More Marks

This one is made of molding paste, cheesecloth and lots of paint layers. The one I made yesterday? It was bothering me this morning so I proceeded to add more paint and achieved a mess! I'm going to work on it some more and see if it can be salvaged....chances are not good but we'll see....

Marks

Making some 6x8 abstracts to submit to Beacon Open Studios. Come join the fun. No entry fee, no juries, no theme, no stress.

Memories

I often find the unexpected thoughts of quiet memories to be the sweetest. I hold them dear to my heart and know that these help define our lives as much as the larger events that shape us.

This assemblage is comprised of fired, glazed and painted clay pods, an antique wooden pencil box and vintage nails. It measures 6" high x 9" wide x 3" in depth.

Start of The Pod Farm

This is one of the pods that came out of the gas kiln this week. I am certainly seeing this in an assemblage in front of that vintage, ethnic looking wrench Melanie brought me the other week. I have a blessed week off between Christmas and New Year's. A week that I usually fill with time spent seeing friends and family and....ART (hooray). I have visions of pods dancing in my head, also have an itch to pick up the pastels. Oh, how sweet anticipation can be.

Organic Baby, Organic

Hand built clay pods...about 5" high...these will get glazed and fired...hope to use them in an assemblage.

Genesis

Besides cooking, cleaning and eating too much I am usually able to snatch creative time during the holidays. This is my first in what I hope will become a series based on imagery of pods. The pods in this assemblage are darker than they appear in this photo and have more visible texturing that I wasn't able to capture with the camera. They are created out of paper clay. The shelf objects are pieces are lava my daughter brought back from Hawaii for me. "Mom, can't you use these in your art?" Uh, huh. The 'shade' are altered pages from a National Geographic.

For another piece I plan to work on a larger pod made out of clay that will be glazed and fired.

Hope all of you are enjoying your days and filling them with something much more rewarding than going chain store shopping.

Time Traveler

Time present and time past

Are both perhaps present in time future,

And time future contained in time past.

If all time is eternally present

All time is unredeemable.

What might have been is an abstraction

Remaining a perpetual possibility

Only in a world of speculation.

What might have been and what has been

Point to one end, which is always present.

Footfalls echo in the memory

Down the passage which we did not take

Towards the door we never opened

Into the rose-garden.

~ T.S. Eliot

Nuno felt made from hand-dyed silk, wool roving & cheescloth - burnt. Artist created paper. Painted acorn shell. Hand stitching. Vintage wooden sticks. Mounted on a painted canvas. 8x10"

Opposites Attract

My husband and I are doing a together thing...we actually do many together things but this Thing is art related. We are messing around with clay, slips and glazes in our friend's tricked out ceramics studio. Being an engineer head he tends to be very precise and is learning to throw on a wheel. His glazes are very carefully applied in a scientific method kind of way. He creates art in direct opposition to my methods. Care to hazard a guess as to which piece belongs to who?

Snowy Fall Day

This was what was going outside my studio window yesterday afternoon. Snow in October? A mini-blizzard in October? One of the wonders of living in the Hudson Valley. What's a woman to do? If you're me it means you do ART and try your hand at nuno felting.

I created a base layer that I then added stitching and dyed masa paper to. This piece is about 5x7". I'm not quite sure how I'm going to finish and mount it. Maybe burn the edges? Maybe attach it to a cloth wrapped piece of canvas? Decisions, decisions...This might just be the piece I submit to the WRS's annual Members Show but what orientation? Decisions, decisions...

Red Eggs Nested in Ruins

My friend Melanie tells me I should post the sizes of my paintings. She said this after seeing one painting in person and saying "who knew it was this large?" Coming in at only artist trading card size (2.5" x 3.5") if seeing this painting in real life one would have to say "who knew it was this small?"

Small Wonders

A couple of weeks ago I met Laura, a lovely and talented collage artist who does lots of artist trading card sized art. Her collages are chock full of emotion and sentiment. I found them quite compelling. Laura frames these wonderful 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" pieces of art in larger white mats and they look fantastic. The large mat pulls you right in to view the small jewel they contain. Laura's work inspired me to create more ATC sized work....and....so...I did....(available in my Etsy shop should the spirit move you).

Found some silk scarf blanks the other day when I was digging through some stuff looking for something else (of course I didn't find the other something else). I haven't dyed in awhile so I thought I'd give a whirl. After the first dye bath/batching I randomly applied discharge paste and then spent time ironing it away. Think I'll do another 2 tomorrow in a different color pathway.

Thoughts on Change

What would happen if there were never any changes? Would it be a better world, more enjoyable life if everything were stagnant - even if one's current environment is filled with contentment? If everything (and everyone) were always status quo would that by itself produce a negative change since this is not the natural order of the universe? Giving up control but still taking charge via pro-activity must surely be a rewarding path - yes? Here's to all of you with faith and hope that steps forward will create their own positive energy resulting in experiences that are exciting and rewarding.

Yum

Ok....can I just tell you....I am now officially psyched on exploring more with pottery. The glazes are The Deal...all the layering, scraping & resisting I do in my paintings and textile dyeing have a huge relationship to the effects I'd like to achieve with glazes. When I glazed this I was after a fossilized effect. I'm happy.

Stacks

Sometimes the sum can end up equaling more than the individual parts (such as well oiled and tuned partnerships). Seth Apter is encouraging artists to take a photo of a stack of stuff or things and post it on their blog on 9/21. Seth will coordinate the links to your blog from his blog. Check it out.....see Seth's Wed, 9/14 Altered Page blog post on how to participate.

Life

It can hang by a thread, it can be enhanced by potions and brews, it can be as strong as steel or fragile as glass...but...we only get this one as we know it...so...here's to all of you who try to make it the best you're able and are able to shrug off arrows that may sling your way...and to those of you who have reminded me that the icky stuff just isn't all that damn important.

Escapes

I started this painting last week during the wind and rain of Hurricane Irene. Other than rattling windows, causing our pond to overflow and inconveniently knocking out power for 24 hrs we didn't have much to complain about. Yesterday we drove around northwestern Ulster County in the Catskills. In this mountainous terraine, Irene's torrential rainfall caused extensive flooding resulting in the loss of homes, businesses and roads. I finished this today with the theme of escape and gratitude on my mind....there was not any loss of life in our region as a result of Irene.

Contributing

I received official word this week that an image of one of my assemblages plus a bit of commentary I wrote will be included in Seth Apter's book, The Pulse of Mixed Media. The book - a real book - is due out March 2. Seth seems to be a popular guy in the mixed media world - besides creating some cool and interesting mixed media art pieces he is a mixed media promoter extra-ordinaire.

Now...some of you might be thinking 'wow, she must have a certain amount of prestige in the alternative art world to get published'. NOT SO. I have found that getting your art published in magazines and books involves chutzpah more than Master Artist status. If the idea of being published is enticing to you - make art and then go out an promote it. Promote it by proposing an article you can write for a magazine on a subject or technique, promote it by connecting with other art world people via the internet and live shows, promote it by honestly talking with other people about their art and sharing your thoughts and experiences and, finally, promote it by being what makes you an artist in the first place - by using your creativity.

I live in the Hudson Valley of NY. Hurricane Irene is breathing down our necks this weekend. Should prove interesting.

Perelandra

Many of us have lives inside our minds that don't reflect much of the real world or actual situations but are gee-normous indicators of our internal wishes, wants, desires, and - well - souls. As I create an abstract I know that what evolves as the painting unfolds is from deep within these recesses and is part of the essential makeup that is me. Some of the best abstracts are not consciously created - the energy flows from the body and spirit. The paint is only a vehicle.

Construct or De-construct

Night photos being The Worst aside....this is the finished sculpture that was glazed and then fired over the weekend. If you click on the photo it will get larger and you can see some of the detail. Have I told you I love glaze? And the carbon that is created and fired into pieces when you place them at the top of the kiln? I do believe I will be making more clay assemblages....have an idea for one with a bottle....oh my...the brain is on over load!

I have a new art friend, Lynn Isaacson, who makes some great pottery. I am especially taken with her 'lizard' (her words) glazes. I went to her tricked out studio last week and came home with clay, books and tools and an assignment. The assignment was to make stuff so I could join in the firing and glazing that will be going on at week's end. Soooo...I went home with not much of a clue...and started messing around. The wall in the back will have antique, rusted nails secured to it after it's glazed and hopefully - if they don't blow up in the kiln - the front left pieces will become pendants for necklaces. The curved piece on the bottom right...well I'm not sure what direction that will go in....it was my first attempt at being a pottery artist. If these pieces don't turn out too bad I'll post 'after firing' photos. Maybe I'll post 'em even if they turn out horrific.

A small portable Secret (5" x 2.5") to keep close throughout the day.

Portals

So many roads, so many possibilities...sometimes the issue with choices is the unknown. What about this, what about that? The trick is to be able to make a rational decision based in reality...and the realities in any given situation can be diverse and complex. Crystal balls not withstanding, it's often difficult to know which door to choose....door #1, door #2 or door #3? The consequences can be a bit higher than those of a game show.

Another Visit

Back in the day I used to sell art work on Ebay. It was mucho fun and I made many friends in the Ebay group chat rooms (some of whom I have met in real life and remain friendly with to this day). Every month a NibbleFest Art Contest was held. Artists would post auction pieces for a week and - get this - the starting bid was only 99 cents. This was a contest where the winner could certainly be the buyer! Anyhow, this contest is still running and the next one begins on 7/20. I plan to put this mixed media collage ACEO (look it up if you don't know what these darlings of the Ebay world are) up for auction. If you're interested in seeing what NibbleFest art work is up for auction (some of which will be good) go to Ebay later in the day on 7/20 and type in NFAC in the search bar. Also, keep checking back daily for additions because - remember - these are artists posting the auctions....we aren't always the best at organizing ourselves to meet deadlines so listings will continue to be posted throughout the week.

Cause and Effect

Wow...was I ever influenced by the moon last night. Stayed up way too late and woke up much too early. I'm blaming it on the moon...since it - certainly - couldn't have anything to do with the fact that my mind was racing a hundred and twelve miles per hour.

Homage and Continuum

Yesterday we went to an auction. A couple was moving to another country and needed to sell the contents of their home so I didn't feel as weird as I do when attending an estate auction. (Isn't it a bit unsettling to be purchasing the remnants of someone's life? I always have this feeling I am violating the person and try to pay reverence to that person even while winning something at a good price.) Anyhow, we bought 3 antique clocks at very reasonable prices...actually a bit too reasonable...but we will love and enjoy these clocks as much as their many previous owners have.

Pictured is an assemblage made from an altered antique box, antique nails, wooden gate image, brass found object, cobalt bottle, old wire and vintage watch part.

I struggled with this for good parts of both yesterday and today. It is on a very large stretched canvas (16x40) and I've come to realize that I like working on 140# watercolor paper much better than canvas. Anyway, the photo isn't the best but it gives you an idea of the piece. Odd, but the piece looks much more like it's title in person......Crumbling Walls.

Tomorrow night we're going to hear the NY Philharmonic and see fireworks....where?....at the site of the Woodstock Festival...now known as Bethel Woods. I love where I live.

Freedom

Messing around this morning with some exercises from this book. I took a painting that wasn't working and smeared gloss gel on it - thick. Then when it was tacky I combed into the gel with a plastic fork and then let it dry completely. After that lots of layers of transparent paint were applied, partially pulled up in places as it suited me and then more layers were added. I might still need to add some accents but it's time to let it sit for awhile and go pick some strawberries.

Reveal

Painted again today. Hooray.
Anyone out there care to share their thoughts on abstract art? Do you like it or is it something you can live without? Why? Who is...or are...some of your favorite abstract artists? I don't have a lot of knowledge about abstract art (yep, I'll admit it) and I'd love to learn more.

Unveiling

Modeling paste, acrylics, water and alcohol applied with brushes, credit cards (painting is a better use for them anyway), fingers and wadded tissue paper. This one will be for sale at my new 'When I'm Able' blog. Have a wonderful weekend everyone...try to keep it creative and flowing with acceptance.

Yesterday I put some finishing touches to "Runneth Over" and brought it to the
Wallkill River School for display. This is the second assemblage I've put into WRS's gallery. Shawn (the director) told me kids are quite fascinated with them. Assemblages are such a unique art form that many people just can't relate or don't 'get them'. My friend Canace, an assemblage artist extra-ordinaire, has a posting on her blog for an assemblage give away. Please click on her name and see her work (and put your hat in the ring for the prize!).
I am most curious so I'd like to ask....do you - can you - relate to assemblage art? Why or why not?

Back to the Roots....

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with my friend who had just returned from taking a class with Dorothy Caldwell. Melanie showed me this marvelous hand bound book of some exercises they had done during the class. I was inspired! It has been awhile since I've messed around with textiles but this morning I grabbed some previously dyed organza, plunged it into a coffee/tea bath (to further stain and earth-i-tize it), then burned it using a candle and incense stick. It remains to be seen where the journey will go from here...perhaps some handstitching...perhaps some more embellishments...we shall see...but isn't it tres organic and rustic looking?

Head Runneth Over

I am going through a difficult patch right now that involves making certain decisions that will have a significant impact on my life. No, I'm not contemplating a divorce (never, ever) but still; it is a choice that will bring a major change to my life. Trepidation of the unknown results once this choice is made and its path determined is the source of many sleepless hours, distracted daily living and endless internal questions to which there are no answers - at this point in time. Touche to the first lines of M. Scott Peck's book 'The Road Less Traveled'....
"Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths."

The assemblage above was started last night at 1am. My cup runneth over and so does my head.

Blessed

The happiest of Mother's Day to any of who have provided love, guidance and support to a child at any time...whether for years or a few precious moments.

This is an art quilt assemblage type of piece I did about 5 years ago that was illustrative of both Mother Earth and my own feelings of abundance.

Today I was hit by some inspirational thoughts & ideas for a new assemblage that - I hope - will illustrate how truly blessed we all can be even in the face of adversity. Stay tuned in the weeks to come because this one is going to take awhile to realize.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

It needed more layers....and still may not have enough....

It is spring and it is Easter. I just finished this and now I'm going to start special dinner preparations....to include lobster tails and scallops, wild rice and asparagus....life can be good!

Got these nifty double mats complete with backer boards and archival sleeves. I like how it presents the 8x10" abstracts. Meanwhile...plans are getting firmed up for a short getaway to NYC in May. Where will we stay? The quintessential embodiment of bohemian - the Chelsea Hotel (nope, can't call it the Hotel Chelsea). Fun, fun, fun.

It's funky, it's fun and it's interesting - in person - it makes you look and look. Renaissance of Wonder. Made from a vintage cigar mold, secret potions in test tubes, paper images, Grolsch beer caps (yep, enjoying the contents of one now), antique wooden dowel and compass sphere. It looks very cool hanging on a wall. Maybe I'll bring it to my day job and put it in my office. Most everyone there doesn't understand me as it is....good to keep the mystery going.

Going to the hardware store NOW to get some muchly needed attachment items...also need 2 bottles of a certain beer (more on that later)...hope to have this finished today....have - what I think is - a great idea for a sculptural element at the top...stay tuned.

Renaissance

After one of my assemblages was accepted for publication in a book Seth Apter is writing for North Light Books I seem to have found renewed enthusiasm for this medium. This morning I began casting secret potions for inclusion in a piece that was - in part - inspired by these words from a Ferlinghetti poem ".....and I am awaiting perpetually and forever a renaissance of wonder." Stay tuned for further updates....

Intensity

This one took me 6 friggin' hours to get to a point where I could even stand it! Ugh, why do we artist type of people do this to ourselves? I think I'm going to do a nice simple pastel painting next. These abstracts are sucking the life out of me.

Meanwhile....as I was in abstract hell....my friend Melanie was across the work table from me quietly going about the business of creating some great layered collage papers. I think she let out a couple of suppressed giggles while listening to my lunatic rants about the abstract I was creating.

I believe that abstract art is one of the purest art forms. When an artist creates intuitively - from their gut - they are channeling an essence of themselves into the piece. If a viewer is then drawn to the piece I believe they have connected to that essence of the artist on a deep, inner level. Canvas, modeling paste, tissue paper, cheesecloth, organza, other fibers and lots of paint went into this one. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one. If you like it what pulls you? If you don't care for it what bothers you? Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine has been more than fine.

Window of Opportunity

I am toying with the idea of taking a week long class this spring with the incredible mixed media abstract artist Mary Todd Beam. It will mean dropping more than a few bucks but I do like her work and wonder if I could suck up some of her knowledge, tips and tricks while pushing my artistic envelope. Steve is more than supportive of my doing this....so what is my hesitation? Anyone out there care to share their thoughts and experience in regards to taking an intensive class for days on end? Was it worth it?

Super Moon

So far today I've been able to spend mucho time painting (yea). This abstract was inspired by the anticipation of tonight's perigee moon. Steve and I are planning to spend a quiet evening at home sitting on the front porch (perhaps sipping an adult beverage) and watching the incredible sky show tonight.

And tomorrow? Maybe - I hope - it's going to work out that I'll go see this show. Can you say inspiration extra-ordinaire?

Promises

"To everything there is....a time to build up...a time to break down....a time to dance...a time to mourn....a time to cast away stones...a time to gather stones together...."



Any of us who believe we can control our destinations, our paths are sorely mistaken. The universe and our Earth will do what must be done no matter how advanced our human engineering, achievements and technology.



Prayers and blessed thoughts to those who are suffering, afraid or bewildered.

Thaw

Take pieces of an antique quilt from the 1800's, torture some Tyvek on top of the woodstove, open the door to let out the cookin' Tyvek fumes, fray some cheesecloth, acrylic paints, pigments and finally lay down some stray fibers. Earth - renew thyself!