go make art!

Is Anybody Out There?

2010-06-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone looks at this blog anymore. And why would you? This blog is about making art and I rarely seem to make any. A recent rejection letter from Horace Williams House regarding an exhibit in 2011 stings a bit. I see good art all around me, but I just can't make it happen in my studio. This is not a new phenomena for me. Over the last 8 years of learning to draw and paint, I have had lapses of creativity that are frustrating and sometimes debilitating.

In the meantime, I highly recommend a new gallery in Chapel Hill. This co-op gallery is sleek and chock-full of high quality art. Check out Frank's website at: http://www.frankisart.com/.

Spring Break...Part One...

2010-03-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

Renee, Caroline, Jack, and Emma in Anapolis with ice cream cones.

Renee and I headed to Crofton, Maryland to spend a few days with Caroline and her family this spring break. Painting and playing with Emma and Jack was a blast. A day trip to Annapolis provided a delicious opportunity to admire the boats, eat Mexican for lunch, and end the day with huge scoops of vanilla ice cream with sprinkles while browsing the storefronts.Beautiful boats at the harborEmma's princess creations with wicki-stix

Emma painting masterpieces!

Hey now! Jack's a Rock Star!

Jack is too cute!

Mary Cassatt at Boca Raton Museum

2010-02-15T16:07:00.001-08:00

Also at the Boca Museum is an interesting exhibit of Mary Cassatt's Works on Paper. Many of the pieces in the exhibit were "counterproofs."

M.C. Escher at the Boca Raton Museum

2010-02-15T16:05:00.001-08:00

I traveled to south Florida this weekend to celebrate my father's birthday. We headed to a M.C. Escher exhibit at the Boca Raton Museum of Art on Saturday and were mesmerized by Escher's magical world.

Birthday Weekend in Asheville

2010-01-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

Caroline and I celebrate our birthdays together every year. This year, we landed in Asheville and had a blast! Leah was invited along for the first time. At lunch on day two, Leah asked, "How do I know when I am grown up?" I responded, "When you get invited to join Caroline and me for our birthdays!

Be Still My Beating Heart...

2009-12-28T17:12:00.001-08:00

A drive to Raleigh with Luna to take advantage of Jerry's sale this morning. If you are not a "color geek," you may not have experienced the goose bumps associated with discovering Golden's Pyrole Orange on sale. I am a color geek! And I love Jerry's annual sale!

"Pile of Sadness"

2009-12-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

Renee came in to my studio this afternoon and asked if she could move my "pile of sadness" to the floor so that she could sit and visit for a few minutes. I replied, "Of course, Renee. I am sorry that I left my clean, but unfolded laundry on the chair. Unfolded laundry, while a constant in my home, is a pile of sadness that begs to be folded and put away. Please move it and make yourself comfortable." Renee replied, "No, Mom. I am referring to the stack of books on the wicker ottoman." I replied, "I don't know what you mean, Renee. These are books that I am reading for the service learning classes that I will be facilitating this semester. These are books of hope, not sadness!" Renee refuted, "How can books about poverty, homelessness, hunger, and racism be books of hope?" In my infinite wisdom, I replied, "Darling, awareness of the social issue is step one in participating in eliminating the issue."

How's Lucky Adjusting to His New Home?

2009-12-27T14:20:00.000-08:00

Seems pretty comfortable so far!

Wrapping Paper and Ribbons

2009-12-26T05:41:00.000-08:00

Unwrapping gifts at Christmas at my house takes very little time! We are all excited to discover the gift inside the paper and ribbons. As I cleaned up the scattered and torn wrappings and bows under our Christmas tree yesterday morning, I wondered, who would have thought that the birth of a baby in a horse stable to an unwed teen and her fiance' would be a glorious gift to all of God's people? Really? What an unlikely package for such a gift. And yet, how like God to present us with something that appears to be a difficult situation; something awkward, hard, or unsavory.

In my life, God appears to delight in presenting me with the rough and unsightly packaging of gifts. This past year in particular, has been a year of gifts from God that have required trust and obedience. I have had to work hard to trust that the ugliness of a situation did indeed include the perfect gift. His gift giving is extravagant!

Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars,who does not change like their shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Sweet Sixteen

2009-12-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

Her last birthday party with friends was 6 years ago! Very sad, I know. Knowing that Renee would be celebrating her 'sweet sixteen' this December, I planned a surprise luncheon for her at Outback on Sunday. She was SO surprised! Happy Birthday, Renee.

Lucky Dog!

2009-12-22T17:26:00.001-08:00

Our sweet dog, Addy, died suddenly this fall! We mourn her death and are so sad that she is no longer with us, however, we are so pleased to add a new puppy to our family. Meet Lucky. He is an 8 month old boxer surrended by his first owner to the Durham APS. Lucky is goofier than our other boxer, Samson! We love him.

Artist Statement

2009-12-22T05:52:00.000-08:00

The purpose of an artist statement is to let the reader know the intent, context, and process behind the art work. Statements can be written in a number of formats but should always be clear and concise about what the work hopes to accomplish.. A statement should give the reader a sense of what your work is like before seen. Statements should be tailored to the specific purpose of the exhibition.

My artist statement for my latest exhibition, 'Looking to Nature' is heavily inspired by Ginger. The statement reads as follows:

I am passionate about color, pattern, and texture! My sense of sight craves rich, warm colors and my sense of touch delights in woven fabrics, fibers, and rough decorative papers. I also love narrative and the opportunity to visually share a story or express my thoughts and feelings. In sharing a story, thoughts or feelings, I am intrigued by the opportunity to visually reveal only a sliver of the story, enticing the viewer to wonder about the rest of it. Over the past few years, I have discovered that mixed media best communicates my ideas to the viewer.

It is the integration of materials that provides the excitement and challenge in collage. Working in the background, middle ground, and foreground all at once is thrilling! I am most pleased when I am able to pull shapes and patterns from the background and place them in the foreground, as well as when I am able to push elements from the foreground to the back of the piece. I approach each collage without specific decisions as to what element will appear in each plane of the piece. Elements float back and forth, forth and back, again and again. I incorporate drawn and photocopied images in my work, along with charcoal, soft pastels, acrylic inks and paint. My pieces are very much of the “kitchen sink variety,” evoking energy and enthusiasm.

My current exhibition, 'Looking to Nature,' draws upon a friendship of 35 years which ended tragically in March of this year when Virginia(Ginger) Sasser DeLacey, took her own life. She was my dear friend and college roommate, and unbeknownst to those of us who loved her, suffered from bouts of depression for many years. To us, Ginger was the light of the world, doing all things perfectly. She was smart, funny, and beautiful. She loved nature and spent her days effortlessly caring for her family, friends, and strangers. A year before she died, Ginger and her youngest daughter planted a community garden which they harvested for their local food bank in Chesapeake. This garden continues to flourish today and yet, Ginger is gone. I look back at our experiences together and realize that although she appeared to fully participate in a rich and full life, in reality she was merely an observer, unable to absorb the beauty that the world exuded. In my art, I try to imagine what it may have been like for my friend to live disconnected from the world around her. In my heart, I continue to grieve.

Looking to Nature...Durham Arts Council Opening

2009-11-24T15:31:00.001-08:00

'Seeing,' mixed media, 24" x 36"

Minutes before the opening at the DAC show

'Reaching,' mixed media, 24" x 36"

'Room to Breathe,' mixed media, 24" x 18"

'Overtaken,' mixed media, 24" x 18"

'Over Her Head,' mixed media, 24" x 18"

'Nightshade: Premature,' mixed media, 11" x 14"

'Nightshade: Developmental Delay,' mixed media, 11" x 14"

'Nightshade: Failure to Thrive,' mixed media, 11" x 14"

'Nightshade: Undernourished,' mixed media, 11"x 14"

'In the Weeds,' mixed media, 18" x 24"

'In the Thick of it,' mixed media, 18" x 24"

'Glimpse,' mixed media, 24" x 18"

'Fresh Perspective,' mixed media, 11" x 14"

'Blooming,' mixed media, 18" x 24"

The opening reception for my solo exhibition on November 20 was good! In addition to be well-attended by friends and family, it was the first opening during which I wasn't desperate to run and hide in the corner. Art exhibitions are an excellent opportunity for an artist to show her work to the general public, however, this opportunity comes with heaping spoonfuls of vulnerability. But it was good this time! Thank you, friends and family.

Family

2009-10-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

"GP and Bren-Bren" were here for the weekend and we so enjoyed our time together. Today, we walked a few trails at Eno River State Park. My father (my girls' grandpa) and Brenda, his wife of 20+ years (my good friend and excellent grandmother to my daughters) mean the world to us. We love you both!

Work in Progress...

2009-09-19T16:48:00.001-07:00

DAC requests documentation of the artistic process of two pieces created for the exhibition. Above is the documentation for one of my newest pieces, although I have not completed it yet. I am close and hope to finish it tomorrow afternoon. I am now in phase three of the work that I will hang in 6+ weeks, meaning that "my story" is nearly complete. This weekend, I will write an artist statement, update an artist biography, and continue to make art. Postcards for the show have been ordered and will be mailed out next week. SO exciting!

Happy Birthday Aidan and Leah

2009-09-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

The two were born just short of 18 years apart and share a bond that knits them together forever. Leah and Aidan are incapable of seeing anyone else but each other in a crowded room, gazing at each other with identical eyes. Each year of Aidan's life, I have the privilege of celebrating their birthdays with Leah, Aidan, his adoptive parents and younger brother. The celebration reminds me of God's redemption and perfect plan for all of us.

Leah gave birth to Aidan 5 years ago tomorrow! I was with her every step of the way, weeping with her over her decision to let another family raise her son, but rejoicing in knowing that Kevin and Jana were designed by God to raise this precious baby boy.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16

Work and more Work!

2009-08-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

Summer is definitely over! First week of school (all three days of it) went well. A few schedule glitches, but at the end of week one, most things are on track. We will graduate our first senior class this year which is quite exciting.

I was able to sneak into the studio for several hours this weekend and completed another piece for the DAC show in November. Yikes, the show hangs in a mere 8 weeks! Lots more to do to meet the deadline.

Late Summer in My Garden

2009-08-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

The heat is unbearable these days. As I peer out from the windowsto my garden from the air-conditioned living areas of my home, I realize that the garden reflects me in the late summer! The garden and I are both hot, thirsty, tired, and disorganized. We all both longing for a cool drink of water and a long nap as the new school year begins. However, in the midst of this angst is beauty that doesn't surface until now. Black-eyed susans, night blooming daturas, and a zipper spider compete for my attention tonight at sunset.

New work!

2009-08-09T17:20:00.001-07:00

I am on my way to producing the work for my show at the Durham Arts Council Exhibition in November. Way more to go...but I am excited!

South Florida Wetlands

2009-07-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

A great week in south Florida with my father! We visited two wetlands parks and the birds were spectacular. I hope that I can use some of these images in my new body of work.

DAC show in November!

2009-07-15T09:48:00.001-07:00

I applied for a solo show at the Durham Arts Council for the 2009-10 school year in December. My spring was all-consuming and I put the application out of my mind until early June when I was notified that my work had been accepted for exhibition November 6-January 10, 2010. How exciting! How frightening! Most of the new work needs to be made this summer, before school starts again. I have lots of ideas and I hope that I will be able to convey my ideas on paper. Please comment with your address so that I make sure that you receive a postcard to the opening reception.

Summer Reading

2009-06-20T09:50:00.001-07:00

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rasnay

a GREAT summer read!

It has been several years since I have experienced the extreme exhaustion associated with suffering through difficult circumstances. I fell into the month of June barely able to put one foot in front of the other and stumbling through my days. But alas, summer appeared, providing the opportunity to rest a bit. I am trying to be very intentional about the following things:

1. exercise

2. sleeping

3. eating healthy

4. making art

5. reading mindless fiction (aka beach reading)

6. solitude

7. praying

8. capturing precious moments with my daughters

9. spending time with authentic friends

10. taking inexpensive, quick trips out of town

It's a long list and reads much like "New Year's Resolutions." But maybe this summer is a "new year" for me! I hope so.

A Rich Week!

2009-06-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here we are photographed as a class during the final crit of the week. I learned as much from my instructor as I did from classmates. It was hard to hug everyone good-bye on Saturday morning as we all departed for our returns to reality.

Experimental Drawing...Final Day

2009-06-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Truth be told, I worked non-stop on my portrait of Ginger to the point of overworking it by our final crit today. I think that I captured her gorgeous eyes, but didn't come close to portraying her nose and mouth. All in all, I was able to convey my love of her in this portrait.

Experimental Drawing...Day 4

2009-06-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

sketchbook of initial drawings and proposed color palette

We remained in the studio today as the rain came tumbling down. Our assignment: a portrait in pastels. Our task was to create a portrait of a family member, close friend or self-portrait. The drawing was to be large (22" x 30") and was to include the image of the person plus an object which represented the person depicted. We were instructed to portray the face in subjective (expressive, emotional) rather than objective colors(based on observation).

In anticipation of drawing, we were asked to answer the following questions:

1. Who is the person? What is her relationship to you?

2. Is your knowledge first-hand, or is it based on information passed down through your family?

3. What characteristics of the person do you intend to express in your drawing? Are there aspects of your relationship to/with the person you would like to deal with in the drawing?

We were then asked to list 5 qualities, characteristics, or impressions of the person and/or your relationship to them. Next, we were to assign a color that we thought was associated with the characteristic.

Most of my classmates decided on a self-portrait, but for several years have not relished the idea of looking at myself in a mirror. Instead, I opted for a photo of Ginger, Amy, and me at a sorority formal in 1976. I had recently found the photo in a box of college memorabilia in my attic. I tucked the photo into my journal and carried it to Arrowmont. And so, I drew Ginger. She was breath-taking. I didn't capture her beauty, but I tried to tap into her essence. Pastels and portraits were an entirely new experience for me.

Day 3...Emert's Cove

2009-06-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

We left Arrowmont this morning and headed out to a private farm in Emert's Cove. A covered bridge, a babbling creek, barns, and mountain vistas made choosing a subject to focus on for a day of drawing very difficult. I chose babbling creek, barn, trees, and river rocks for my 22" x 30" charcoal. In hindsight, this was perhaps a bit too ambitious. I am cleaning it up and hope to have something presentable by Friday.

Day 2...Water Pitcher

2009-06-10T14:31:00.001-07:00

charcoal, ink washes, pastels

We stayed in today and drew on site from gallery pieces submitted by faculty for a summer exhibition. I chose a ceramic pitcher to draw. The assigment was to draw the object and then repeat parts of the object to create a dynamic composition.

Childhood Revisited

2009-06-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Instructions for preparing paper for drawing:

1. Grab a handful of dirt

2. Scrub paper with dirt all over

3. Gather green leaves

4. Smear green leaves into paper

5. Gather small sticks

6. Make marks on paper with sticks

7. Find a wildflower

8. Rub petals into paper

9. Wash dirty hands in river

Oh to be a child again!

Experimental Drawing...Day 1

2009-06-10T14:04:00.001-07:00

I don't believe that life gets any better than packing up art supplies and heading to the Great Smokies National Park to spend the day observing and drawing! Once in the park, we headed to Elkmont Trail and set up for the day. The forest was deliciously cool and damp. Our sketching assignment, however, was not your traditional assignment. We were instructed to prepare a piece of 22" x 30" paper with various grounds in light to medium values. The grounds were to be things found around us in nature: dirt, foliage, flowers, sticks, etc. What a blast! Charcoal sketches were made on top of the grounds. We returned to Arrowmont just in time for dinner and then headed to the studio to refine the drawings. Fourteen hours of art today. It doesn't get any better!

What's missing at Arrowmont?

2009-06-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

Cheryl and Debbie! It is just not the same without you...

Packed up and ready to go!

2009-06-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Art materials packed. A week's worth of very casual clothes packed. Hat, hiking boots, sunscreen, and bug spray packed. Off to bed now and then on the road at 9:30 AM.

Arrowmont School

2009-06-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

Susan Davidoff

December Diary, Japanese Aralia No. 2, 2003

Early on Sunday morning, I will depart Durham on my annual pilgrimage to Arrowmont School in Gatlinburg, TN. I make the trek to Arrowmont each year to take an art class that offers something new and different as a way of inspiring my own art. The class I've selected this year is an Experimental Drawing class taught by Susan Davidoff.

Susan Davidoff is a native El Pasoan who attended the University of Texas at El Paso (BFA) and New Mexico State University (MA & MFA). Her drawings, paintings and prints have been exhibited widely throughout the United States and Mexico and are included in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Davidoff's work explores the intricate patterns of nature and the relationships of botanical shapes.

I will spend the week hiking and drawing in the mountains, collecting plants and mosses as subject matter. Susan will introduce us to the idea of using natural pigments from the materials gathered on the hikes, rubbing them into the surface of our drawings.

I can't wait!

Late May

2009-05-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

kniphofia (red hot pokers)

monardo (bee balm)

Louisiana flag iris

yarrow

As May eases into June, baptisia and dahlias yield to yarrow, monardo, red hot pokers and a few late irises. Next up: echinacea, lavender, yellow red hot pokers, and more yarrow.

A Cutting Garden

2009-05-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

My garden was designed and planted nine years ago by Ed Steffek, the creator of the Blomquist Native Plants area of the Duke Gardens. Upon moving to Durham in 2000, we purchased a spec home in a brand new neighborhood which happened to be situated on a lot on which a wetlands ditch ran all the way across the front lawn. I was introduced to Ed by a friend and asked him to turn a ditch into a babbling brook. Ed transformed the lawn. In addition to a babbling brook, Ed wanted me to have a cutting garden as well. This time of year, my house if filled with several vases of flowers from the garden. Ed died suddenly a few months after completing my garden. I think of him often in the spring.

Once upon another Mother's Day...

2009-05-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

ginger, john patrick, leah, lori mark, jean, leah, lori, john patrick, ginger
ginger and john patrick

Our firstborn were just babies when when we gathered at Ginger's family farm in Goldsboro.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

irises from Luna native North Carolina copper irises
purple flag irises
Blue Moonlight Tall Bearded Iris

wild indigo baptisia

Surrounded by beautiful daughters and flowers make for a rich day!

About To Burst...

2009-04-29T16:59:00.001-07:00

my garden.

The Day In Between

2009-04-11T16:50:00.001-07:00

The day in between Good Friday and Easter Sunday always feels odd to me. I want to say that "Christ is risen, He is risen indeed." But that is for tomorrow. And so today, I focused on cleaning my studio and then moved out to the garden where I cleared away dead material around the perennials so that the new green shoots have room to breathe. I am envious of my garden and studio. There is room to breathe. I want to breathe! I long to be made new.

Good Friday

2009-04-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

My daughters and I relaxed in Duke Gardens today, it was indeed a Good Friday!

Tin Man

2009-04-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

"Now I know I have a heart because it's breaking."

Ginger loved the Wizard of Oz! Amy emailed this quote from the Tin Man to us this week and it strikes at the core of our grief. Thank you, Amy.

Things She Loved...

2009-04-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

Lady in Red, Simon Bull

Ginger loved Simon Bull's work. Midge , Amy, and I were with Ginger when she spotted this giclee at a gallery in Chapel Hill a few years ago. The print, autographed by the artist hangs above her fireplace in her family room in her home.

Ginger (1957-2009)

2009-03-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

annual weekend together March 2008( Left to right: Midge, Jean, Lori, Amy, Ginger)

sorority party 1977(Left to right: Amy, Midge, Lori, Ginger)

We first exchanged letters when we were assigned to be roommates during freshman year at Duke in 1975. Ginger and I introduced ourselves on paper and made plans to purchase matching bedspreads for our beds in the tiny room we would share in Aycock dorm. We met and began a friendship that lasted 34 years. Along the way, we left East Campus for the snazzier Central Campus and leased a three bedroom apartment which we shared with friends from our dorm. We graduated, got jobs, married, and had babies in various parts of the country. Ten years ago, we reconnected with each other and created an annual "Duke Roomies Weekend" to be held every March. The weekends were wonderful and our friendships began to grow again. We held each up in good times and bad and learned from the experiences of the others.

This past weekend was our "10th Annual Duke Roomies Weekend." We met in Roanoke minus Midge and Ginger. Midge had to work through the weekend, but Ginger's reason for not joining the group was based upon a depressive episode that she was experiencing. She just couldn't bring herself to join us. Ginger stayed on our minds and hearts all weekend. We(Amy, Jean, and I) crafted a plan to cheer her up beginning this week and shopped for silly gifts to send to her. We were hopeful for her full recovery. I returned to Durham on Sunday afternoon and packaged the gifts to put in the mail Monday. I mailed the box at noon yesterday. At 4 PM yesterday, I received a call from Amy telling me that Ginger had taken her own life a few hours earlier.

My heart is breaking...

Snow Day, Slow Day!

2009-03-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

Rain turned to snow last night creating a white blanket that covers us up this morning. You gotta love beginning the school week with a snow day.

Beautiful Bray's Island

2009-03-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

I returned to Durham last night following a wonderful, self-indulgent weekend with a friend on Bray's Island. This is a friendship of nearly 25 years and it continues to grow! Thank you, Kathy.

Hypnotize Me

2009-02-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

Today I drove to Pittsboro to see the annual Fearrington Folk Art Show. I have been going to this event for several years and yet, I always take a step back from the entrance to the barn and adjust my eyes and brain for the color, materials, and "stuff" that bombard the viewer. This is saying a lot to those of you who know me and my love of a busy aesthetic! Sister Mary Proctor, Mark May, Clyde Jones, Miz Thang, and Sam "the Dot Man" Macmillan did not disappoint again this year. However, the star of the show for me was once again, Gabriel Shaffer. Last year, I was able to purchase a large piece of his work and it hangs above the desk in my study. I love it! This year, I knew that Gabriel's work would be way out of my price range but I wanted to go and chat with him as he is always an inspiration. It was great to catch up with the artist and I was more than pleased to see that for the first time, Gabriel had some of his drawings for sale. Even better, the drawings were affordable. His work hypnotized me as always. How funny that the title of the drawing of the woman and the bird is "Hypnotize me."

Element

2009-02-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

Element

beeswax collage

Element: A substance which cannot be broken down into other simpler substances. My friendships with other women are elements. The bonds cannot be broken down into other simpler substances. I am blessed.

Snow Day!

2009-01-20T08:11:00.001-08:00

I have anxiously awaited a snow day for years now. For some unknown reason, the year that I returned to full-time employment as a teacher and administrator was the last year of the coveted snow days that teachers and students crave alike.

But today, I awoke to snow. Real snow (at least by North Carolina standards). A day to watch a historic inauguration, put the final touches on a landscape watercolor class that was supposed to start today, and make some art (I hope). It is also a day to make hot chocolate and grilled cheese sandwiches for my girls and watch them go in and out of the front door a thousand times. They are scrambling around in the attic to find anything resembling snow attire!

The Secret Life of Beeswax

2009-01-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

Yay! I've had more time than usual for beeswax this past week. I am teaching a beeswax class to 10 students these first two weeks of January and after class on a few afternoons, I have been able to dip a paintbrush into the crockpot of melted wax and play a bit. My students are doing beautiful work in class. Check out the gallery of student work at http://www.thesecretlifeofbeeswax.blogspot.com/.

Flowers at Christmas

2008-12-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

pink roses for Renee's birthday dinner

holly berries

forsythia!

I filled magenta glass cups with pink roses for the dining room table to celebrate Renee's birthday two days ago. And while walking yesterday afternoon, I spotted a holly bush sagging under the weight of brilliant red berries. Today, I saw a blooming forsythia bush! I am not kidding. Since when is the delicate yellow forsythia a Christmas flower?

Dry Spells

2008-12-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

"Song Bird"

beeswax collage
"Tea Time"
beeswax collage
"Lady in Red"
beeswax collage

"Kingdom of the World"

beeswax collage

I haven't posted in nearly one month which translates into not making any art for nearly one month! Don't you hate it when real world responsibilities get in the way of escaping to a place of creative nonsense?

Aroma

2008-11-29T09:39:00.000-08:00

beeswax collage #1
beeswax collage #2

beeswax collage #3

Ahhh...the aroma of hot melted beeswax, white bean chili on the stove, and steaming hot green tea with mango in a mug wafting through my kitchen. The weather outside is gloomy and cold, yet I am delighted with today!

Fall Leaves

2008-11-16T15:26:00.001-08:00

"Falling Leaves"
watercolor

The leaves are quickly dropping to the ground this weekend (well, it is November). My backyard looks like this painting today.

Waxing Poetic

2008-11-16T14:52:00.001-08:00

"Wondering"

Beeswax collage

"Waxing Poetic"

Beeswax collage

I treated myself to a beeswax collage art class today in Raleigh taught by the always fabulous, Claudine Hellmuth. There is nothing better than working with melted beeswax, paper, oil pastels and crayons for 7 solid hours!

Woo-hoo!

2008-11-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

Debbi Crane and Cheryl Prater, my very talented and engaging friends, have published a mixed media book that recently landed on Barnes and Noble bookshelves. I am extremely PRIVILEGED to have a piece in the book! Check it out.

I Wonder...

2008-10-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

In Luna's studio last weekend, we were painting with beeswax and talking about directions for our art in the coming year. I have not been focused on my own work for most of 2008; too preoccupied with many things of which I have no control. But, at last, ideas and images are beginning to surface in my mind. I work in a narrative series. I like this approach A Lot! And so, I begin my journey of wondering. I photographed most of these images a while ago (Renee shot the railroad crossing photo) and I wonder...was life more restful long ago? I wonder about the minds of those who lived in rustic and isolated areas with space, Lots of Space around those minds. Don't know where any of this is heading, but I wonder...

Clement Farm

2008-10-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Clement Farm in Stem, NC

I am finally kicking a nasty case of bronchitis which developed during a sophomore class camping trip in late September. The students were awesome, but the weather was damp and dreary. We camped in tents in the barn right behind these silos. The farm is a peaceful and restorative place: a place I would like to return to without fever and congestion!

Sometimes it Pays to Take a Moment to Read the INDY...

2008-09-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

One evening about 10 days ago, I picked up a copy of the INDY and spotted the "call for entries" to the 54th annual Durham Art Guild's juried exhibit. On a lark, I submitted three pieces. The juror, Beverly McIver, liked what she saw and accepted two of the three works that I dropped off at the Durham Arts Council. I was surprised and thrilled! Note to self: Continue to respond to "call to entries."

If you are in the Durham/Chapel Hill area, join me at the opening reception on September 19, from 5-7 PM at the Durham Arts Council. The show will hang from September 19-November 2.

Extraordinary Exhibition!

2008-08-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

El Greco to Valazquez: Art During the Reign of Philip III

Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

Exhibition dates: August 21-November 9, 2008

It's a Start!

2008-08-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

Better than Painting!

2008-08-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is a visual art blog. But The Thirteenth Tale, a novel written by Diane Setterfield, prevented me from painting for two straight days as I devoured the book word for word. And as such, I suggest that you run, don't walk to the closest Barnes and Noble to purchase it! It is a yummy read and well worth staring at the blank canvas in my studio that screams, "Paint me!"

To Emma...because I love her!

2008-07-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

MaryAnn and I just returned from a few days with Caroline, Emma, and Jack. Painting and playing and reading with Emma and Jack was refreshing, bringing me back to a sense of what is real and important! Emma, of course, is WAY AHEAD of other three-year olds with regard to color theory. When we ran out of purple paint and had to mix the color, she was quick to tell me to mix red and blue! While visiting, I had the opportunity to paint a canvas for Emma's bedroom. I am convinced that next summer, she will paint her own!

Luna's Garden

2008-07-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Very early yesterday morning, I drove to Luna's studio to paint in her garden for two hours. It has been nearly three years since I left the world of water color to frolic in the world of collage and my rusty skills show it! It was freeing; however, to be forced to paint very quickly outside and to paint without drawing. I needed the freedom to explore the medium again.

As It Was In The Beginning...

2008-07-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

I will be teaching three new electives this school year and am spending much of the summer writing the curriculum for these courses. This week, I have been focusing on the planning for "Botanical Watercolors." I started painting in watercolors 7 years ago and grew to love the medium. Today, I dusted off the top of the fishing tackle box that houses my tubes of watercolors and inventoried the lot. It has been three years since I considered watercolor as my primary medium and I am need of purchasing a few tubes of paint: phthalo blue, lamp black, payne's gray, and lemon yellow are all available in Windsor Newton at Jerry's Artarama in Raleigh. Unfortunately, I am completely out of Quinacridone Gold which is only available online at Daniel Smith! It is my very favorite color in the whole world and although I have a good supply of the hue in acrylic paint, I am without a watercolor tube. I will need to be patient and wait for the order to arrive at my home next week. Patience is a good lesson for me in many areas of my life, but especially with regard to watercolor.

Back to Reality, Part II

2008-06-29T12:23:00.001-07:00

Just back from a few days at Ponte Vedra, a longstanding tradition of the Easterlin family. Re-entry was much easier than my return from Blowing Rock. WHEW!

At the beach, I claimed leisurely hours to read and had the opportunity to feast on the newest issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. As I read, I stumbled on the first published announcement for Debbi and Cheryl's new book, Mixed Mania. This book, available November 1, promises to amuse and astonish the reader with "recipes for delicious mixed media creations." I am thrilled to say that a piece of my work is included in the book! The photo of Cheryl and Debbi featured above was taken by me at Arrowmont a few weeks ago. As is clearly seen, collaborative writing is a piece of cake for this dynamic duo!

Summer Garden

2008-06-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

butterfly bush, yarrow, snapdragons, rosemary, shasta daisy, baptisia

When God's plan can not be discerned, I am thankful for the beauty that He has created for me in my garden.

Back to Reality...

2008-06-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

photos by Renee!

We packed our things this morning, took a final hike down to the lake, said our goodbyes, and departed for Durham. WOW! Our time at Chetola was magical. We are counting down the days until next summer.

Duck, Duck, Goose!

2008-06-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

Renee's photographs of the ducks and geese at Bass Lake on the Chetola property.

Following dinner last night, we hiked down to Bass Lake to walk the trail. The geese and ducks were captivating and I admit to doing more sitting and staring, than walking. Renee was able to get up very "close and personal" with the geese!

Blowing Rock and Ben Long

2008-06-16T20:17:00.001-07:00

fresco at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in West Jefferson

I drove from Gatlinburg to Blowing Rock on Saturday to join portions of my family for a relaxing few days at Chetola. Yesterday, we went to see Ben Long's frescoes in West Jefferson county. I had seen the frescoes last fall with my students, but enjoyed them even more during a second viewing. The frescoes are magnificent!

Friday at Arrowmont

2008-06-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Whew! What a week. I will never again roll my eyes when I encounter hand-dyed and screened $300/roll wallpaper or fabric. It is worth every penny!

Thursday at Arrowmont

2008-06-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

"all systems go"for silk screening of fabric!

silkscreen pattern complete!

It is Thursday night and I am just now ready to screen my fabric! The prep and process has been beyond my imagination. I have great compassion for Colonial women. Class concludes tomorrow after lunch and then we clean the studio.

Wednesday at Arrowmont

2008-06-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

I purchased a book today in the bookstore. The title is an understatement!

The clock reads 9:45 PM and I am back in the dorm so early tonight! Anytime prior to 11 PM seems like a half-day here. The routine of waking at 6 AM to walk, shower, and eat by 8 AM followed by 12 hours in the studio (we do leave for lunch and dinner in the dining hall each day) is wearing on me. As I worked in the studio tonight, I mixed the wrong chemicals for a particular process and didn't realize it until I had hand-painted several yards of fabric! I received this as a sign that I needed to retire to my room for a full-night's sleep and be ready to accurately mix the chemicals in the morning.

Tuesday at Arrowmont

2008-06-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

sketches for silkscreen design

pat·tern
/ˈpætərn; Brit. ˈpætn/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[pat-ern; Brit. pat-n]
–noun
1.
a decorative design, as for wallpaper, china, or textile fabrics, etc.

Seems pretty simple, doesn't it? WRONG! Today, I spent a good 10 hours working up a seamless repeat pattern that will fit on a 14" x 20" silkscreen and be printed on several yards of fabric. The screen frame had to be prepared in advance of the dye screening. This involved:

1. covering the unprimed wooden frame with duct tape to prevent warping;

2. caulking the seams where mesh meets frame;

3. scouring the mesh with Comet and then a special soap to eliminate all traces of bleach from the Comet;

4. drying the screen in the sun;

5. coating both sides of the screen with photo emulsion in the darkroom; and

6. leaving the screen in the darkroom to dry overnight.

Whew, I am tired and very satisfied. Off to bed for a few hours of sleep in our newly assigned room at the opposite end of the hall from where we were first assigned. The new room does not receive 36 hours of direct sun on all sides each day (as did our first room). With two window fans, Debbi, Cheryl, and I are happy art campers at night!

Monday at Arrowmont

2008-06-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

pattern exercise

yards of dyed fabric using immersion and dip dye methods

Ever wonder about the process of transforming white fabric into a rainbow of colors and patterns that eventually drape your body or your windows or your dog's favorite chair? Me neither. Not until I enrolled in a surface design fiber class at Arrowmont, that is. Like many things, I assumed that the shoemaker's elves turned all white fabric into colored fabric, given their affinity for making shoes in the dead of night! But alas, there are no elves at Arrowmont, only us students who listen diligently to talented instructors explain and demonstrate various techniques. The process is complicated and time consuming and is much like cooking in many ways. There is a recipe for each dying technique which must be followed carefully. There is a GREAT deal of stirring of yards of fabric immersed in chemicals in giant buckets. There is LOTS of rinsing and rinsing and rinsing of fabric which is way more difficult than washing dishes! One who is involved in the process must wear a respirator and protective gloves (this is slightly different from cooking except when I am in the kitchen at home preparing something healthy that my daughters think is "disgusting, " at which time, they sometimes opt to wear respirators to the dinner table to avoid eating what is served...just kidding!). The BIG difference between preparing meals and dying fabric; however, is that I have yards of brightly-colored fabric to show for my efforts today. My children are also happy today, because since I am dying fabric this week and not cooking for them, they are enjoying LOTS of pizza! Everyone's a winner.

Arrowmont

2008-06-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

Yes, after a good 5 1/2 hour drive from Durham, I arrived at the beloved Arrowmont School late this afternoon. I reconnected with artists/friends whom I met last year and we TRIED to settle into our room in the Red Barn dormitory. Yes, our room was WARM, as was to be expected. But, we did not anticipate heat that keeps us up tonight at 11:30 PM. As one friend (who is to remain anonymous, but is not Debbi) accurately stated, "Red Barn must mean MOLTEN LAVA in Cherokee!" I hope that we get enough sleep to be able to function tomorrow.

Light the Darkness

2008-06-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

Datura! A beautiful, pristeen, nightblooming flower in my garden. I had the good fortune to be home tonight in time to photograph the initial bloom of the season. I am eager to draw and paint the blossom.

Mixed Mania

2008-05-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

cover of upcoming book authored by Debbi Crane and Cheryl Prater

A new and fresh mixed media book is due out in the fall. A mixed media piece of mine is included in the "gallery" at the end of the book!

Arrowmont School

2008-05-25T16:04:00.001-07:00

installation by Jennifer Angus

Two weeks from this moment, I will be absorbed in my first session of a surface design fiber class at Arrowmont School in Gatlinburg, TN. Jennifer Angus is the instructor. I am excited about the class and also about rooming with friends whom I met last year at Arrowmont. Debbi, Cheryl and I will share a triple room in the Red Barn Dormitory. These women are two of the most creative and prolific artists that I have ever known!

Making Books

2008-05-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

Recently, Carolyn, my friend and colleague, taught me how to make an accordion style book. I made four small ones today. Thank you, Carolyn.

May in the Garden

2008-05-04T15:32:00.001-07:00

School is out in four weeks AND my garden appears to be as excited about this fact as I am!

Help!

2008-04-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

before...

after...

This is an art blog. I created this blog in order to have a forum to display, discuss, and discern the importance of making art. The current problem: I CAN'T MAKE ART! I keep trying and trying and trying. The results are C+ so far. The weekends afford my only opportunity to spend time in my studio and yet, my time spent there is worthless. Any suggestions? The only productive thing I have done in the studio lately is to clean it! Check out the "before" and "after."

A Great Day

2008-04-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

Nothing like having permission to drip, pour, sling, and splatter paint ALL OVER THE PLACE! Doesn't get much better on a sunny Friday afternoon at school.

"Paint Like Pollock Day"

2008-04-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

"Untitled (Green Silver)," 1949

"The paper in 'Untitled (Green, Silver)' is completely covered with enamel and aluminum paint, a pulsating tangle of pigment. Each vestige of paint has its own characteristics, particularly in relation to the others. A universe of life teems within, and yet it is brilliantly devoid of human pathos," writes Susan Yung, a writer for the Downtown Express, about the 2006 Guggenheim exhibition titled "No Limits, Just Edges: Jackson Pollock Paintings on Paper."

Friday is "Paint Like Pollock Day" for my 8th grade students. In its' third year, this day is both wonderful and exhausting. The students are eager to display their interpretation of "pulsating tangles of pigments!"

Butterflies

2008-03-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

Meet Emma! She is 2 1/2 and ADORABLE! Emma's mother is even more ADORABLE. Emma came to visit with her mom and baby brother this weekend. On a rainy and cold Sunday afternoon, we headed to my art classroom at school to make butterflies from coffee filters and clothespins. Emma ran around the room "flying" with her butterfly. Emma was oblivious to the dreary weather; but I am wondering, "Where is spring?"

Pat-a-Cake

2008-03-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

"Pat-a-cake. Pat-a-cake. Baker's man. Bake me a cake as fast as you can!" My knee has been painful for nearly 4 weeks now and although the previous diagnosis was "tendonitis," following an ex-ray and an MRI last week, it has been changed to "Baker's Cyst." I have learned that baking has nothing to do with the cyst (not a surprise since the chance of me incurring injury while baking is miniscule because I seldom bake), but is named for the physician who discovered the annoying condition, Dr. Baker. Nevertheless, I am REALLY cranky because I CAN'T exercise without experiencing GREAT pain. I am also CRANKY because "Baker's Cysts are COMMON in the elderly. I am NOT THAT OLD! I protest!!

Lemons

2008-03-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

Stonewall Jackson

Renee launches a lemon towards Jackson's monument

The lemon lands safely next to the monument. Note the elaborate pen and ink decoration on the lemon!

Jackson thought of a lemon as a "rare treat ... enjoyed greatly whenever it could obtained from the enemy's camp." Renee and I learned this fascinating bit of trivia on our recent spring break trip to Lexington. We left lemons for Jackson and also learned of similar gifts of fruit left at the headstone of "Traveler," General Lee's beloved horse, buried outside of the Lee Chapel at W & L. Note to self: next trip, bring an apple for Traveler! I so thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Lexington three weeks ago to see college friends/roomates that I decided to return with my daughter who has a love for American history. Loved it once again...

"Writers' Strike"

2008-03-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

No, I am not a television writer. But much like the reruns of our favorite shows (Grey's Anatomy) that we have watched the past few months, here are some of my favorite images from previous art exhibitions for you to view while I wonder about which direction my art will take me next.

Sunday in the Park with George

2008-03-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

"Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte"

George Seurat

Why is it that every event that tugs at me this spring break is ocurring in New York City and I can't get to NYC this week? My latest obsession is a new Broadway play: Sunday in the Park with George. A close friend is in the city this week...I am living vicariously through her.

The Color Revolution

2008-03-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

ZOBOP!

vinyl tape floor installation

2006 Jim Lambie

Color Chart: Reinventing Color, 1950 to Today

Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

March 2-May 12, 2008

In an article titled, "Paint by Numbers" in the New York Times Style Magazine yesterday, Li Edelkoort surveys the contemporary color pallette with regard to the current MoMa exhibition. Edelkoort writes,"In a way, the color chart of the 21st century very much resembles the Book of Genesis, with its beginning of light, the water and earth dividing, the arrival of green--strangely enough, before the arrival of the moon, stars and sun--the colors of fish and birds (the best brights yet to be studied), the endless neutral shades of animal fur and, last but not least, the color of man, our skins their own fashion spectrum."

Baby steps...

2008-03-15T16:19:00.001-07:00

It's a start. At least I am making art...or something?

Blossom

2008-03-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

I love this image by Ana Juan!

Block

2008-03-08T06:37:00.000-08:00

Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus -
Main Entry: block
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: obstruct

Synonyms:
arrest, bar, barricade, block out, blockade, brake, bung up, catch, charge, check, choke, clog, close, close off, close out, congest, cut off, dam, deter, fill, halt, hang up*, hinder, hold up, impede, intercept, interfere, occlude, plug, prevent, shut off*, shut out, stall, stonewall, stop, stop up*, stopper, stymie, tackle, thwart

I got nothin! I can't paint or draw or create these days! It is not the first time, which should be of some comfort; however, creative blocks are really UNcomfortABLE.

Lovely Lexington

2008-03-02T16:16:00.000-08:00

"Despite what our children say, we are foxes," claims Ginger, the best "preserved" of the bunch!
I bought these really cute flats in Lexington. Check out Laura Brandon.

As we have done for the last nine years, 5 Duke women meet for 45 hours of conversation and friendship in North Carolina or Virginia. Our time in Lexington, VA this weekend was especially rich. As we said goodbye this morning, making prelimary plans for the next year, I wondered why we waited 20 years to start this tradition.

Opening Reception

2008-02-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

Yay! A well-attended opening reception today. So many students, parents, and friends came by to see my work. It is a scary feeling to put myself (my artwork) on display to be viewed by the public. It is So Much Easier to be vulnerable to the public with the support of good friends and students who gave me confidence to hang my latest exhibit.

And so, the opening is over. Back to work in the morning. What now? What's next?

Simple Style, Clean Lines, Minimal Design

2008-02-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

As it often the case, I spend early Sunday mornings captivated by The New York Times and CBS Sunday Morning. It is on these lazy mornings that I frequently learn about an artist or an exhibition that piques my interest and obsession! Today on CBS Sunday Morning, I was introduced to the work of Charles Harper via Todd Oldham, designer. Wonderful, just wonderful.

Vanishing Point

2008-01-28T16:37:00.001-08:00

Without any pressure to produce for a show, I am just playing these days...

Counting down the days...

2008-01-28T15:47:00.001-08:00

Who would have thought that one full year's worth of creativity would be reduced to 22 wrapped brown paper squares and rectangles? Yep! That's it. My show is ready to hang at the Chapel Hill Public Library and I am pleased. The framing is fantastic! I have edited my artist statement and updated my biography. The identification list of titles, mediums, prices, and dimensions is complete. 250 postcards have been addressed and mailed out. I have a guest book and a new supply of business cards. Desserts and punch are planned for the reception on February 10 at 2:30 PM.

All that is left to do is to wonder...Was it as easy as Kevin Costner portrayed in Field of Dreams when "he built it and they came?"

Chipping Away

2008-01-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

To do for my next show:

1. Finish art work

2. Deliver work to framer

3. Create postcard

4. Mail postcards

5. Write artist statement

6. Update bio

7. Check on press releases

8. Create title and price list

9. Plan reception

10. Pick up work from framer (hope to have enough funds to cover framing!!)

11. Drop off work at Chapel Hill Library

12. Pray for good response by viewers.

Reflection

2008-01-01T09:31:00.001-08:00

Elizabeth Murray

Sol LeWitt

The contemporary art world was saddened this year by the deaths of Sol LeWitt and Elizabeth Murray.

New Year's Resolution

2007-12-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

"But I have attached great value to drawing and will continue to do so, because it is the backbone of painting, the skeleton that supports all the rest. I like it so much, Theo..." Van Gogh's letter to his brother, Theo, 1862.

For the past two years, I have been obsessed with collage and the intrigue of integration of elements on a two dimensional surface. I resolve in 2008, to return to, and to develop better drawing skills. Van Gogh saw the value in the 19Th century. I see it in the 21st...

Happy New Year!

Welcome Holy Child

2007-12-29T17:25:00.000-08:00

Titian, The Holy Family and a Shepherd

I love color and texture! I love abstract modern art! I can "disappear" in a Rothko with ease and great pleasure and return groggily to the "real world." I also love the works of the Italian Renaissance Old Masters. There is something magical about Titian and his use of color in the 16Th century. Until last week, I considered my loves very different and completely disconnected in any obvious way. I tend to have wacky taste in many areas of my life, including art.

However, last Saturday, I was browsing 2nd ed. Booksellers, a used bookstore in the RDU airport, and responded to a book calling my name: Matt's Old Masters. David Sylvester, the late British art critic and curator said of Matthew Collings:

"One of Collings' great strengths is his insistence that
in art things are not either/or but both/and."

Matt's Old Masters focuses on Titian, Rubens, Velazquez, and Hogarth. I found myself fascinated by Collings writings about Titian during a short airline flight, followed by a LONG drive in a tiny rental car to my husband's family home in Montezuma, GA. Collings adeptly makes a connection for me between Italian Renaissance and modern abstract art as follows:

"Titian-style color isn't just bright colour,
which is what people usually think 'colour' means in art.
It's colour worked and organised and constructed,
so it's doing something more than you would get
if a modern designer chose some colours from a colour chart.
It's producing something symphonic and harmonious
out of a lot of differences so
there's a sensation of surprise and delight.
This description would fit a Paul Klee or a Matisse,
or a Pollock or a Rothko--which is right,
because that kind of modern art, small like Klee or vast like Pollock,
harks back to the sparkle and suavity of Venetian painting."

Ahhhh, sparkle and suavity; my kind of art!