Entry #2 for small works juried art show

Entry #2 for Manifest Gallery's small works juried art show, called MAGNITUDE SEVEN. Entries must be 7 inches or less in all directions.

Click on picture to see it larger.




Kinetic Black
acrylic
4.5" x 4.5"
2008

Interesting story about this piece. One of biggest fans is my husband but his reaction to this piece was, "eh, I don't like it much." Thus, self doubt crept in. I wasn't going to enter it. I pondered what I could add to it to make it "better." After a week of searching...nothing. I attempted to add yarn, a metal hearty thing, some shiny jewels, etc. But nothing felt right. Because the need to alter the piece wasn't coming from inside me, but from an outside influence.
I'm happy with it - as is.

My dear artist friend, Heather Pilchard, had this sagely response to my lapse of confidence - "Don't worry about what anyone says about your work because think about, why do you make art? The urge to make art is like a door bell going off inside you. Are you going to answer the door or are you going to allow someone else to answer it? It is so invasive to your personal space if you do! Everyone is allowed there opinions but only we let it effect us the way we do."

Entry #1 for small works juried art show

My dear friend and wonderful artist, Heather Pilchard
and I are entering a juried art show at Manifest Gallery (love the name) called Magnitude Seven .
The work has to less than seven inches at any point.

This is one of two pieces I am entering. The photo is of a lotus flower I took while in India.

About this piece:
Mellow Yellow
mixed media
6"x6"
2008

so so soft felted wool bowls

so i've thrown myself into making felted wool bowls. i think following a pattern helps mollify some of my anxiety and uncertainty about the recent news of yet, another move.

thus counting stitches helps ground me. working with the soft texture of the wool soothes me.

see, art/craft therapy happening! i practice what i preach:)

this awesome bowl was created with a pattern by
timaryart.etsy.com
which is appropriate for beginners.

now, of course, i didn't follow it exactly. if you check out my paintings, it's no surprise that i had to break loose and do a little of my own thing.

here it is before i felted it.

i plan on selling these on my etsy shop too. but probably after the move. well, you never know.

These Photo Paintings I do

Funky Custom Photo Paintings

I take someone's photo, turn it into a black and white image, then make a painting with it.

Whaddya think?

I think these would be great for Mother's Day, Father's Day, anniversaries, showing off a beloved pet, so many options!

I love making these.

A Happy Thought on Tax Day

luckily, i got our taxes done a few weeks ago so no scrambling over here. phew.

so my happy sharing today is: you gotta try a child-sized toothbrush.

due to an unfortunate accident (which i will spare you the not so lovely details), i had to use my toddler's toothbrush for the night. and i gotta tell ya, i LOVE it. the small head shape allows for detailed, thorough cleaning and gum massage. i don't think i'll ever go back to an adult-sized toothbrush.

i know this isn't an art-related posting but i feel it is an important one!:)

The Debut of 3 Custom Artwork Series

Yesterday, April 9th, I debuted my three custom art series on Hyenacart with the Enchanted Realm Congo. This online handmade goods shop offers mostly baby/child-related items such as cloth diapers, clothing, and toys. I decided to try it out as a guest vendor because I thought with Mother's Day and Father's Day coming up, this audience may want the custom work.

The new series are:
Beloved Work of Art (c)
Photo Highlighting
Photo Paintings


Here is one painting from the Beloved Work of Art(c) series




Beloved Work of Art (c) #14
The image on the little canvas is what is customized. The buyer would send me a digital photo of their loved one. Then I'd get it on the little canvas. Background of yellows already complete.

I've been working on this idea for close to a year!

Center for Touch Drawing

ever hear of this? sounds interesting, i'd like to try it one day. i think i'd really enjoy using my fingertips and forgoing the brushes for a bit.

Touchdrawing.com
Touch Drawing is a simple yet profound process where the fingers take the place of pen or brush. Paper is placed over a freshly painted surface and, wherever it is touched, an imprint is made on the back side. Impulses from within take form on paper through the movement of the fingertips on the page. A multitude of drawings can be created in one session, each a stepping stone to the next; guiding progressively deeper into the self.
Check out the video demo!