time management in an age of distractions

I hope that I may always desire more than I can accomplish. 

Michelangelo 

During my recent trip to Italy, I was essentially disconnected from the world of social networking, blogging, podcasting, gaming and all of the other technological distractions I use to amuse myself on a daily basis.  It got me to thinking....how many of the great masterpieces I was so lucky to be able to view would have gone by the wayside had the artists of the day been so distracted?  Would they have allowed themselves to be lulled into spending hours posting their every thought on Twitter and Facebook or tackling the next level of Angry Birds?  Would they have been constantly communicating with their paramours via texting?  I hate to say it but in all likelihood the answer is yes.  They were not so different from us.  What a shame it is that many of our most creative minds are hijacked by these addictive applications.  I intend to make a conscious effort to avoid these pitfalls and if I encounter a creative block, I will find a chisel.

- my take on a da vinci angel - 

And so I am turning off the TV in favor of a good book, limiting my internet browsing to research and necessary communication, putting my i-pod on shuffle, and allowing my muse to guide me down the road less traveled.

ITALIA

I apologize for my absence but I am now back, with my creative energy renewed, after a recent family vacation in Italy.  I have taken many photos that I will be sharing over the next few weeks and months as relevance demands.  Let me begin with the main reason for the trip - San Marino. Below is a view from one of the castles.

 My father was born in San Marino (a small republic within Italy).  When I learned that my parents were planning a trip, I was able to convince Arturo (along with our two teenagers) to accompany them on their journey.  We were also joined by two of my sisters and other family members.  While we only spent a couple of days in San Marino, we did spend two full weeks traveling by rail across Italy.  A day of swimming in Rimini yielded this foreboding photo.

No, this is not a volcanic eruption, only a fire,  but it did create a moment of trepidation.

It was a wonderful experience and along the way I was completely inspired by the art, history and beauty of the Italian countryside.  Not to mention the food!

 I did pick up some very old printed materials that I will be including in my upcoming pieces.
We only returned last evening and I have much to do before I can get back into the studio but I look forward to sharing my experience with you in the coming weeks.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.