you might use them
3. Leave your name and contact e-mail address

(The drawing will be for all four sheets. The blogger gods would not let me post the other two sheets.)

Update

2010-05-06T18:11:00.007-05:00

I want to introduce my new assistant, Issey Miyake, to you. He is a lilac short haired Balinese, and related to Santino. So far, he isn't showing much interest in art, but I'm sure that will come.....

While in the DC area where Issey's devoted human birth parents live, I also had the pleasure of meeting Judy, the owner of Artistic Artifacts...what a wonderful store!!!.... I did not intend to buy anything as I had recently placed several internet orders.....but did, and now wish I had bought more. Not only is the store a mixed media or fiber artist's dream, it is also full of eye candy.

I finally got to see one of Linda Morgan's beautiful angels. You can see her work here. I will always be grateful to Linda for helping me find Kathlyn Avila-Reyes whose work I'd admired online. Yes, I actually met Kathlyn!!! More on that in another post.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The drawing for 4 collage sheets is this Saturday, May 8! We will continue the drawing on the same sheets also on May 15, May 22, and 29th. So, if you don't win this Saturday, you will have 3 more chances for these same sheets. I want everyone to be a winner!

If enthusiasm warrants, we will continue giving 4 different collage sheets away in June, as well!

Collage Sheet Give-Away

2010-04-30T17:07:00.011-05:00

These are some of my favorite collage sheets.

To stay fresh, I like to switch gears....well, actually, I don't much like to, but find it's good for me.. keeps me creative.

To inspire you, I have teemed up with Jackie Garbarino of Altered Pages in a collage sheet give-away. Yes, you can win all 4 of these as downloads.

We will give away all 4 of these collage sheets to THREE lucky recipients every Saturday of May. If there are a lot of people entering this drawing, then we'll double the number of recipients! Leave comments stating

1. In what way do these sheets inspire you? What do you want to create using any of these images? Do you see yourself doing this very soon....or not?

2. Your name and e-mail address.

Meow Massage

2010-04-27T17:25:00.002-05:00

This is the first time I have created a box shrine to give as a gift.

It's risky business, given the amount of materials and time spent on each work.

The title is "Meows Massage the Heart", based on an Irish saying....never mind that we don't have a drop of Irish blood in us...not I and not my daughter, a fellow cat lover, for whose birthday I made this.

My heart was filled with love for her and whether she appreciated it "appropriately" became immaterial. I am amazed.

Auction Extended

2010-04-23T11:36:00.005-05:00

If you have not already done so, please go to

http://recuerda-mi-corazon.com/ to see the beautiful and varied work of artists who have created shrines for this auction.

The auction, to benefit the street children of Oaxaca, has been extended until Sunday, April 25 at 6 P.M, PST

If you absolutely cannot bid, leave a comment. So far, the bids on the entire body of work total $2,000....and there are still many works.which....if your budget is strained.. can be "snatched" at very reasonable prices.

I am happy to announce that the auction brought in over $3800 for the street children of Oaxaca.

The winner of my shrine was Adriana Esqueda who collects "couples".:-) Here is her fabulous blog: www.lalloronastudio.blogspot.com

I Love You Because I Know No Other Way

2010-04-17T18:37:00.003-05:00

The shrine auction to benefit the street children of Oaxaca opened for bidding today. This piece by Lulu Moon is one of the many beautiful shrines. Lulu used Neruda's poem, translated here, as inspiration for her shrine.

(I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way.)

Please see post below to view all the shrines and for bidding.

Preview the Shrines!

2010-04-16T11:55:00.001-05:00

Today, April 16, you can preview all the contributed shrines.

Bidding begins tomorrow, April 17th.

Not only will you be helping the children of Oaxaca, but also have the opportunity of owning a shrine with heart, created and donated by an artist expressly for this benefit auction.

The shrines...along with bidding instructions....can be seen here: http://www.recuerda-mi-corazon.com/

Shrine Auction

2010-04-10T14:34:00.001-05:00

Shrine Auction to benefit the street children of Oaxaca

April 17-April 24

http://oaxacastreetchildrengrassroots.org/

http://corazon.typepad.com/

I will be announcing the auction site right here on April 16th. I have previewed some of the box shrines, and they are truly wonderful!!!

Of course, I invite you to bid on mine, but the proceeds all go for the same good cause. One of the shrines is bound to speak to you.

This is my contribution, "Love is Forever"....Starting bid will be $25

Getting Back Into "Flow"

2010-04-03T13:49:00.000-05:00

I have learned that when a task is taking an inordinate length of time, I need to stop fighting with it and take time off. So I went on a "field trip" with my camera and brought some nice images home with me. These are some of my favorites.

Texans are crazy for their Bluebonnets. I think fields of Bluebonnets are beautiful, but I am more partial to outcroppings of cacti. They spring up here and there, and, for some reason, I think they are cute!

I think stopping to nourish our souls is a necessity to living in "flow", that place in which both needed tasks and creativity take place easily and happily.

Plight of a Mixed Media Artist

2010-04-02T19:37:00.001-05:00

There is so much STUFF! There are so many categories! And, of course, I continue to find and buy more. It's tough to work with everything from fiber, rusted objects, plastics, memorabilia, beads, new objects, paper etc. etc. Some items I call simply "doo-lalies".:-)

Hmm...I'm so tempted to call them ALL that, but then how will I ever find what I'm looking for if all the drawers are marked like that? This is no simple kitchen organizational task!

Of course, some problems are good to have! I bought smaller plastic storage so I could have finer break-downs of categories. At the time that I took this photo I was feeling completely overwhelmed. I didn't know where to put the extra storage nor what to put into which drawers. I was amazed when I looked at the photo because it felt so much worse than it looked. :-)

I think if my kitty assistant, Santino, could have taken a photo of me, it would have shown me to look a lot like he does here.:-) But, things are looking up. I am able to work, though I am not finished with the reorganization.

RE:fuse/RE:use, Tabletop Assemblage

2010-03-30T17:10:00.000-05:00

The Climate/Gallery issues open calls for this May show! Please see information here:

http://climategallery.com/main.swf

The gallery's mission is to find and exhibit artists from all over the United States and the world. The gallery provides opportunities for artists' work to be seen by curators and other arts professionals working in New York.

Although I am not personally familiar with this gallery, but I like what I hear!

Beauty Is Everywhere

2010-03-22T14:19:00.004-05:00

I have always admired photojournalists though it was never a profession suitable for me. I'm a homebody. Two weeks "on the road" is almost unbearable for me. Also, I've always had children, human or the furry kind, calling me back home.

These are some of my favorite recent images by Associated Press photographers. Even while being frequent witness to tragedy, they stay aware of beauty. These images are of the China drought and the Beijing dust storm.

Paper for Paint

2010-03-15T14:39:00.000-05:00

I have substituted collaged paper for paint in this assemblage celebrating Texas. I loved doing it, and found it much easier than all those coats of paint and sanding.

However, what about permanency? Even though properly treated, the paper reacts to differences in humidity. Experimenting on work which is going to a customer isn't a good idea. I need to research painting wood safely.

I'm Lovin' Texas

2010-03-07T18:22:00.000-06:00

This box was already painted when I realized the risk of my spray painting method. I need a ventilated paint tent. We will see....I have not even checked to see how much these cost.

This box is a beautiful rich saturated dark red. The metal elements I have used already came to me rusted, or I rusted them myself. Every now and then when my supply runs low, I rust a large batch of garishly new and shiny items.

I have incorporated a piece of very old burlap..which I found in a construction lot...both on the top of the box and on the inside. It's those odd "junk" items, frequently saved for years, that bring me the most joy when I discover a use for them.

The rusty Texas star on the inside of the box is the "real thing", purchased in an antique store.

Oh, I have loved Willie's music for 30 years...a long time before I moved to Texas.

Hard Working Studio

2010-02-28T14:47:00.004-06:00

Here you can see one of my assistants, Miki. He has

emptied the bag from Michaels' and is now wearing it. It's a wonder none of my cats have ever gotten hurt on my table, and for this I am grateful.

My work table sans assistant. Is my work space ever neat? Oh, I think it was...True Confession...a few years ago.. Artists create art, which is order of a different kind.

Once upon four years ago, this storage wall held it all, but then I started doing assemblage, and that's when I ran out of space. And yet I know that if I took the time...away from creating art.... I could find a space for it all.

A Wonderful Resource

2010-02-23T19:05:00.005-06:00

Today I would like to introduce you to my friend, Gabriela Luna, of Mexico City. She is a talented, hard working musician and jewelry designer, and I recommend her work highly. http://www.gabrielasjewels.blogspot.com/

Recently, at my suggestion, she agreed to share some hard to find jewelry and assemblage components with us. Check out her Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/MariayLaLuna

Rock Star, Music, and Cats

2010-02-16T17:28:00.004-06:00

These pieces were almost completed when I discovered the problem with using spray paints.

I still have not figured out how to handle this and, forgetting completely, bought a new color which beckoned me yesterday.

Yes, the Body Shop still has my car, and yesterday I rented one and bought spray paint. I think the fumes may have affected my brain.

This box is titled "Rockstar". It began as a Day of the Dead piece, but I lost control and it morphed into this. I am still thinking about whether the front and the inside work well together.

Music and Cats! Oh, yes, this is my favorite! The only thing which would be even better is music,cats,and art.:-) Oh, and money, too? I've got all of those wrapped up right here in this box.

The quote on the inside left is "There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life...Music and Cats" by Albert Schweitzer....and we all know he was a very smart man..

Spray Paint Fool

2010-02-10T13:55:00.002-06:00

It doesn't seem possible, but it happened anyway! A very fine purple film all over my car was discovered. Yes, the same purple as is on this box shrine.

I LOVE spray paint! Yes, I can get a better color range in brush-on acrylics, but I can't get the finish I want. Just as all my box shrines, this one...entitled "Play"...has many, many coats of spray paint, with sanding in between coats, to achieve the professional silky finish I seek.

I spray within large cardboard boxes set up in my large garage. To keep the dust out, I generally do not have the garage door open....though I know I should have more ventilation. (I am a slow learner.)

Luckily, no damage was done to my car as it has a very nice protective sealer and the purple film had not baked on (which it might have in the Texas summer heat).

I have been advised by the Toyota Body Shop that spray paint particles migrate quite far and to never use any sprays in my garage without moving the car out first. But, what about my hair? What about my lungs? Now that I have actually SEEN what happens, I must get a respirator. Or, I could use brushed on acrylics. Or, cover the boxes in paper....or? Sometimes, life is just so complicated. Now I'm even wondering about breathing in sanding particles....

The Music Party

2010-02-08T12:25:00.000-06:00

This small box shrine was something of a departure from my usually bolder work. I tried to pay homage to an era of chamber music.The setting is a peaceful Sunday afternoon, the title of the piece is "The Music Party"

Creating an Environment

2010-02-06T18:12:00.002-06:00

Our homes are an extension of ourselves, I think, and if we are artists...whether in spirit or in practice....we can give free expression to our inner being, or to what that inner being aspires. We control our environment and, in turn, that environment affects us.

Lucinda Hutson, an Austin, TX designer, has created an eternal summer party with her own home. It is usually sunny here, but I found myself rather envious this past dark week.:-)

http://web.mac.com/lucindahutson

Oaxaca Day of the Dead, 2010

2010-01-31T11:31:00.000-06:00

Michael DeMeng has just announced another Day of the Dead workshop in Oaxaca this year!

http://michaeldemeng.blogspot.com/

I can't imagine anything more fun than this!

Comfort Doll Project

2010-01-31T10:28:00.000-06:00

The Comfort Doll Project was founded by Pat Winter who received hundreds of small hand-made dolls from international contributors, and then shipped them to abused women's shelters.
Recently Pat has had to step down, but the project will be carried on by
Brenda Hutchings
303 McKinley St.
Valparaiso, IN 46383

The new doll blog is

http://comfortdollproject.blogspot.com/2010/01/ok-here-we-go.html

Box Shrines

2010-01-24T12:20:00.000-06:00

I find it easier to work with the same therme until I have said all I have to say for that time being. If the work begins looking alike I know I'm only repeating myself!

This piece is "No Music...No Life" and ,yes, I really believe that, although I also hear music in nature.

This is a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn. I am very happy with the interior of the box, but waiting for inspiration for the outside. I try not to have more than a couple of pieces in an unfinished state as I have the tendency to not get back to them. For me, inspiration either comes quickly or not at all.

Rocking Away!

2010-01-17T19:12:00.000-06:00

I am doing a series of music related pieces. Since this is different from allowing the art to speak of whatever is in the recesses of my subconscious, I listened to their music while working.
(My cats were not pleased!)

This is a tribute to Carlos Santana whose quote "Turn on the light in your own heart" was the inspiration for this box shrine.

I consider Jimi Hendrix to be one of the greatest guitar players ever, someone who inspired all others who followed. This tribute to Hendrix is titled "Inspire"

The Path of The Heart

2010-01-08T18:15:00.001-06:00

Here are two more mixed media shrine boxes by Doreen Grozinger.

I confess that I have never thought it possible to use a cigar box which opens in this way successfully, showing me just how set in my thinking I can be.:-)

Doreen says about her shrine, "Excavating the Heart":

When I was in high school, a friend said to me, "You always seem to be searching for that heart of gold" and she was right. Little did I know at the time, that this heart was inside of me all along, I just needed to dig deep and open it up.

Coming from the intellect most of the time, it has been a process for me to look to my heart. Listening to what it has to say - let it take wings and fly......

This is Doreen's beautiful Chakra Box.

Following the path of the heart.

We travel here on earth between the earth and sky, finding our way, the middle way. To me, that way is the path of heart.

Laugh Out Loud!

2010-01-03T09:50:00.002-06:00

There were times I felt like my face would crack when it broke into a smile. I am accustomed to smiling and laughing so much that I have been asked "What is funny?" This past year, however, I have felt like my face would crack if I smiled. LOL.(not really, of course)....What I mean is that I noticed when I smiled instead of the other way around. It was a somber year for many of us.

With this in mind, I wanted to greet the new year with a bit of whimsy and laughter. This is my hello to the new year. I have included Charlie Chaplin's quote"A day without laughter is a day wasted."