recreating my dream

I have vivid dreams and I almost always remember them.  I will not trouble you with the details of my latest - I have been on the receiving end of a dream story and it is almost never possible to relate the emotion of a dream experience to another.  I, however, was so very impacted by the imagery in this dream that I took it to a digital level.  Below is the image - straight from inside my head.

On another note, I am still working diligently and daily on a new high-impact piece.  It is a slow process but I hope it will be worth the wait.  I have decided to post another piece that has not been previously posted to the blog although it is on my artwork page.  

I do so enjoy finding unique pictures to incorporate into my Shadowplay pieces.  I have recently been mixing characters from several sources to create my pieces but the above piece was recreated from a vintage shower scene and to me embraces the parallels in us as well as our individuality.  

Famine Project

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. 

Dalai Lama 

I often think about the disparity in this world of ours and about the vast differences in the human experience.  In my research into vintage photography, I am frequently drawn to photos of humanity that are difficult to fathom.  In contemplating and recreating these downtrodden members of the human race, I am overwhelmed with emotion.  And yet, I am drawn to them, to their plight and I feel the need to plead their cases to those who would listen...

The person in my re-created fiber image above is unknown.  He was a victim of the famine in China in the early 1900's.  I am working on a canvas that I hope will be worthy of his message.  

I have not been very attentive to this blog of late.  I have, unfortunately, been nursing a rotator cuff injury that has put a crimp in my artistic endeavors.  Physical Therapy starts tomorrow.  But, I now know which of my pieces has been juried into the Michigan Fine Arts Competition.  The opening artist reception and awards ceremony will be at the BBAC (Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center) on April 1, 2011 (hopefully this falling on April Fool's Day is not a bad omen).  I look forward to attending.

I am S L O W L Y finishing another provocative piece that will (hopefully) speak for itself.  I hope to finish it this week and present it soon.

Waiting for spring

I sometimes find it difficult to stay on the sunny side during these long Michigan winters.  I did manage to muster enough optimism to finish my party girl piece.  I do like the way the background turned out.  I am into bright colors recently, probably an unconscious attempt to compensate for the vast white blanket outside my window. 


 While I am pleased with this piece in general, I have to point out a flaw which will probably serve to relegate her to a permanent position in my home.  While adding the final touches, surface bubbles appeared...

I have to admit, this has happened to me once before and I did manage to camouflage the blunder.  I thought I had pinpointed my error but will have to go back to the drawing board on this issue.

But...I did manage to finish these sweet crocheted ducky slippers for the little jester, who immediately demanded to put them on so he could waddle around the house, quacking all the way.