Larry's Girl

This piece is relatively new and is a memorial piece for a dear friend of mine, Larry, who passed away suddenly in early May of this year.  The figure in this piece hung unfinished on my studio wall for some time and every time Larry visited, he commented on how much he liked her and asked me if I would consider selling it to him when it was finished.  Of course, I agreed but unfortunately, he was unable to enjoy the finished project.  So, as a tribute, I named her Larry's Girl and I believe he would approve.

This is another piece I displayed at  my July show at the ArtCapsule gallery.  Vintage buttons adorn the neck of the instrument along with vintage thread from my stash of goodies.

I have taken a little time off recently as I seem to have damaged a nerve in my thumb during the frantic pace needed to finish pieces for that show.  It is on the mend and I hope to get back to work in early September.

In the meantime, I have been gathering my inspirational trinkets in a recently procured vintage mailbox.

I'm not really sure what I will do with these babies but I couldn't resist their adorable faces and they will, at the very least, be on the sidelines, cheering me on.

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. 

Published!

My Quirky Ballerina collage has reappeared in the January/February issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine.  I was a finalist for the Artisan/2011 contest and am thrilled to see my work published.  A 2010 goal has been reached.  A canvas print of this piece is available in my Etsy shop. 

being sincere

 
                                 *****

A sincere artist is not one who makes a faithful attempt to put on to canvas what is in front of him, but one who tries to create something which is, in itself, a living thing.   William Dobell


Quite frankly, I don't seem to have enough hours in the day to accomplish all of the ideas that are currently coming my way.  I sometimes wish sleep was optional.  I realize I don't blog as much as I should.  I get caught up in the creative process and although I do take many pics along the way, it usually takes them awhile to make it onto my pages.  Alas, I will try, yet again, to be better. 

 I was frankly a tad disappointed at not winning the CPS Artisan of the Year 2011 contest but in reality I am still thrilled at being one of the finalists.  I did make my goal and will be published in the Jan/Feb issue.  The fact is I don't know if I was ready to be Artisan of the Year because I am just hitting my stride and haven't been creating my unique collages for even a year yet.  I did, however, create the following piece just after finding out the results.  She is a new favorite.

Adding embellishments is becoming easier as I go.  I coffee dyed the vintage lace I used to enhance her skirt. 

 

One of these days, I will receive a comment on one of my posts.  Who will be the first one to break the silence?  All are welcome. 

 

And on that note...

 

 



 

Hope your Halloween was as curious as ours. 

 

Too Shy

*****

“The way you overcome shyness is to become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid”

Claudia Lady Bird Johnson quote


 I am just beginning to understand why I am drawn to the subjects of my art.  In preparing for a piece, I browse through dozens of vintage photographs and eventually settle upon one that whispers to my soul.  It is only when my piece is finished that it dawns on me that my inner feelings have been captured.  I then realize how connected we all are and despite the fact that my subjects are long departed from this existence, we share a humanity that cannot be denied.

This piece speaks to the unbearable shyness I sometimes feel when I share my work. I began this project just after learning I had been selected as a finalist in Cloth Paper Scissors Artisan Search 2011 and I had to send my originals out into the world.  A little overwhelming, but also very exciting. 

Perhaps Lady Bird was right, the cure is at hand.  It beckons to me behind the curtain that leads to my studio. 

*****

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

I am pleased to announce that I have been chosen as a finalist in Cloth Paper Scissors Artisan of the Year 2011 search.  I am thrilled to be included among such talented people.  You can view my entries at the following link:  http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/members/lolabu/default.aspx

I have been busy moving my studio to its new location in the room previously known as my dining room.  I am no longer relegated to the basement with the spiders.  Here are a few peeks...