Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Lady Sings the (mid-summer) Blues



The past few weeks have been oppressive here in Michigan and I have taken this time to play in the studio and on the patio with my newest project.  Billie Holiday does a good job expressing the discomfort I feel in this sizzling weather.  I wilt in a similar way to the potted flowers I have been semi-neglecting.  I have been wanting to play with beeswax for some time and am pleased with my initial attempt but feel I need more practice.  All in all, a fun experiment, and very forgiving.



I have been avoiding the extended heat wave by revamping my studio & workshop areas.  Since moving my studio space to my (former) dining room, I have lost track of many inspirational items.  The space, although much brighter than the former dungeon space, is also much smaller so I have decided to create a workspace in the dungeon to create an area for some of my messier projects and also to store some of my supplies.  While going through my inventory, I have happened upon many Etsy-worthy items that are either finished or nearly finished and I hope to start listing them soon...


like this vintage Vera throw pillow cover.  So bright and colorful!


 I have also rediscovered some vintage publications that will certainly find their way into my work.
The above book was a trash find and contains many vintage photographs that could be fun to recreate...

Jack Dempsey

and illustrations that may be perfect for a collage background...


Who knew women's boxing was an appreciated sport in the 1800's?


I always keep an  eye out for vintage yearbooks.  They often contain photographs that bring inspiration.


The 1920's editions contain many art nouveau illustrations.


These cheerleaders are begging to be included in a new piece.



These yearbooks always contain amusing shots and quotes.

Nothing like a week of organization to bring back the inspiration.  

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Back in the Studio

Nature is the art of God.
-Dante Alighieri-



After taking a much-needed break to recharge my imagination, I am back in the studio this week.  The past week has been spent in search of new inspiration and I have done a bit of experimentation.  I have several new ideas to explore.  The above image was taken during an early morning bicycle ride on a nearby trail.  It was already quite warm, despite the time of day, so Arturo & I took a break to explore...
We descended...

The cool spring-fed water is beckoning...

We venture in.

feeling eyes upon us...






  What an unexpected surprise to see such an urban art-form in this countrified area.

The art of man intermingled with the art of God. 






Sunday, July 10, 2011

exhibition news




(My newest piece)

I am still floating on air after my first solo-show at ArtCapsule Gallery in Oxford.  The night could not have gone better.  I received a ton of positive feedback regarding my pieces and this feedback was bolstered by a good number of sales.  Many of my original pieces sold on Friday night as well as several of my Artist Proofs.  This show will run through July 28th and I hope others will check it out.  I welcome all comments and questions.  Feel free to post them on my blog.   For now here are a few pics.  


My dad & mom attended 
(Smile mom!)

Susanne & I
(Can you tell we're sisters?)


Going in for a closer look.

Robb, the owner of ArtCapsule,  had my piece entitled Willa enlarged for the front window and as a special touch provided a pen for patrons to express themselves.  

To read more about this event and for more pics. visit the gallery's blog,  where Vickie has recorded the highlights of the evening.