monday, monday

I am finally back on track and excited about my newest pieces.  The above piece is entitled Gypsy.  As you can see, I have included tarot card images from a 1918 book.  Often I will use vintage pages pulled from tattered and time worn books, but this first edition was in such wonderful condition that I didn't have the heart take my exacto-knife to it.  I photocopied the images onto vintage dictionary pages instead.  I still haven't signed this one as I feel perhaps some additional embellishment is in order.  Soon.

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I do have quite a horde of vintage ephemera to choose from and recently found this sweet vintage piece to help me stay organized.

I also snagged this vintage purse.  I love the beading and look forward to carrying it with me on my next dinner date with Arturo.  We do try to make a weekly date night.  It is one of the secrets to maintaining a good relationship.  You cannot forget the romance!

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I was pleasantly surprised by the double yolker I cracked open this morning for breakfast.  I take this as an positive sign for the week ahead.  I plan on working double time in the next month or two to prepare for my second show.  I will post details as the date approaches.  Hi Ho!

anna's dance

Above is my piece entitled Anna's Dance, an image of Anna Pavlova, engaged in her Dying Swan pose.  I have to say I love this piece.  As I mentioned in my previous post, she was donated to a charity auction at the Starry Starry Night Gala to benefit the Future's Foundation.

Above is the second swan image in a very similar collage.  I wanted to create this piece in order to include her in my upcoming show.  The quotation is reported to be the last words Anna Pavlova spoke before she left this world and I feel it fits well with the subject.  I am still in the process of finishing this piece and will most likely tone down the quotations.  I have been playing a little with embossing this time around and have many new ideas to bring to the table.  

two swans in process

To follow, without halt, one aim: that's the secret of success. 

- Anna Pavlova

I am in the process of creating two new pieces.  One will be donated for a silent auction for the Futures Foundation, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities.  My dear aunt Carla, who passed away earlier this year, was never happier than when she was attending one of the many dances they hosted.

The second piece will be  part of my next solo show which is slated to begin December 1, 2011 at Lennon Photo in newly revamped downtown Lake Orion.

While both swans are nearly identical aside from the colors, the backgrounds will be unique to each piece.  The original photo is of Anna Pavlova.  Below are close shots of some of the ephemera...

The music score is from what I believe to be a student's hand written note book.  I found this treasure at a open air flea market in Sienna, Italy.  The paper looks to be quite old and is thick with wonderful deckled edges.  

This page is from an old Italian religious book dated 1764.  Frankly, it is in such terrible shape that I have absolutely no regret about using it in my collages.  The pages have a high linen content and are almost impossible to tear.  I love to use various types of papers in my collages as they take paint differently and add interesting texture.

I will be finishing these pieces by week's end and will post the finished work.  

In other news, the above piece entitled Idol Love received an honorable mention at the Orion Art Center Portraits & Pottery Show.  I am delighted,  as the artwork submitted by the members of my community was impressive.  

idol love

Mixed messages are often a component of my pieces.  I find the concept of celebrity an interesting phenomenon.  In this piece, entitled Idol, I have included various ephemera that, to me, illustrates the impermanence of fame.

My pieces, when viewed from afar, look to be almost photographic.  By the addition of printed material, I attempt to draw the viewer closer to evoke contemplation.  I believe this is the piece that I will enter into the Orion Art Center's Portrait and Pottery Exhibit opening October 10, 2011.

In other news, I am planning another one woman show in December.  Details to follow.

Have a great weekend.     - Laura

A quick note

I wanted to take a moment to share one of my newest pieces before I get down to work for the day.  This piece was inspired by my trip to the Uffizi Museum in Florence.  The Catholic girl in me was drawn to the beautiful religious artwork and I decided to attempt to reproduce this image taken from Agnolo Bronzino's Madonna & Child.  It was fun to recreate a figure from a painting and I may work on more of these images in the future.

A quick update

I am back in the studio this week and I thought I would just give a quick update as to the progress I have made.  I started this project before I left for Italy and although I am inspired to begin a couple of new ideas, I have to complete this little guy before I can concentrate on a new planned series.  Below is the original image.

  I will be working on the canvas over the next few days and hope to have the piece finished by next week.  Have a great weekend.  - Laura

Viewpoints

I wanted to take a moment to elaborate on my piece entitled Larry's girl.  While it was created as a memorial piece for a friend, the message in the piece is also important.  This piece was created as a remonstration on the persecution of individuals who choose a path that differs from the society in which they live.  This particular piece references religion.  The veiled image is self explanatory and was chosen as a religious representation.  Closer inspection will reveal images chosen to rebuke individuals and government who attempt to snatch religious freedom from the individual.  In naming this for my friend, I am also making a statement regarding the way Larry, who was an unconventional individual was, therefore, unfairly judged, and often felt ostracized by society.  Many of my pieces represent my respect for the individual who stays his course regardless of public criticism.

This piece follows along the same line.  I believe nearly every individual has experienced some form of oppression.  We also, unfortunately, are capable of assuming the role of oppressor.  It is my hope that the viewer will relate to the duality of the human experience.

This piece speaks for itself.  The pavers were created from vintage food advertisements.  Click on the images for a closer view.

Exhibition

As promised (and only a day late), here are the details of my upcoming exhibition.  The QR code on the back is active and will take you to the my artists page at Artcapsule. 

New Gallery NewsI

 I have been wanting to get to this post for a week but haven't had access to the pics until now.  

I attended an artist's  reception on Sunday, May 1st for a month long show entitled The First and The Last. 

 Last things first.  The Last is in reference to Margot of Margot’s Gallery in downtown Oxford.  This, sadly, is her last show as she has sold her gallery and is planning to spend more time on her artistic endeavors.  She will be missed, but I know that her time spent on art will be fruitful.  She is very talented and I admire her work.  Arturo & I purchased two to hang in our home and will most certainly add to our collection over time.

The First refers to the first show at the gallery for new owner, Rob.  He made a great first impression when he surprised Margot (and everyone else) with a cake  depicting a 3-D copy of one of her masks from the Sweet and Savory Bake Shop  located right next door. Well done.

The new gallery will be called Art Capsule.  This link will take you to Rob's blog where he is chronicling the emergence of his vision.  I am excited to be working with the gallery as it hosts my first individual art show, Shadowplay.   This is my big news and I  have been holed up in my studio creating some new pieces in time for the show.  I will post the details as well as a few peeks at new work along the way.

In the meantime, these pieces are currently on exhibit in the gallery along with numerous other works from talented local artists.  This exhibit runs through the month of May.

Who's naughty?

This piece is nearing it's completion.  I feel she still needs a little tweaking but I have a few ideas up my sleeve.  I do like the quote and feel it fits in nicely with the piece.  


I do have some exciting news to share soon, but I am not at liberty to spill the beans just yet.  

Imagine

"Imagination is everything.  It is the preview of life's coming attractions"

                                                            -Albert Einstein-

I have been struggling with this project for weeks now and I finally see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.  This is my third attempt at creating what I see in my mind and I believe I am now on the right path.  These pieces are soooo difficult to capture on camera and I wish I could invite you into my studio to see them first hand.  There is still much to do to meet the May 15th deadline for entry into my next competition.  

On another note, I will, over the next few weeks, attempt to expand my blogging to include other areas of interest.  When a piece takes this long to bring into existence, I find myself totally immersed in the process and without much to blog about.  By diversifying my blog, I hope to inspire others to bring creative expression to  everyday life.

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.

On a Lighter Note

The tenor of my art changes frequently.  After I create one of my fiery pieces, I often feel the burden lift and change gears to create something more amusing.  I have finished the subject for my next piece and am nearly done perfecting her stage.  

I only use original vintage postcards, copyright free pages from well loved books (they are often falling apart as I cannot bring myself to savage a usable volume) as well as pre-1925 ephemera taken from old publications.

I have also been playing with hard molding paste which is what I embellished this bottle with.  It is difficult to see in the above pic but it brings an opaque sheen to the bottle, giving it an interesting appearance. 


I will finish this piece this weekend and post it soon.

Oppression

It is often easier to become outraged by injustice half a world away than by oppression and discrimination half a block from home.
Carl T. Rowan

I realize that this piece is a far cry from my recent work but the turmoil that is occurring in the world cannot go unnoticed.  I created this piece because I believe that nearly everyone experiences oppression in some form in their lifetime, be it physical or psychological.  Turning a blind eye only serves to promote further oppression and makes us co-conspiritors.  So this piece speaks loudly and, I'll admit is even a bit frightening, but if it pushes one person to stand up for another, then it has served its purpose.


Now I say that with cruelty and oppression it is everybody's business to interfere when they see it.
Anna Sewell

Nat King Cole

I have been able to complete several new pieces over the last few weeks and I wish to share one of them with you now.  I felt the need to add to my Musical Artist Series and came across a photo of Nat King Cole in the Library of Congress archives.  I am very pleased with the result.  Click on the photo to zoom in.

I have mixed feelings about the recent sale of the above piece.  This piece entitled "Broken"  was sold from Margot's Gallery in Oxford last week.  It is always difficult to part with a piece as it becomes a part of me in its creation.  I am pleased with the purchaser, however, as she was truly touched by it and will, I'm certain, treasure her as I do.  

Fighting the Winter Doldrums

I'll admit it.  I have been suffering from a sense of stagnation when it comes to accomplishing my artistic goals during this long, cold, seemingly-endless winter here in Michigan.  But then I am reminded that things could always be worse...

I have managed to nearly complete my most recent project entitled Legacy.  This is my most challenging project thus far.  I made the paper used for the smoke and clouds in the upper portion and painstakingly applied layer after layer until I was satisfied.  I know, it's rather depressing, but it fairly reflects my present state of mind.

Wandering

I know I haven't been keeping up with my blog as much as I should but life seems to be getting in the way lately.  We have had more than our fair share of issues over the last month or so.  I can hardly believe it has not even been a month since Christmas.  I won't go into the details but suffice to say it has been a month with many ups and downs (more downs though, unfortunately)  I will try to post more often.

I am currently working under a deadline for a new competitive submission.   I have been advised to  attempt entry.  My current work is veering away from the cutesy and turning towards more serious issues.  I am certain this is due to the current tenor my in life and I will relax into more upbeat subjects again.  But I do feel I am growing as an artist and as an individual.

Window Dressing

My work is currently featured in the front window of Margot’s Gallery (http://margotsgalleryframe.com/), a lovely little shop in Oxford, Michigan.  I am so grateful that the owner, Margot, offered me the space to display my work.  She is very knowledgeable and a valuable resource to me as I attempt to expand my artistic horizons.  

 Oxford is a quaint, little, nearby village and the main street is traversed by many commuters daily.  My work is getting so much attention lately and I am inspired by the encouragement I am receiving.  I have several thought provoking pieces in the works and can’t wait to share them.  

I wasn’t sure about the red background but I think it works!

A Work in Progress

Aside from all of the holiday preparations, I have been trying to squeeze in studio time to finish several new pieces and I thought I would give a sneak peek at one.  I have been contemplating a new idea for this blog starting in the new year and hope it will not go by the wayside as many of my resolutions seem to do.  One of my resolutions from last year, though,  is just about to come to fruition. So, without further ado, here is my newest project.  She is a work in progress...much like me. 

Shadow Play

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Shadow is a colour as light is, but less brilliant; light and shadow are only the relation of two tones.

Paul Cezanne

 

I choose not to use many colors when I create my subjects.  It is the use of varying shades that create the 3-dimensional effect I am looking for.  If you view my pieces from across the room, you may believe you are looking at a photograph.  Upon closer inspection, however, you will see it is only an illusion.