NEW WORK: LITTLE STORIES: 2nd Series

I just finished another run of prints on book covers... I did these last summer and I really love the process and the ghostly effects that I get. 

This afternoon I boxed up 80 prints to send to the TWIST gallery in Nashville, TN. I have a solo show that it opening there next weekend. I am so excited and honored to be in this space.  It's a great space and I am looking forward to visiting later next month.

I also think I will be showing these in the Books Unbound Vol. 3 Show in Woodstock later this summer. I was really happy with the new diptych method I accomplished with some of the prints. The exposed binding and linking the two prints together  really does something for me. What do you think? Sometimes you just have to try something new.

This is just two of the groupings I've completed. 

I'll post more in the week to come. (I promise)

Be Well and Stay Creative!

Altered Books, Art Auctions and other amazing things and a giveaway!

There's so much going on right now, I don't know quite were to start.

Let's see...

First

Two of my altered books...

angels have wings - detail- altered book

'angels have wings' and 'The Messenger of Truth' and are in a juried show at the Artistree Gallery in Woodstock, VT. The show is called "Unbound". Its a show that challenges the concept of "books" and features the work of 30 artists. 

When Jack and I drove down there a few weeks ago to drop of my pieces, I was overwhelmed by the quality of the work. There are some INCREDIBLE pieces of art in this show.

Messenger of Truth & 3 Marys Altered Books

The gallery had a kick off reception last week that I was unable to attend. But, I was told that despite the rainy weather, the turnout was the biggest they have ever had. 

The really exciting new is is that 'angels have wings' took won 3rd place! When I found out yesterday, I was so ecstatic and amazed. It is the first time I have ever won a jury prize. It is also the 100th year anniversary of the Triangle Fire. The events surrounding this historic event is the basis of my altered book, so in a way the prize honors the 146 who died in the fire as well. 

I want to thank Adrian Tans, Gallery Director, Tayo Skarrow, Executive Director of Artistree Gallery as well as the juror Deborah Davidson. I am extremely grateful and appreciative of this acknowledgment and honor.

waiting to grow

Secondly, I am so excited to have a piece of art in the Annual August Art Auction at the S.P.A.C.E. gallery on Pine Street in Burlington. Christy Mitchell approached me last month about donating a piece of art to help raise fund to support the S.P.A.C.E. gallery.  I was more than willing to help out for this great cause. My piece "waiting to grow" is on the auction block. This piece was feature a while back in Somerset Studio Magazine. You can bid online by visiting the auction website via this link.

The auction kicked off this past August 12 and bidding ends at 8pm on August 26th during the closing reception at the S.P.A.C.E. Gallery.  You can also vote for your favorite work while you visit the website! Artists have been entered to win gift certificates to Artist Mediums for People’s Choice Award and Art Map / Kasini House has donated a weekend in Montreal to the artist with the highest bid. Won't help out this amazing local art's organization?

Reliquary of Faith- altered book

Lastly, I've added some more teaching dates to my calendar. This coming Saturday 8/20, I will be teaching my altered books workshop at Artist's Medium in Williston. There are still a few spots left in this very popular class. Contact Artists Medium @ (802) 879-1236.

I am also very excited to announce that I will be teaching at Artfest 2012 in Port Townsend, WA.  2012 marks the 13th anniversary of this art retreat that continues to get better and better every year. Put together by Teesha and Tracy Moore, Artfest is the original alternative arts retreat. The workshops are considered the "the cream of the crop" and the evening events, the location and the attendees who come set Artfest apart from other events. The teachers come from all over the United States, Canada, England & Australia and represent some of the best in their fields.I am so excited to be teaching three classes there next March: Soul Houses,  Books Unbound, Sailor's Valentines.

To celebrate all these exciting events I have decide to do a giveaway. Post a link to my blog to your Facebook page, Twitter or Blog, mention this giveaway and my classes and you will be entered to win an altered book kit, that includes: and old book, photos, ephemera, fabric embellishments, and all sorts of other things that will inspire you to create your own altered book.Easy? right?

Make sure you add a comment to this blog post with your link.

The drawing takes place on Sunday, 8/21, so don't delay. Post away.

Have a creative week!

Random acts of Assemblage

Yesterday, Jackson and I went down to Oakledge Park to gather up some driftwood for a new project I'm starting. The lake waters have been receding after being a flood levels for over a week. The side walks and beach were simply covered with tons and tons of driftwood and debris from the weeks of rain and snow melt. 

Needless to say we found some great wood to work into my next few assemblages. We also found that other visitors to the park had created their own art, assembled from driftwood and other objects found on the beach. Jack was inspired and he created his own impromptu sculpture.  We left the park with rain clouds and fog gathering on the edge of the lake. What an inspiring morning.

Cloth Paper Scissors May/June Issue

The weather in Vermont has decided to go along with the fact that Spring might actually be here! It's an amazing blue sky day; daffodils are blooming, the birds are singing, peepers are peeping. To make it even more outstanding. I have just received my comp copy of this month's Cloth Paper Scissor Magazine. I've been waiting for this issue for a while. It contains my first published article. I am so excited about this opportunity and honored to be in a publication that has featured some of my favorite mixed media artists (and friends.) 

 

The article features my Bird House Shrines series and discusses my motivation and process behind making them. I am so please with the way the whole thing turned out, and the photography is just stunning.

The Soul House series stirred such a strong response in people that created a workshop on how to create your own bird house shrine. 

I'll be teaching this process later this summer in Wisconsin at Inspire My Life and in the Fall at Art-Is-You in Danbury, CT. The class sizes are limited so don't delay in registering.  I'm so excited to be able to reach out to a broader audience and talk about artistic potential and creative fearlessness! I can't wait to get back into the class room again. I hope to see you there!

So as the stream bubbles by, outside the screen porch where I sit, taking in the issue, my heart brims over with thanks to all the people who have helped me along the way. I can only bask in the serenity and joy of the moment for a brief time. My own creative fearlessness, is being tested tonight.  I'm wrapping up a new piece for a looming deadline. I thrive on meeting time lines, so I know it's going to be an all cylinders evening.

So friends, I must jet. Thanks for stopping by, be well, stay creative and fearless! 

Reliquary Of Faith

 I just finished a new altered book for the Vt Book Arts Guild Show: Big Ideas, Small Books, an exhibit of artist books at the Emile A. Gruppe Gallery. The show will run April 17 - May 22, 2011. The opening reception will be on Sunday April 17th, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Subject matter includes both 2-D and 3-D works, smaller than 5" x 5", in all media relating to book arts, including hand-made paper, artists’ books, calligraphy etc. 

I call this book Reliquary of Faith. It's made from an old prayer book, found objects, ephemera, and a lovely old tin type photo.

Art is You - Early Registration Drawing

Did you know that I am teaching at ART IS YOU this October?? 

Art is You is a fantastic annual east coast art retreat that takes place Columbus Day weekend in Danbury, CT.  It is jammed packed with internationally recognized teaching artists who come together to celebrate and create mix media arts. 

I am so excited to be able to lead two new workshops; Ghost Stories and Soul Houses. It's an honor to have an opportunity to share my process and techniques on at such a large venue.  I will be blogging about these course offering in the weeks to come.  So, stay tuned for more information and inspiration.

Most importantly, you should know that Sallianne and Ellen are hosting an amazing giveaway. If you register BEFORE January 31st, you will be entered into a drawing to WIN BACK YOUR REGISTRATION! - I wouldn't waste another minute. Imagine it, the possibility of attending an Art Retreat, for free!  Click on the link and secure your place today.  Last years turn out was huge and this year is expected to be even better. Don't miss your opportunity!