Collage Whirl

Antique Graffiti

2012-01-29T10:24:00.000-08:00

Here in our Virginia hotbed of Revolutionary and Civil War vestiges we often read about new archaeological finds. One restoration that caught my eye in view of my fascination with graffiti turns out to be called "Graffiti House" near Culpeper Virginia.

Someone's home was used as a field hospital for the Confederacy, later becoming a headquarters for Federal forces. Soldiers from both sides wrote and drew on the walls, creating a collection of over 200 individual pieces that covers the upstairs rooms from floor to ceiling.

Restorers are attempting to remove the paint and whitewash that subsequent owners used to try to cover up the markings. They also need to stabilize fragile plaster on the walls to preserve the installation of caricatures, messages, autographs and inside jokes.

More antique graffiti: did you know that 18th and 19th century boors messed up the Temple of Dendur? You can visit it at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. photo via Thiago Santos

Gladiator graffiti from the Colosseum in Rome. Sorry about the photo quality, it was very difficult to capture these images due to the low light in this area. Taken by my husband, as I was most probably overwhelmed with the energy lingering within the Colosseum walls, where so many humans and exotic animals lost their lives, all in the name of entertainment. At least the masses were fed with the spoils--rhinoceros, elephant and giraffe steaks were the order of the day.

To see more Roman graffiti, go here

photo Marine Jaouen

Seal petroglyph near Sooke on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

Dragon Energy

2012-01-18T20:49:00.000-08:00

On January 23, 2012 the Year of the Water Dragon will begin. A symbol of good fortune and a sign of intense power, in China the dragon is regarded as divine. It's the one animal in the Chinese Zodiac that exists only in mythology.

photo by chooyutshing

The color associated with the Year of the Dragon is golden and the energy sounds ferocious. This seems to me like it's going to be a creatively charged, high energy period. I read that it's lucky to eat Napa cabbage or similar greens. My decluttering will be finished too, so I can invite in the highest quality chi. I'm even toying with a major studio clear out. Instead of trying to organize my assemblage odds and ends so that I don't feel like a bag lady in there, I've decided that out they will go if they don't get incorporated into something by late spring. There!

And just so you don't think I'm too boringly virtuous, here's something delicious and decadent, so much butter and too much sugar, Cinnabon cinnamon rolls. Luckily my son is getting really good at whipping these up and eating most of them (the outer layer was eaten just as I was grabbing my camera).

Getting Ready for a New Start

2011-12-29T15:23:00.000-08:00

The holiday season can be emotionally draining. I have a Christmas loving friend who suffers from “post-partum” every year once Christmas has passed. I enjoy the holidays but I often begrudge the time and work required—time that could be spent pursuing other interests (like making art!). That being said, the Virgo in me really loves the end of the year opportunity to clean out the old to make way for the new.

5th Annual Good Riddance Day

My children are making something delicious and creative-- marshmallow treats using leftover cereals taking up cupboard space. Unsuccessful new cereals like High Fiber Low Sugar Frosted Flakes and Rice Krispies Treats are good for this.

I like to toss old bill files into my attic archives under the eaves at the end of each year. In 2012 I’m going in to shred anything that’s older than 7 years, which is what the experts recommend. Yeehaw, I love clearing out!

Now I’m off to purge old documents and organize my computer for 2012. Wishing all my lovely blog friends a blissful, bountiful and beautiful 2012!

New Work and New Focusing Trick

2011-12-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

New holiday creation in my Etsy shop

Here's how I'm spending this chilly Saturday morning of puttering in my studio :
-listening to my Basic Italian CD to learn a new language
-thinking I have to burn the other Italian CDs to my ipod
-looking for a 90's bracelet from France that I just saw somewhere that I have an idea for altering
-noting a new idea of making some stars out of my new favorite material, cardboard
-looking for some interesting backdrops so I can start taking etsy photos of my newest creations
-checking etsy for keywords and tips so my listings can get seen, I'm still struggling with this since they changed the relevancy parameters back in September.

A larger version, available soon.

Some of you might already know about my quest for focus when in my workspace. There are just too many exciting things going on, all those found objects, materials, inchoate ideas... Today, as the ideas, or actually "impulses", started flowing, I got what turned out to be an insight--write down all the things I was trying to do at once. The act of putting it down on paper had the same effect as making a to-do list (which I do religiously, my favorite part being shredding it when I've done everything or transferred the undone things to a new list)--it put what seemed utterly chaotic into a manageable perspective. It really isn't that unsurmountable in the short morning. Sitting down and planning what you're trying to accomplish must trigger calming brain waves.

Three less Christmas-y looking options for making your gift card stand out under the tree.

Good for repurposing later!

But I'm still looking for the bracelet...

Unsuccessful Junked Mission

2011-12-10T16:02:00.000-08:00

The junk gods were not on our side today. It's never a good sign when things are laid out nicely, like the cool tumblr blog things organized neatly .

Well, maybe not quite as visually appealing, but it always means that the prices will be higher. In this case, ridiculously high for a "Podunk" sale, and men were just snapping everything up. If only more things had been as random and as reasonable as the potty chair above--only $10!

Stuff wasn't even that old, and there was no light (I always mean to take a flashlight to these things). Here you see cans of paint that were probably the same price as at the hardware store.

We had gone there to buy a lathe for Mr CWhirl. The friend who let him know about the sale found out the lathe was last seen in this shed--about a 3 minute walk across a chilly and windy field.
Here, at last, was Shangri-La--a large building with old wooden crates, bottles, debris. The perfect place to find things! The wire basket in the doorway contains 4 old hub caps and a couple other pieces of sculptural nirvana that I ecstatically scrounged in the five minutes the guys searched for lathe parts. But no, this virgin territory was not part of the sale--they plan to have another in several months and I'm sure that there, we'll find--THINGS ARRANGED NEATLY. The kiss of death to the treasure hunter.

Oh, and guess what--the lathe was stolen, so we didn't get that either!

100th Post!

2011-11-27T15:30:00.000-08:00

For my one hundredth post, I have some good news concerning my Etsy shop. I recently started it up again after changing the name from a silly mistake we won't mention here to "Collage Whirl", the name it would have had if collage whirl had existed back in early 2008, when I first opened an Etsy account.

Too bad I didn't put anything in the shop until July 2010... even then I never did much with it, so now I'm giving it another whirl--haha, get it? And I just got a new banner, created by my talented son. I may be cutting it a little close for Cyber Monday sales, but I'm over the moon to have a new look for the shop. Makes me feel organized, you know?

I've been making pillows--for some reason that's what the inner creative goddess has been dictating-- go visit to see some cozy little embroidered and vintage snippet appliqued goodies! (no pictures here on purpose)

Random Views of a November Afternoon

2011-11-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

The leaves finally started to turn about a week ago.

Here's the view from my studio.

Inside my studio... the slogan was born when I was asked to dumb down my artist statement for a local co-op gallery. I took her advice very badly.

One of my plants has been losing a lot of leaves since I brought it in for the winter. I made this out of homesickness for all things tropical. Look at all the colors...

Another glimpse of the late September bounty from France.

Just to remind you (and myself) that brighter days await!

Vegetable Envy

2011-10-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Since it's a cold, blustery fall day, a hearty spinach, feta and potato gratin sounds really good to me. One of the ingredients is shallots.

Here's what you get in Virginia for $2.99--three rather small shallots, which will probably be enough for one, maybe two dishes.

In France, one of these red bags filled with shallots--the yellow one is onions--is 10 Euros, about $14! That works out to 50 Eurocents a kilo although apparently in stores they're more like 5 Euros a kilo. My sisters-in-law have an amazing food network (and it's real, not a TV show). They each find the best deal on wonderful local produce, buying extra for friends and family in other regions. Then they trade!

It's all about the food. That's why I'm so comfortable in Europe.

Here's a sample of the goodies in my other sister-in-law's garage--all these artichokes were only 1 Euro at the co-op, because they weren't perfect! Here they would be considered just fine, to the tune of $2.89.

Each.

More Rome

2011-10-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

First four images are of the Pantheon and the last pic is in the Ghetto.

Ideas from what I saw in Rome are starting to percolate down. It has taken me a few weeks to get out of sponge mode (brain wiped clean of any thought or inspiration and simply absorbing) and back into a frame of mind where it even seemed possible to try to make something informed by the huge repository of human genius and history that is literally everywhere there.

Culture Clash, 4" x 3", found objects, wire and clay

I'm planning some other sculptures dealing with the meeting/confrontation of old and new, expanding on an idea I've been working with for the past couple of years.

Thanks to the newest followers of this blog and to everyone else for reading--I really appreciate hearing from you. Your comments are wonderful!

Back from Rome and Brittany

2011-10-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

Roman kitties relaxing in the shade of Largo di Torre Argentina, the square where Julius Caesar is thought to have been assassinated.

Really good pizza bianca (no tomatoes) here, which everyone eats standing around outside the shop. The cakes and cookies looked divine. So much wonderful food, so little time! Vegetable filled treats are available everywhere in Rome, unlike in France where if you're lucky you'll find a "simple" cheese sandwich without the ham. It's still delicious though.

Two of the three fountains in the Piazza Navona. Bernini strikes again!

The Pantheon was amazing, and Raphael's tomb is here. I learned so much...

The Ghetto neighborhood has a lot of artsy little shops.

And lots of cool fragments lying negligently around.

This was part of our first day in Rome--I'm planning to post much more about this wonderful trip, and get back to posting regularly (it has been a month since last time).

Thanks to everyone who is still reading my blog!

In Memory

2011-09-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

Photo taken in September 2010 at Ladder Co. 10 and Engine Co. 10, Liberty Street firehouse, across the street from Ground Zero (please click on the link to read about this firehouse).

Remember.

Ahimsa Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry

2011-08-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

During my evening run tonight, a mosquito (at least I hope it was that small) flew down my throat--that reminded me of seeing an image similar to this in a yoga book.

Indian Jain nuns, New Delhi wearing traditional face masks to prevent the killing of any life - even the accidental inhalation of an insect. via poculum

Ahimsa means kindness and non-violence towards all living things including non-human animals; it respects living beings as a unity, the belief that all living things are connected. Indian leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi strongly believed in this principle. Avoidance of verbal and physical violence is also a part of this principle, although ahimsa recognizes self-defense when necessary, as a sign of a strong spirit. It is closely connected with the notion that all kinds of violence entail negative karmic consequences.-sorry for the little wikipedia blurb-- I do believe in doing as little harm as possible to anything living and will go out of my way to avoid an insect, especially one in my face!

Summer Projects

2011-08-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

My output is slow, as in turtle pace slow. But I think I'm getting better at listening to my voice by not planning what to make--for now making things with fabric is just for fun, just a way to see what comes into existence.

I felt like embroidering with no underlying drawing or idea--interesting!

Another pillow that I made from vintage handkerchiefs back in the 2000's.

I'm busily embellishing them now.

Made from repurposed sweatshirts, t-shirts, bag handles and found life jacket,

with a little hand dyed batik on the left.

Embroidered detail. No preconceived notions were involved in the making of this piece!

Gallery Hopping Does Pay

2011-08-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been contacted by a vanity gallery? I got an email from Agora Gallery today through my website asking if they could send me "some information about our gallery and about an upcoming exhibition that you might be interested in".

Since I had visited that very gallery in Chelsea a year or so back, I knew immediately which one it was. I hadn't liked it because it was so reminiscent of many not so tasteful galleries in backwater areas I have observed. Sort of like the art "malls" of Asheville (though I'm not saying Asheville's a backwater--au contraire).

The website looks nothing like the gallery when I was there so I imagine they've decluttered since. Apparently the deal is, artists pay from $3-10K annually to be represented. No thanks.

But what's a little sad is I didn't even get that instant of elation-- when I thought I had been "discovered" by a NYC gallery--before coming back down to earth. Guess that's what happens when you're a blasé and analytical middle aged emerging artist!

Buried Treasure from the Country

2011-07-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

Here's my Buried Treasure post--playing along with the Altered Page's wonderful

idea of inviting people to repost a favorite post. Thanks, Seth!

Back in early spring

when these were flowering,

we went here.

It was an old country store estate sale. Can you imagine a more beautiful combination of words?

They had old books, some in bad enough condition to make them perfect for collage.

They've found their way into the studio, instead of to our already overflowing library.

There were letters and stencils galore. Did I mention that part of the sale was in someone's wonderful and very vintage garage/workshop?

I got some strange looks from men as I elbowed them (just kidding) out of the way, competing for prizes. I'm lucky to be the only woman in these parts collecting gnarly stuff.

Once we got our loot home, I had to compete with my husband to see who gets to make stuff with what. We couldn't figure out why this bucket was so heavy, until we took out the pulleys on top to find the bottom full with 8 inches of lead weights!

And I made some assemblages using some things from that day. The ring with rusted wire was apparently part of a crab pot.

The Caprice key ring came from another hunting and gathering expedition.

What have you found lately?

Check out Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures!

New Ways to Embroider

2011-07-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

As an enthusiastic lifelong 70's style embroiderer, I'm finding the modern resurgence of needle arts really exciting. Finally a fresh reason to add to my fabric stash...

Rebecca Ringquist Berry Picker 2011, 14 x 14
Embroidery and machine stitching on found fabric

via Tumblr

More of Rebecca's work here

Nicola Ginzel, SchweineVmMtzgr DETAIL
2008-09 butcher paper bag, acrylic, cotton- wool
thread

Nicola Ginzel, Monochromatic Fragment, No. 5 - DETAIL 2010
German Stamps, thread 7/8” x 5 7/8”

Nicola's website and an interview

Jenny Hart, from Embroidery-Selected Works

Be sure to check out Jenny's blog, Embroidery as Art as well as her website.

Fox by Poesie Grenadine

Poesie is also on Tumblr

Kolams of Pondicherry

2011-07-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Kolam practice as an ephemeral art form in public space.
A video by Kaaren Beckhof

I found this wonderful video about an ancient ritual performed by the women of Tamil Nadu in the mystical hour before dawn. They use rice powder to create geometrical patterns on the thresholds of their homes. "In olden days, kolams used to be drawn in coarse rice flour, so that the ants don't have to work so hard for a meal. The rice powder is said to invite birds and other small critters to eat it, thus inviting other beings into one's home and everyday life: a daily tribute to harmonious co-existence. It is a sign of invitation to welcome all into the home, not the least of whom is Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity" via utsavastu
You can read more here.

Birds and Eggs

2011-07-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

New York City is a place where I've always felt the energy, even as a little kid, and even before I got "sensitive" to that kind of thing. Whenever I'm there, ordinary things appear extraordinary to me--like birds hanging out at a construction site.

I've been appreciating street inspiration more than visits to galleries or museums on recent trips.

I was drawn to these egg installations on Fifth Avenue.

And there's nothing like the gritty and derelict to jumpstart your creative mojo.

It's a city where you can be anything or anyone you want!

Quick Update

2011-07-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

New creations have taken a back seat this busy month, but things are winding down, I hope.

Impressive fruit and cheese platters, along with minimally installed art.

My opening at Skyy Blue Gallery went really well--it was fun, with a Virginia wine tasting and around 65 people checking out my work. And there were sales! Several. With all the mingling I completely forgot to take pictures, but I did take some of the gallery before everyone arrived. And I'm expecting more photos taken by a photographer who was there, so I'll update soon. Now to finish preparing for that workshop I teach next Saturday...

June Recap, Upcoming Show

2011-07-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

Marsh Spirit, acrylic diptych on canvas, 20" x 32"© Deborah Jaouen

Forgive me Blogger, it has been 3 weeks since my last ~~confession/~~ post. I have
-suffered through a broken air conditioner in the sultry South for a month,
-gone to a cosmetic trade show in New York City,
-had two college age children home for a month so far,
-taken them to several doctors and done many loads of laundry,
-dealt with an Amazon rip off artist in my other business,
-prepared for a sweet solo show of my work--"Collage Infusion", the inaugural exhibition!--opening next week in a new cafe/gallery nearby,
-gotten ready to go to a food trade show (yum),
-put all the good people who actually want to hear about my upcoming exhibitions into a "real" database.

And now, just maybe I can even post this while I wait for Mail Chimp to upload my email list--it's free but it takes forever. And I still have to send out invitations tonight. How was your month?

First Attempt with Natural Dye

2011-06-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

Pomegranates are used extensively in India and the Middle East to obtain rich yellows, oranges and browns when dying textiles. Here some rinds are soaking overnight. I then strained and boiled the water in an aluminum pot for 45 minutes--I didn't have any alum mordant lying around and apparently the metal of the pot (copper or tin are used to create other colors) can do the trick. This was supposed to make yellow dye.

The results were interesting. On the left is wool, which is the easiest natural fiber to dye--this was white when I started. Cotton takes natural dye with difficulty and the lace in the middle, which is cotton, only got a slight distressed look. There are two other types of lace that appear a little darker but the dying wasn't very successful on them either. On the far right is silk, which as an animal fiber takes natural dyes well. It went from almost white to champagne.

All in all, if I do this again, I'll have to invest in more paraphenalia for better results!

Meet Henry Murger

2011-06-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder who started the concept of a profession where it is seen as normal, even obligatory, to suffer/ be deprived of basic necessities/ and even to starve--all to fit society’s view of who you are?

Poverty stricken Vincent Van Gogh's simple digs

Henri Murger, drawing from his experience as a struggling writer living in an attic in 1840’s Paris came up with what was to become one of the most pervasive themes of all time—the starving artist. Later made into the iconic opera La Bohème, it has been the basis of Rent and Moulin Rouge as well as various versions of La Vie de Bohème, the original work by Murger.

So the next time you mention that you’re an artist and someone says “oh, a starving artist”, practically thinking they’re complimenting you—don’t hate them, just blame Murger!

Pillow Love and Adding to the Fabric Collection

2011-06-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been embroidering and making fiber collages on some pillows I've made using "new" condition vintage handkerchiefs. They're fun and airy and have a really summery feel-- there are more in the works and they'll go in the new Etsy shop which I will be opening sometime over the next month or so. Details soon to come! There's a 20% off sale in my shop now, 'til June 7.

Black corduroy, fringed linen, crewel upholstery fabric, brushed cotton, polished cotton,

vintage eyelet pettticoat

Beat up Battenburg lace tablecloth--the stuff of dreams!

Must take advantage of yard sales before it gets too hot around here to even venture outdoors after 10 am. My daughter picked out some great Motown and jazz records at one, and I scored all the sewing goodness including fabrics and trims above at another for $1!! Makes up for the overpriced local estate sale/auction companies who will remain nameless here.

Hope your thrifting adventures have been wonderful this weekend. Check out Her Library Adventures for more inspiration!

Witty Picasso

2011-05-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

In April I had a chance to see the huge Picasso retrospective at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. There was a lot to look at--I avoided museum burnout by concentrating on the found object assemblages. There were only a dozen or so. We were lucky to have guest passes, so I didn't feel obliged to look 3x at everything to justify the high cost of admission.

There was a narrow room set up as a photo gallery. Unfortunately it was so crowded (on a Monday yet) that we didn't spend much time there, but seeing photos of old Pablo hanging around in his nautical t-shirt doing South of France things gave me a little boost.

Here he is with his good friend Jean Cocteau. From left to right: Pablo Picasso, his son Paulo, Jean Cocteau, Georges Braque and Françoise Gilot, in front of Picasso’s studio, Vallauris, 1953

The Picasso quotes scattered around the museum were a nice touch. Here are a few of my favorites---

Give me a museum and I'll fill it.

My mother said to me, "If you become a soldier you'll be a general; if you become a monk you'll end up as the Pope." Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso.

When I haven't any blue I use red.

It is a well-known fact that we see the faults in other's works more readily than we do in our own.

Unless your work gives you trouble, it is no good.

A View into the Studio

2011-05-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

A little hello just so you know I'm still around! I've been finishing up lots of things in my studio and just generally getting organized. As trumpeted on this blog for the last several months. I'm starting to be a believer in publicizing one's intentions, since I'm actually getting more done.

Coming up soon, a new Etsy shop or two with a gradual phase out of my current shop. Notecards and digital prints... Summer and hot weather... My daughter's college graduation!

Always Learning

2011-05-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

This week I've been listening to the Creative Souls Telesummit recordings. It's for people (like me) who have a hard time making choices because they have so many interests and passions. The topic is getting clarity and focusing on what you want to do creatively--I found the last two recordings the most helpful. Next week they're going to talk about making a plan of action, then the third week is how to turn your creative fire into financial flow (eff yeah, money!!). You can listen to these recordings for free, up to 48 hours afterwards. Can't go wrong with that.

One of the things I learned about is a technique that's been around for awhile--EFT or Emotional Freedom Therapy. It involves tapping on 8 acupressure points along energy meridians when you are faced with a blockage and helps move energy around to get some much needed clarity. There are lots of places online you can find videos and charts--it seems pretty simple to do and if you're at all attuned to meditation or yoga, it uses the same principles of moving chi, or life energy, around the body.

Happy Earth Day

2011-04-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

Baby pink azalea

Dogwood

Lily-of-the-Valley

Wisteria climbing up a tree

Thank you, Earth for the wonderful life you let us have here at your expense. We are grateful you spared all the beautiful trees in our garden, as well as our home, from the EF3 tornado that came within a half mile of us while we were away last weekend. Happy Earth Day!

Starting with Vacation

2011-04-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

At first glance you might wonder, "why blog about an Eddie Bauer display?" This just points out how knocked off and ripped off anything authentic has become. None of the pieces in this cabinet are fake or in a big box store.

This little shack is the "real deal". No faux finishing here, no decoys Made in China. They have been selling decoys on Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina for over 40 years. It had a blue and white diamond painted floor that was naturally distressed.

In China, they must not have found a way to mass produce this type of swan decoy--wire armature covered with painted canvas-- cheaply enough to be able to flood the market. This is actually new to me!

Decoys are super expensive, the man who runs this shop told me one sold recently at auction for $5.5 million! He remembers buying them back in the day when you could get truckloads at $6 and $7 a piece, which was a goodly sum then. Apparently that's when he constituted his stock, which is now selling at around $300 for one like this or $900 for a canvas swan.

It makes me wonder what's left that's affordable to collect. I somehow seem to find random stuff, but almost everything has already been "the next big thing". Prices tend to stay at a certain level once this happens. Not that I was planning to collect decoys--country is not my style! Do you collect anything unusual? We'd love to hear about it!

Blog Giveaway Alert

2011-04-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

A little note to let everyone know about a cool giveaway of a very intriguing book at Plush Possum Studio as well as some surprise extra goodies. If you don't know this blog, you're in for a treat. Rose and company very generously provide wonderful images of vintage photos and ephemera for your photoshopping digital collaging pleasure.

Though her blog is relatively new, she's already celebrating her 100th post! Rather puts "lazy" bloggers like myself to shame.

Beautiful Tribute

2011-04-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this video of Sion Milosky, a big wave surfer from Kauai who recently passed away while surfing Mavericks in Northern California.

You can read more here.

Spring Moons and Blooms

2011-03-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

This looks more like a Halloween pic than a springy one, but here's that full moon that was very close to the earth a couple weeks ago...You can't really tell, but this is over water, which is why it looks like there are 2 moons.

Just a post to say I'm still here! I've been getting a lot done, which often means being online less. Sound familiar? Anyway, I'll be posting some new artwork soon. I've been redoing and rethinking both my work spaces and I think it's helping.

Hope you've been enjoying the spring flowers, though I can't say the weather has been balmy here quite yet.

Hellebores are one of my favorite flowers, I love the name too--sounds so Harry Potterish. Especially if you say it in Latin. Helleborus!

Have you tried the new Blogger feature where you can see anyone's blog in different views? All you do is type /view after their url and then select the view you want. One thing, though--they have to have the feature enabled. So hopefully it will work on my blog. However, my Tumblr blog is much more visually enticing when viewed in this type of format. So, go check it out!

Light Emanating from Dark Events

2011-03-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

Olga de Amaral, Nudo 1 (detail)

So much chaotic stuff is going on right now, from the cataclysmic events in Japan to upheavals in the lives of friends I've met through blogging. I wanted to bring some inspiration into the mix, and hopefully a little optimism and insight on perseverance as well.

Gaman in Japanese culture and art

Paula's Raffle

Olga de Amaral

Thrifting and [drumroll]... New Work

2011-03-04T16:20:00.000-08:00

Here's what that hunk of old RV got turned into...

Another flower in my Ikebana series. A tulip this time.

The aluminum has a really interesting faux bois (fake wood) effect.

While I was out sourcing interesting fabrics (hitting the thrift stores), I couldn't resist these brand new lacquer trays from Japan. Perfect for organizing! And I'm a pushover for all things Japanese.

You can never have too many bookends. And these needed rescuing (see below).

Look at these sweet faces!

Here was the horror that was inflicted by the thrift store. For once, there was actually something from the 60's in a thrift store. But they just had to tape these fragile textured cardboard pieces together with big, honking, clear strapping tape. I haven't gotten up the courage to remove it yet. I was thinking that maybe using a blow dryer would make the tape less tape-y and the damage would be less. It's going to tear all the color off, oh well at least they had the good sense not to tape over the horses!

Small Tweaks

2011-03-03T19:06:00.000-08:00

Just finished up this free Photoshop class online and used my newly found knowledge to make a blog banner. Baby steps...

I've never had any real issues with Blogger before, but tonight the banner does not want to go perfectly into its little box. "Shrink to fit" is not doing the trick. If anyone knows why, please don't be shy. I will be grateful!

And thank you to my new followers!

Materials, Upcycling and Commodities

2011-02-26T17:01:00.000-08:00

A sample of some of the interesting links I've been coming across as I go through my archived papers of bits and pieces. Told you this is the year I get and stay organized! Maybe by the year's end..

Matthew Gerring "Moon", Embroidery on black technical nylon, 9', 2005

My work is distinctly material-based, with a strong emphasis on labor and craft. However, my craft does not stem directly from any particular tradition, and my labor is of questionable value. My map of the moon, based on Victorian dark ground maps, is executed in machine embroidery on black technical nylon. It demonstrates how science has deconstructed magical celestial bodies in an attempt to "know" them. Description itself can be a sort of colonization.

Yuken Teruya

The artist cuts out shapes of tree branches and leaves on one side of disposable paper bags. Assembling a tree from the cut-out parts, there is a tree standing in a bag. However it seems like the bag is holding the fragile tree inside, it is the strength of the tree that is holding the bag up. When you see it under the natural light, the delicate tree inside the paper bag shows us the strength and the proof of existence of living tree. The each tree has a model. They are the trees that the artist saw in his neighborhood or from where he has traveled. The each bag holds a portrait of a tree inside.

Gummy Bear Chandelier by Yaya Chow

This gummi bear chandelier is made of gummi bears, beads, monofilament, plastic, metal and light bulbs by Tiawanese born, mixed-media artis, YaYa Chou. YaYa explores questions about food consumption and class by rearranging embellished snacks in the forms of luxury commodity. She wants people to ask, "Who consume these foods? Who has the choice to choose?"

YaYa Chou’s works combine humor and commentary on modern lifestyles; they are inspired by language, social phenomenon and melody, stemmed from consumption, theory, and words. Mostly she investigates the assumption of what is natural and what is unnatural. She observes the distinctness of people’s cognitive thinking and the similarity of human experience in different cultures. YaYa is interested in utilizing familiar objects or images to depict the dichotomy found inside highly developed societies. Elements from nature, animal and plant images often appear in her work, because they create an invisible tension or distance from our modern lifestyles.

Color Based installation by Yaya Chow

“Color Based” is a sculpture installation project designed to emphasize the effects of artificial food coloring and flavors on children. Glass bottles filled with Pepto Bismol form a line to resemble industrial conveyor belt; while the circus tent signifies the filling machine which fills children with colorful foods/pharmaceuticals. She chose Pepto Bismol because the consistency and color reminds her of pigment in acrylic paint instead of edible items, also pink is a unique color that evokes certain emotional response. The circus tent is used here as a symbol of the hyperactivities children display after ingesting artificial food ingredients (food coloring, flavors, saccharin, salicylate… etc.). via My Modern Metropolis

Weekend Ruminations

2011-02-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

The start of my nest collection

What's inspiring me these days--this aluminum from an RV that was given to me by an collector of cool stuff (and scrap metalist) we met Saturday. He had a lot of interesting things, old bottles, arrowheads, metal signs, plenty of rust... The leather straps in the photo were found by me in a trail head parking lot. They probably came from a horse trailer and I know what I want to do with them. I was planning to use this aluminum for a large collage, but then thought I have enough to use in some smaller sculptural pieces. Have to make it safe and friendly so no one will cut their finger on an edge.

And Organizing Everything continues in the garage--it's almost an art form in and of itself, don't you think?

Zakka Sewing Projects

2011-02-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

Zakka (from the Japanese 'zak-ka'（雑貨）or 'many things') is a fashion and design phenomenon that has spread from Japan throughout Asia. The term refers to everything and anything that improves your home, life and appearance. It is often based on household items from the West that are regarded as kitsch in their countries of origin, but it can also be Japanese goods, mainly from the fifties, sixties, and seventies.The interest in Nordic design or Scandinavian design, both contemporary and past, is also part of this zakka movement. Zakka can also be contemporary handicraft.

Zakka has also been described as "the art of seeing the savvy in the ordinary and mundane". The zakka boom could be recognized as merely another in a series of consumer fads, but it also touches issues of self-expression and spirituality. "Cute, corny and kitschy is not enough. To qualify as a zakka, a product must be attractive, sensitive, and laden with subtext."(from Wikipedia)

I got this book about Zakka sewing and it's been giving me some ideas about little organizing things to make. Here are a couple of things I've made lately.

Little case to keep my Droid X from getting scratched. This isn't in the book,
I got the case idea from etsy where all I found were iPhone cases.

Vintage houndstooth wool and trim with houndstooth flannel and light grey flannel lining (not visible).

Basket for keeping sewing supplies, or anything!

I'm probably going to list 2 of these on Etsy as it's nice to have more than one of something. The outside is a velvety soft brushed cotton and the inside is brocade. I had just found both these vintage fabrics at an exciting new source nearby, so they didn't sit around long. For me that's a rarity.

Repurposing a Wool Sweater and Staying Warm

2011-02-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

First of all, I cut into a merino wool (scratchy) sweater that looked exactly like the purple one here, then I sewed it together. My original thought was to leave extra on each side of the two middle panels (which were cut crosswise from the sleeves) in case they shrank more than the front and back panels which were cut going the length of the sweater. I made my panels really wide, so they used up almost the whole sweater.

I washed the scarf in hot water and a little detergent, putting it in a mesh bag and throwing in a couple light colored items to provide some friction, which is necessary for the process to work. I thought this was called "felting" but I read somewhere it's actually called "fulling".

After putting it through two wash cycles, it looked done, meaning the stitches were no longer visible. I pressed it using the iron's wool setting because it looked pretty rough. If you like that effect you could skip the ironing. I wear it with the seams on the outside. I decided not to trim the edges after all--the seams and the fraying gives this warm accessory just the right "destroyed" look that I do love, after all. And the best part--it's soft now, not scratchy !

Sewing "Antiques" Collection

2011-02-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

This is the bad news--that's all I have. I don't even have enough white buttons to fill a Mason jar.

The good news is, I get to collect more!

However, I have quite a collection of vintage fabric and trims... And I'll show you a couple things I've made from them recently in my next post.

Visit to the Farm

2011-01-29T18:41:00.000-08:00

Farm implements auction that is. We have to make our own fun out here in the country.

And fun it was!

Just imagine pouring and splattering paint all over the place through these babies.

Or making a sculpture out of these...

Or lining these up in a row (I already have some on my porch).

How about distressing some fabric on this, that's what they do to jeans to get that beautiful grungy look.

This could make a great garden sculpture. Or you could grind down some more fabric.

And this paint job makes a wabi sabi aficionado go weak in the knees.

Fiber, Paper and Sewing Machines

2011-01-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

A recent Art Propelled post provided a lot of creative fodder for me, as usual. One of the artists that resonated is Kathi De Jonge. I was very inspired by the papier maché pieces on her website.

I've been looking for some images of roughly sewn canvas and burlap, however I haven't found much by googling so I'll just show you what initially attracted me to Kathi's work. Can you tell I'm really liking the rust these days?

Kathi De Jonge 'Scraps 1'Oil, Mixed Media on Panel 30 x 30 x 6

Isn't this gorgeous?

Lately I've been thinking about sewing--a lot! In fact, that's probably the creative activity I've been doing the longest. Since I was around 7. Actually, I stopped for the past 10 years or so, but now I'm ready to start up again. I've been tuning up my trusty Kenmore. I learned here that any vintage Kenmore with a 158 in the model number is a very good machine. So I will keep mine 35 more years! It spent around 15 years in the tropics, on a sailboat for a while exposed to salt air. Then it got to live ashore (as did I) but still had to run off a transformer for all that time. What a good little machine, it's had its quirks but don't we all?

This is one of my new fiber collages. In keeping with some of my other work, I mixed refined (the netting and the sparkly flowers hehe) with distressed (the recycled vintage dishtowel at upper right). I'm trying to source some more rough, gnarly fabric, or maybe I'll distress some. That sounds like fun actually.

Art World Hype

2011-01-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

Not much time for blogging lately. But I'm always thinking about art.... and I did see a very thought provoking film the other day.

I didn't know much about it before I saw it, so if you haven't seen it I don't want to fill this post with spoilers. I'll just give you the link to it--Exit through the Gift Shop. I would love to hear what anyone who's already seen it thought of it.

Countdown to 2011

2010-12-31T14:51:00.000-08:00

You've probably seen this image several times lately. Well, I was one of the first--here it is on my Tumblr page. Obviously I was a little off, posting it before even Christmas had passed. So enjoy it once more, in a more timely fashion!

It's almost celebration time so I'm not feeling especially eloquent. But I am feeling grateful for all the experiences of 2010. Lots of them were online--making new friendships and finding inspiration in many of the wonderful blogs out there. Thank you for visiting, reading, following and leaving comments--blogging is such fun. It was something I had been putting off for ages, then in 2010 I finally took the plunge. Personally, I'm not going to set any more goals for the coming year. I'm just going to go with whatever comes my way and see where it leads me. I like a little spontaneity with my art!

Happy New Year--I wish us all exciting new insights, discoveries of new art and brilliant new creations in 2011!!

The Beauty I Won

2010-12-28T10:25:00.000-08:00

So many thanks to Cynthia of BeatnHeart for her wonderful giveaway that I won a couple weeks ago!! I love this necklace. It's hard to do it justice in a photo--the crystal is a smoky gray, almost violet in reality. I love wearing it, so go out check out her other necklaces here. They're 50% off til December 31, so hurry!

Happiness to All

2010-12-25T15:53:00.000-08:00

Image via MSN

Let the spirit of love gently fill our hearts and homes.
In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness.
unknown

It's Christmas night here and we have an inch of snow and are expecting 3 to 7 more inches. My first white Christmas ever! I hope everyone had a wonderfully peaceful and joyous day today.

Thanks to everyone for visiting my blog and sharing your thoughts and insights. Looking forward to a creative 2011 with you!

xoxo, Deborah

It's Beginning to Feel A Lot Like Christmas

2010-12-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

My favorite little branch that gets decorated for many holidays

Well well, I'm finally feeling caught up enough to actually write a blog post. The house is relatively organized, the tree is decked out and my favorite part of decorating--creating tablescapes (with found objects of course)-- is done. Both kids are safely home from college, gifts are about to be wrapped and there are a whole five days left before Christmas, hopefully just enough to savor the season and process whatever last minute work comes our way this week.

Tarnished silver (another of my favorites) and sea glass

I'm reflecting on the past year and anticipating the coming year. Although I didn't make as much artwork as I might have liked in 2010, I feel that I worked through some blockages stemming mostly from what happens to my work once it has been created. I intend to keep focusing on making my art--if people don't "get" it, so be it. There are enough people who do, and let's be honest, if you're not doing illustration work, many non art oriented people won't.

Pink and gold, so I'm girly!

January is the month I'm going to finish getting organized (yes, I've been de-cluttering pretty seriously for the past couple months). February is the month I'm going to get uber-organized--that sounds sort of scary! I hope this organizational effort is going to apply to getting some serious marketing going too, but the I'm going to wait for clarity on that one as I see where my work goes at the beginning of 2011. I have several new projects in mind...

Wishing a wonderful, serene, happy and bright holiday season to all,
xoxo Deborah

Merry Christmas and Happy Solstice!

Blog Giveaway--A Lovely Necklace!!

2010-12-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

There's a wonderful giveaway at BeatnHeart, just to let you know! All you have to do is visit Cynthia's boutique where there is a big 50% off sale going on, then leave a comment on her BeatnHeart blog. Good luck!

Stormy Weather

2010-12-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

"Nor'easter", 30" x 40", oil on canvas with found objects.
© Deborah Jaouen 2010

Only fitting that objects that got washed around in the North Atlantic should end up as part of a piece called "Nor'easter", just a nautical sounding name for a storm driven by a northeast wind. We get them too in Virginia, but for me the name evokes New England, which is where I found all these now attached pieces.

Intriguing and Incongruous Property

2010-12-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

We spent the morning tromping around an estate that was up for auction. It's a former horse farm on a lot of land.

We live in an area with lots of waterfront estates, however this is the first time I've ever visted one with Roman statuary attached to the roof.

As we got closer, we were treated to the Full Blown Glory that was Rome! However, the exterior of the house resembled an 80's tract home in California, right before the McMansion period.

This is the entrance to the property, it looks more like the traditional fare you usually see around here on the rivers off the Chesapeake Bay.

Inside the house, over-the-top'ism prevailed. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera so all the photos here came from the auction site, and they didn't take many of the house's interior. This mural is from the powder room--seemed like a great house for parties.

One of several living room murals complete with tromp l'oeil columns.

This was actually my favorite room, it felt almost classic with its crown moldings and arched windows. It was empty when I saw it and you could really appreciate the M.C. Escher-esque feel of the parquet, which fascinated us with its visible (on purpose?) nail holes. We couldn't figure out if the owners had done the murals and woodwork themselves. There is a boat load of work to be done, but someone with flair and lotsa money could make a great retreat here. Oh and the place is still for sale.

More Art I Like

2010-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Jason Rohlf, Pliable, Acrylic/Collage on Linen 40x30 in

Jason Rohlf, Ask Again, Acrylic/Collage on Linen 30x72 in

Jason Rohlf, Shifted, Acrylic/Collage on Linen 24x72 in

Jason Rohlf, Hold, Acrylic/Collage on Linen 16x34 in

These distressed textures are so enticing! And I never could resist a random bird... More works by San Francisco artist Jason Rohlf here.

Art You Might Like (I Do)

2010-11-29T06:55:00.000-08:00

JAMES PITT, The Holder, acrylic on wood, 5" x 5", 2009

JAMES PITT, Object to Capture the Sun, acrylic on cardboard and wood, 5" x 4", 2009

James Pitt, The Shaker (Pink and Blue) acrylic, plaster and zip ties on cardboard, 8" x 5", 2009

JAMES PITT, Canary, acrylic and plaster on cardboard, 5" x 4", 2009

See more here.

Where Am I Going?

2010-11-28T14:02:00.000-08:00

via artemis dreaming

Finally--a little reflective time for blogging. Getting photos together today just seemed like too much effort after doing that constantly for other sites, like etsy and facebook (we won't count tumblr, because that's fun), so I might go with a little rant about my art goals (hopefully this advance notice won't be your signal to click out of here!).

I've been noticing that my attitude towards art has been changing over the past months--I've really become conscious that my output has slowed pretty radically. When I say slowed, I mean it often takes me weeks to advance to the next phase of the piece I'm working on because I'm searching for exactly what I'm trying to say or even why express it, which is an even thornier issue.

Four or five years ago when I was pretty much painting full time, I was very productive and the images felt like they were already finished in my head, that I just had to get them down on canvas. That's probably normal as they were part of an autobiographical series. Next I started making a series of canvas collages, which demanded a lot of thought about placement and just what they needed next. After that came assemblages and sculptural paper pieces. It's the collaged works that seem to stymie me, but they're also the ones I keep coming back to, even as I try to break with 2D and move completely on to 3D. So what I'm going to do for the next few weeks is finish up what's already started in my studio then re-evaluate the direction I want to take my work in 2011.

I'm not sure if this is a creative block, I've had those before of course but they don't usually last this long! I've managed to keep creating through this but it's not going away. So now I'm thinking it's got to be a turning point and hoping to gain some clarity on what's coming next by stepping away from it all for a time. This might mean blogging more, or working on the house, or (gasp) writing. There, I've set my intention-- that's step one. Stay tuned!

Tumblr (again)

2010-11-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

Here's an image from my tumblr page. See how they did it here.

Blog Roll Call

2010-11-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

New in my Etsy shop, "Pannier du Jardin" papier maché mixed media jewelry box

I've been taking stock of my blog, after seven or so months of writing it. I'm enjoying blogging and have met some great blog friends. People have told me they enjoy reading Collage Whirl, which is obviously so gratifying to me. I also know I have a certain number of readers and followers which inspires me to continue--that being said, I would really love more readers which would also bring a lot of new energy to this whole enterprise!

If you like this blog (and --my secret fear--aren't ashamed for other people to know you read it! ), please add me to your blog roll. If you already have (thank you Paula) could you please let me know about your blog so I can glory in my unbeknownst popularity?

And while you're at it, a comment from time to time wouldn't kill ya!! jk, jk

Tumblr /Etsy Update, Zen and the Art of Not Expecting

2010-11-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

Jester Papier Mache Sculpted Jewelry Box

I am now enjoying Tumblr, which is pretty easy after all. No need to be intimidated, just make an account and have fun with it. I'm finding it great just as a place to keep images and quotes that I like, nothing too ambitious so far.

Squared Zen Nest Papier Mache Sculpted Box

In Etsy news, I'm now on the Vast Team--only for art that hangs on the wall, but I have a lot of that! I have kicked off a "Holiday Gifting" sale on all giclee prints, laser prints and original mixed media collages in my shop.

Round Zen Nest Papier Mache Sculpted Bowl

And I have more papier maché boxes and bowls, for keeping one's go-to jewelry safe and cosy on your dresser or shelf. For those pieces of jewelry that you wear all the time--or, for special pieces you just want to pamper! They are made from kozo paper from Thailand, 1900's glossy newpapers from France and modern maps. They also get drawn on, and glazed with various light washes of color. They're enjoyable to make and always turn out a little differently than I think they will. This is good, as it keeps me from getting attached to a result. Layering the paper is not unlike hand building a pot or ceramics piece. I remember my frustration in college when my pieces would come out of the kiln unrecognizable due to the glaze yielding unpredictible results. If only I'd adjusted my expectations! I should probably try ceramics now and see if my midlife wisdom protects me from disappointment. Ha ha!

Weekend Finds Continued

2010-11-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

I saved the best for last--a very old typewriter from the local pharmacy used
to type the labels for prescriptions...

This isn't from a garage sale, it was one of my favorite beach finds in Martha's Vineyard! I think it came from a private island west of MV belonging to the Forbes family.

Not especially exciting, but these wooden things will certainly come in handy at some point--isn't that the whole reason we do this, besides the thrill of the chase? Finding a pair of old gilt frames is unusual, though. And old yardsticks are always cool.

This is a hot plate from a chemistry lab that goes up to 600 degrees F.
Ready for some mad science?

Weekend Finds

2010-11-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

Already at home in their new place, the 70's globe bookends.

Various useful and not so useful things. The brush on the right is like a great one I already have that I absolutely adore for painting trim! The black thing in the middle is a portable music notebook full of music on paper. Old cards are always handy, one must polish one's jewelry, metal bits and bobs are indispensable. Oh, and shouldn't everyone own red and white mushrooms on a twist tie from the 70's?

An old milk crate with some various metal delights. The ancient license plates were dug up on the guy's land which used to be a dump for old cars. They found lots of old bottles too. I don't understand why our land didn't have (m)any treasures as we have definitely dug around everywhere.

Rust Reconsidered

2010-11-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

The deafening silence greeting a certain recent post as well as the convenient appearance of some really interesting rust (not shown here, don't worry) in my life started me to thinking.

(Notice my pictures of rust all seem to be nautical-comes from our sailing days
when an unkept boat was a "rustbucket"--but I'm over it!)

I may well be recanting my beliefs about rust. Say I found a few deliciously rusty pieces I want to cobble together to make something, and I want to put some kind of finish coat on them so they don't get dust (remember, that's the part I don't like) on people's lovely furnishings. What would you rust lovers use to keep the rust beautifully matte but still un-dusty? I've used rust primer on outdoor stuff that was getting painted and it makes a horribly shiny finish. Anyone who works with rusty textures, please leave me a comment with your suggestions!

A Walk Around Lower Manhattan

2010-10-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

I went on this stroll a month ago, on a perfect late September day.

Please admire the way they've fit the buildings together.

No idea what this is, there was not a sign in sight but isn't it cool?

The required dose of texture.

Not really how I had pictured the bull...

Wall Street is a good location for this store.

More Beach Goodness

2010-10-13T17:31:00.001-07:00

We spent a few days last week in Martha's Vineyard, working hard. So--I finally have some new raw material to play with!

At one beach, I decided to make a collection of fishing net and ropes--pretty amazing, all the colors that exist.

I even salvaged the seams from a ratty life jacket that I found.

We cleaned up the beaches and brought home pieces of lobster trap, lots of interesting wood, a bit of shells and other flotsam and jetsam (just love saying that).

On our way back to the parking lot, we passed some fishermen who asked us if we had left anything on the beach. Good little scavengers...

This is wampum in its natural state. The tribes who still live in the area make their beautiful beads and jewelry from it. It's absolutely gorgeous when it's all polished up.

No Bicycles Please

2010-10-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Provincetown MA

I know I've been a bad blogger lately, running off without a word, but I promise you, there will be posts aplenty in the future. After a much needed ten days away, I’m ready to start afresh and show you some things I saw in the rainy Northeast, mainly New York City and Martha’s Vineyard. But that will be for another post, so please come back soon...

Is Rust a Must?

2010-09-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

Silver Ore from Bolivia

Silver Bars from the Mines of Moria (just kidding)

Rare Silver Sword Plant from the Big Island of Hawaii

Silver Lab Puppy

Silver Platters at Auction

Things have been awfully silent at my blog for the past week--there are just so many hours in a day unfortunately...

I started thinking about the concept of "silver" today after going through the collection of packaging papers I sometimes use for collage and noticing that gold accents outnumbered silver about 5 to 1. That's funny when you realize that silver is the most abundant precious element. Or maybe that's actually why gold seems more popular in popular culture. The piece I'm working on is sort of lavender (for now) and in keeping with my new monochromatic thing I want to add some silver-ish pieces, not too shiny though. In the meantime I wanted to post a few "silver" images I came across.

For some reason, I'm not attracted to rust per se, unless it's got some kind of finish on it so it doesn't flake off everywhere. I loved this post at ArtPropelled, but rust doesn't seem to be my passion (though I've learned to never say never!) Maybe for the same reason pastel isn't--I don't really like touching either one! Is that really strange? Maybe you're the same way?

Serendipitous Opps

2010-09-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

Back in July, I hinted at a couple of local exhibition opportunities that I was pursuing. One of them is the Wild Rabbit Cafe and the other was the Peninsula Fine Arts Center gift shop, which is run by a most capable and engaging person, Jo. August was such a busy month for me getting my new college boy off to school among other pastimes--that we didn't really connect, so I hadn't met her until yesterday, when we had a meeting that was really a lot of fun! I had planned to take 3 small mixed media collage series for the gift shop and that was all, but at the last minute I packed a lot of recent and not so recent work and Jo liked it all. It was also a good time as she was looking for a new artist to feature--so now I will have a wall with around 18 works in the art center just in time for the Biennial opening on October 1. Everything always does work out for the best, right?

Salt Water

2010-09-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite quotes to begin the weekend!

The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.
Isak Dinesen

New in My Little Shop

2010-09-07T20:04:00.001-07:00

Things are happening in my Etsy shop! I'm listing more and more items, so please pop over at your convenience--I'd love your visit. This is a little papier mache box with an eggshell mosaic on the inside of the lid. Looks like I like nests, and eggs. Not so much chickens, though. Although I will admit to a weakness for bird imagery!

Fruits of My Labor Day

2010-09-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Labor Day is one of my favorite holidays, because 1)it's always a weekend, 2)the weather is always nice, even here in Virginia--today there's a delightful tropical-esque breeze, 3)there is no cooking or present buying involved, and 4) I'm always sure to get a few days off around my birthday--I was born on Labor Day, which I've always found very clever of my mom.

This is the piece I've been working on, on and off for awhile. I'm pretty sure it's finished, all it needs are some screws to hold the hinges on securely. It can be hung on the wall or propped up like an open book. It has so many layers, details and elements--I've tried to unify them with a semi monochromatic look or else it all would have been too much. I used an oil based glaze, cast resin architectural details, acrylic, 2 encaustic paintings, the kitchen sink.... I'm so done!

Happy Labor Day!

Philadelphia Wireman

2010-08-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of the mysterious outsider artist, Philadelphia Wireman? Basically, he (or she?) wrapped everything in wire...No one knows who he was, just that 1200 small sculptures of his were abandoned in a Philadelphia alleyway in 1982, where they were found by an art student.

Fleisher-Ollman Gallery which received the works writes:

The Philadelphia Wireman sculptures were found abandoned in an alley off Philadelphia’s South Street on trash night in 1982. Their discovery in a rapidly-changing neighborhood undergoing extensive renovation, compounded with the failure of all attempts to locate the artist, suggests that the works may have been discarded after the maker’s death. The entire collection totals approximately 1200 pieces (and a few small, abstract marker drawings, reminiscent both of Mark Tobey and J.B. Murry) and appears to be the creation of one male artist, due to the strength involved in manipulating often quite heavy-gauge wire into such tightly-wound nuggets. The dense construction of the work, despite a modest range of scale and materials, is singularly obsessive and disciplined in design: a wire armature or exoskeleton firmly binds a bricolage of found objects, including plastic, glass, food packaging, umbrella parts, tape, rubber, batteries, pens, leather, reflectors, nuts and bolts, nails, foil, coins, toys, watches, eyeglasses, tools, and jewelry.

Heavy with associations — anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, and socio-cultural — to wrapped detritus, the totemic sculptures by Philadelphia Wireman have been discussed in the context of work created to fulfill the shamanistic needs of alternative religions in American culture. Curators, collectors, and critics have variously compared certain pieces to Classical antiquity sculptures, Native American medicine bundles, African-American memory jugs, and African fetish objects. Reflecting the artist’s prolific and incredibly focused scavenging impulse, and despite — or perhaps enhanced by — their anonymity, these enigmatic objects function as urban artifacts and arbiters of power, though their origin and purpose is unknown. Philadelphia Wireman, whatever his identity, possessed an astonishing ability to isolate and communicate the concepts of power and energy through the selection and transformation of ordinary materials. Over the course of the past two decades, this collection has come to be regarded as an important discovery in the field of self-taught and vernacular art.

One of the theories that I came across about his identity is that the sculptures were abandoned by an artist or student who was discouraged about being rejected from exhibitions.

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

2010-08-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

So, I asked for a sale in my Etsy shop yesterday and today I got three! I've always believed that all you have to do is ask the universe, but I didn't put a serious intention out there until yesterday, apparently.

I am very grateful because my shop has been open just a little over a month and the ice is broken now. Thanks to my wonderful collector Deborah for purchasing more of my work.

Hopefully I've not chased away any less "metaphysical" readers today!

Lucky Number

2010-08-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

Today I have 13 followers of my blog, 13 items listed in my Etsy shop, and 13 people calling my Etsy shop a favorite. This surely means I'm destined to make my first sale on Etsy in the very near future, don't you think? It's gotta be a sign.

Anyone else wanting to become a follower of this blog, don't worry. I haven't stopped the count at 13 so step right up! Same for anyone who wants to check out my shop and add it to their favorites.

Have a great Sunday, everybody!

Just Broaching the Subject

2010-08-28T13:50:00.001-07:00

Recent acquisitions

Are most artists into collecting stuff? To me, that's part of of who I am, although it's often a love/hate relationship. Sometimes I envy those who don't create because their lives and homes seem simpler. But they do border on sterile, at least that's how my life would seem if every thought and action didn't somehow seem to involve making something. I'm not going to lie, making money is among those thoughts (and on a good day, actions). Mainly a question of survival/freedom so I can create!

One of my favorite quotes (albeit deliciously cynical) is from Frank Zappa:
"An artist is someone who makes something from nothing and sells it for a lot of money."

Beach Find

2010-08-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

I came across this on a freezing March day on a windy Chesapeake Bay beach. It seems to be from some kind of water craft--a pedal boat or something lightweight? not a boat as it doesn't seem substantial enough. I've found that pieces of boat make the best driftwood, although having spent years living on boats, it creeps me out to think of them sinking.

Precursor of Lady Gaga?

2010-08-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhaven (1874-1927) was an obscure Dada poet-artist who finally emerged into the mainstream after 80 years. She had her first gallery exhibition at Francis M. Naumann in 2003, with five of her remaining eight existing works on view. A biography by Irene Gammel was published, examining the baroness's iconoclastic writings and filling us in on all the salacious details of her wild and remarkable life.

She single-handedly presented futuristic fashion to the bohemians of Greenwich Village, scandalizing her neighbors by parading semi-nude along 14th Street, barely covered with feathers....Courageous to an insane degree, Elsa was able to provoke and challenge everyone. She recited her poetry on the street, to passers-by, wearing nothing but tea-balls on her breasts. She was feared and admired in verse by the likes of Ezra Pound, Hart Crane, William Carlos Williams, Wallace Stevens and Djuna Barnes. Elsa's death by gas in 1927 at her home in Paris left her friends wondering if it was an accident or suicide.
Artnet.com

Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven (German, 1874-1927). Cathedral, 1918

Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven (German, 1874-1927). Limbswish, ca. 1917-1918

Decorating with Junk

2010-08-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

image via JunkFest

image via Funky Junk

I've been busy painting the stairwell with 3 coats of paint (it's done now, thankfully, and it came out really well) so I was looking for stair runner images. I already know what I want, some kind of sisal or a stripe/print, so that's what I was hunting for. I love old signs, everyone else does too, most likely! That's why they're so hard to find. So you can just make your own on your stairs.

I came across this cool idea for a cart while I was at it. We found a cart something like this a couple months ago. Although I don't have that kind of time--mine will probably stay red and out in the garage!

Just a couple visuals on a Sunday afternoon. I'm glad I'm only thinking about doing stuff today.

Enlightened Steampunk

2010-08-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

images via The Steampunk Home

Just what I'm liking these days, industrial combined with a dash of whimsy!

The artist, Tanya Clarke, incorporates found objects, LED lights, hand sculpted glass drops and recycled plumbing and hardware to create Liquid Lights. A portion of the purchase price goes toward action and education on global water justice issues. You can see more of Tanya's work at Liquid Light.

Up to Us In

2010-08-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Up to Us, 16 1/2x 17x3", mixed media assemblage, 2010

Guess what? I've still got "it". I had a piece selected for an upcoming Biennial! I think I keep submitting to these juried shows so I can see if the juror (who Knows) will like anything, and if so, what. This particular work, Up to Us, is pretty meaningful to me on a personal level due to its concept, which is taking care of and respecting our planet. I was overjoyed about finishing it--it was a work in progress for probably a year!--and I think it taught me a lot. You would not have recognized it in its earlier stages (and there were many). Now that it's no longer on my "torment list" (pieces that don't want to get finished), I have even begun to like it. Why is it that some works come right out, bam bam bam and others are practically impossible? So I guess this really is a triumph.

Cooling Down with Fountains

2010-07-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

This might look to you like a random image, or maybe you thought I'm devolving into potty humor? In fact, it's the famous Mannekin Pis (little man urinating), the Brussels landmark. Although it's not widely known in the U.S., Belgians are renowned for their sense of humor. My daughter is in Brussels right now and she said that everyday the little man gets dressed up differently.

image via travelpod.com

Pyramids of Color

2010-07-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

While working on a website and reading blogs, I came across this image on a writer's blog. A while back, I needed to source an image like this for another site, but never did find what I needed. Then today, I found it out of the blue (no pun intended!).

I really really want to go to India to see their vivid colors so I wasn't surprised that this photo was taken at a market in Goa. All these pigments for sale. Although I do wonder about their toxicity...

If anybody reading this wants to share stories about favorite places in India, or living there, or anything to do with India at all, this is the time. Comment away!

photo from Wikimedia

Outdoor Art Fairs

2010-07-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

A Wing and a Wave, 2008, mixed media on found wood

Having counted on getting into an upcoming juried art festival, when I found out that I didn't it kicked my bum into getting a couple new places in one day to hang some art. What was I waiting for? So now I have 2 new local venues for getting some work out there. One is a very charming coffeehouse, Wild Rabbit Cafe. It's only ten minutes from my house--so convenient. The other one I'll find out about in a week or so.

I'm still thinking of applying to another juried festival coming up in October. It's sort of with a heavy heart though. I hope for great weather and lots of sales, but these things are obviously not guaranteed...grrrr

This festival has more traffic than the one that didn't want me (really?) so maybe it was all for the best. If I even apply, lazy me. Stay tuned. I'd love to hear what you think about art fairs/festivals, whatever you want to call them.

The Lovely Pipes

2010-07-18T15:24:00.001-07:00

Black aluminum vase from recycled pipe, 2010, Paula McCullough

If you're never been to PaulaArt's etsy shop, you are in for a treat! Besides a whole variety of vases made from reclaimed pipe, this talented artist has created candle holders and clocks from found materials like railroad fish tie plates and rusted railroad nuts.

I love these industrial and rustic materials used in sophisticated ways to showcase their wabi-sabi qualities. If you're into wood, you will not be disappointed, as Paula is offering a series of collectible assemblages from reclaimed pieces of redwood.

Check out Paula's blog too. She's inspiring!

p.s. That vase in the photo is MINE now! the precioussssss

New Work--at last!

2010-07-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

Scarification, 2010, 18x24"

Golden State, 2010, 18x24"

I finished these two a couple weeks ago. They're 3D collages on stretched canvas using paint, fabric and paper. Both are 18x24" even though they seem larger. And I really do wish they were larger...

I stopped working large when the economy went south, although that's where my real preference lies. Actually, I stopped making anything to hang on the wall and began working with assemblage, a choice which had nothing to do with sales/non-sales. It's just the direction I'm being pulled in right now.

Are any of your current formats or media choices linked to the soft art sales of our current times? Or do you not let it bother you, instead building up inventory for better times?

Buried Treasure

2010-07-15T08:51:00.006-07:00

It's time for Buried Treasure! Seth over at The Altered Page is doing a project that encourages bloggers to dig through their archives for lost nuggets that can then be reaccessed by readers looking through Seth's blog list post today.

Although my archives are easily perused as I've only been blogging since March, I've rooted around and come up with this post: Texturaphilia, if you want to see the original post.

I didn't do any cropping or fixing the lighting or color afterward, so these photos make me happy!

Camaieu

2010-07-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

Freshly picked!

Old farmhouse shutter

Heat loving baby birds

In the paintings from my not so distant past, I had a heavy hand with color--lots of it, and all at once. You really should now be marveling (yeah right) at my newly restrained notion of using color. Picking just a few colors actually makes sense to me now.

My new favorite color is blueberry--Payne's gray is another, so there could be some interesting things happening there, probably in painting my house interior. Not my favorite chore, but it's another of the delights of a hot, humid summer.

I found a shutter from a mid 1800's farmhouse today when we went blueberry picking. It has some really cool color layers and I hope I can turn it into something!

camaieu- image using shades of a single color

West Indian Market

2010-07-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

A comment on my texture post reminded me how fascinating markets can be as a source of inspiration. Thanks Cynthia! Back in the days when I was painting plein air watercolors, I did a series based on our local market. The Marigot market sold fish, fruit and vegetables, spices and handicrafts. The crafts were some cool stuff--among the usual tourist trappish merchandise you could find original jewelry, papier mache birds and animals and painted tin items.

"Farmer's market" conjures up such refined and safe images to me. I can tell you that this was not that kind of market! The vendors and shoppers were as fascinating and diverse as the wares. In order to take any pictures that could possibly include a West Indian person, you first had to cajole and charm to obtain permission . That usually failed and I was known to "sneak a shot and run", not that I recommend that heart stopping method. The residents of St. Martin, the island where we lived (as well as every other Caribbean island) are fiercely protective of their identity and do not take their self image lightly.

I was thinking about the ubiquitous Caribbean straw hats and totes painstakingly lined with rice bags as I worked on one of my 3D collages. I'm using sewn rice bags in my new work as a nod to my sewing roots and to Caribbean women (and men) and their craft work. They were elevating the materials long before it was popular in Chelsea galleries!

These images aren't that great (reference photos taken on the sly and scanned by non-expert scanner me) but they do give you the idea.

Shameless

2010-07-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am shameless. I'm going to ask you all to "like" me, if you don't already. Yes, you heard right--don't be shy, go right over to Facebook please and Like My Page!

Thanks ever so much!

Here's the link.

Orientation Poll

2010-07-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

Scarification, 18x24", mixed media collage on canvas, 2010

Scarification, 24x18", mixed media collage on canvas, 2010

Please let me know your opinion on which way you think this piece should be oriented. Horizontal (top version) or vertical (bottom version).

Now to finish its companion piece, which may or may not "go" with it.

Texturaphilia

2010-06-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

I used to love color.

I always will, but my new love is....texture. Is it a midlife thing, maybe? Gaining an appreciation for subtleties and nuances after rioting with saturated color as far back as I can remember. Whatever the reason, I'm always finding new surfaces to make me marvel.

What about you?

Another Nest

2010-06-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

It's Nature Week here at Collage Whirl! We are overrun by adorable little animals (baby bunnies, baby squirrels) and sweet birds like mourning doves and blue birds. The nest above is in a hanging plant basket that I have to water at least every other day or else the plant wilts. A couple days ago I began pouring the water when I realized that there was a nest where I usually water. That bird was quite a fast worker--she even laid four little pink speckled eggs, in one of those beautifully engineered nests with the opening on the side. It's sooo hot out there today, and I wonder how the poor bird is faring.

Heron Carter

2010-06-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

This little fellow was wandering forlornly around our house and garden last weekend. He had apparently been booted out of the noisy nest of herons across the creek. Since he seemed to be unable to make a sound, we joked that he was mute and had left home to escape his boisterous pterodactyl relatives. He was a gawky little baby who walked really slowly and could only fly a few feet at a time. He kept looking up into the trees to figure out where to roost for the night. My husband even had to herd him away from the road as he drifted aimlessly.

A couple days later when this picture was taken, he had taken refuge on the deck. It's a pretty amazing sight when a wild bird is sitting docilely right outside your back door. We didn't see him again for several days, until one morning, he was there-- in the marsh, striding along (sort of) with a fish in his beak! We knew it was him because he was so radiantly light colored and small compared to the usual herons who frequent our little bay. And he was having trouble swallowing the fish, just something our boy would do. We were lucky enough to witness his first attempts at learning how to do heron things--and the story has a happy ending.

What to Do with Driftwood

2010-06-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Surf's Up, encaustic and acrylic on driftwood, 19"x27", 2008

Paint on it, of course! After a trip to British Columbia where I loaded up on driftwood, I wanted to make a piece reminiscent of an old fence in a surfer's backyard.

Hook, 19"x4", 2008

More of the Canadian driftwood I found, along with a few other objects from various collectings-- fashioned into something more utilitarian--a hook. Just sayin'...

Rosalie Gascoigne

2010-06-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

Southerly Buster, 1995, retro-reflective roadsign on craftboard

Rosalie Gascoigne--an Australian sculptor who created assemblages from materials found in the outback.

watch her interview
more work here

image courtesy of www.sauer-thompson.com

Dreaming Down Under

2010-06-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Raby Bay, Australia

This house featured over at one of my favorite decor blogs, Absolutely Beautiful Things, is absolutely the stuff of my dreams. My mom used to tell people her youngest daughter (me) ran away to sea--I'd do it again in a heartbeat if this were my destination! I don't know why, but Australia seems like it is meant for me. I imagine a laid back lifestyle, sort of like Hawaii but with the advantages of a continent, like places to get home furnishings (a problem in Hawaii). Friendly people, unlimited surf spots, tropical fruit growing on trees, proximity to New Zealand, a vibrant arts scene... I've never been there but this is the way I picture it. That's why I like Australian blogs so much. Let me know how you like Oz if you're so lucky to have been there. If you want to see more photos of this gorgeous home, click here.

Weed In, Weed Out

2010-06-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

There's something calming about eliminating the invaders in a flower bed--weeding as meditation. I'll take serenity where I can get it. One caveat however. This is effective only where the weeds are few and surrounded by thriving plants, as you don't want this to seem like work. I couldn't do this for a living! And there's only one bed in my garden that provides me with the meditation high, akin to walking on a beach and collecting shells and interesting detritus to assemble for assemblage.

If only decision making in real life were as cut and dried as this. You know which one is the weed and you throw it on to the burn pile, never to intrude again.

What are your favorite delta wave inducing activities?

Openings are Fun?

2010-06-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

Aziletos #1 and #6, Terry Bachman

Landscape 2, Don Weaver

Landscape 1, Don Weaver

I finally made it down to Norfolk to see how my 2 assemblages were getting along in their group show. The opening was back in April, but I wasn't braving that bridge tunnel bottleneck on a Friday evening. Worst traffic situation I've ever seen and I'm a native Angeleno (that's L.A). Anyway, does inconvenience justify not attending an opening?

As for my sculptures, they were tastefully installed with works hanging nearby. I really liked these two mixed media pieces by Don Weaver and thought they were a good choice to install next to my work. Two assembled woodwork pieces by Terry Bachman also caught my eye.

Art as Battle

2010-06-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

Well, there's not much in the way of excuses as to why I've been so "lazy" about posting. Unless it's my usual condition--working full time running 3 other businesses besides my art one. Big confession-- I can't stand to hear art referred to as a hobby. I'm a lifer (so far) in the wannabe full-time artist arena. I don't want to be someone who can only make her art once she's safely retired. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not for me. I'd rather struggle with too many spinning plates until I can quit my day job.

On the sculpture side of life, I've been fighting the organizing battle again and this time I'm determined to win it. A harmonious studio is huge for getting on track, I've found, although my studio is currently completely out of sync with that ideal. This cute and freshly painted etagere is meant for sorting all the little parts I've been collecting for assemblage making. I will post a new pic when it's filled with the recycled phone packaging boxes I turn into mini-storage units. I'm pretty sure I don't have 24 though! My kids haven't gone through that many phones...yet.

Zippers

2010-05-21T14:06:00.001-07:00

These are inspiring me right now...

How True

2010-05-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

I thought this list I saw on Lenny Campello's blog was very well put.

Cardinal Mom

2010-05-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

There is a mother cardinal living in my rose trellis! She has the sweetest little nest with three beautiful speckled eggs in it. I feel sorry for disturbing her with my sneaky peeks--she flies away in a panic. I'm often tempted to check her on my way to the garage to finish up some projects. But if I stay behind the glass of the garage door, she doesn't mind at all.

A nest, how evocative of nurturing and maternal love. Right now I'm in a conceptual stage, thinking about what I want to do next, so maybe you'll see some nest related pieces from me here soon. Or not...but I really hope I start working again very soon.

At the Hirschhorn

2010-05-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday we popped up to DC for an afternoon of family museum fun. It was really hot out and the idea of an air conditioned building was irresistible. I had never been to the Hirshhorn(!)so I was pretty pleased.

In fact, the sculpture garden with its wonderful fountain was the best part of that particular visit. Because the Yves Klein show was being installed, we had to content ourselves with the permanent collection. I had an a-ha! moment when my daughter pointed something out--I don't like permanent collections either.

What I did love in the collection were the 4 magnificent Rothkos on the lower level. No photos allowed. And of course there was that amazing Lichtenstein sculpture "Brushstroke" at the museum entrance.

Follow Me, Hobbits

2010-05-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

Hey people, I now have google friend connect enabled, so please follow my blog. I promise it will get better!
p.s. have I just identified myself as a Lord of the Rings nerd?

Glorious Imperfection

2010-04-29T14:38:00.001-07:00

Wabi-sabi is a concept that you’ve probably encountered in some context, even if it wasn’t identified with its cool Japanese name. It’s the ancient Japanese art of seeing beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, rustic and primitive.

Wabi now connotes rustic simplicity, freshness or quietness, and can be applied to both natural and human-made objects, or understated elegance. It can also refer to quirks and anomalies arising from the process of construction, which add uniqueness and elegance to the object. Sabi is beauty or serenity that comes with age, when the life of the object and its impermanence are evidenced in its patina and wear, or in any visible repairs. (thanks wikipedia)

When I first became aware of wabi-sabi, I thought it summarized perfectly my fondness for “destructed” surfaces. Then I started seeing wabi-sabi mentioned a lot, mostly in the context of artwork. You know how it happens—once you’ve noticed something you see it everywhere! Anyone else fascinated by imperfection and character? I'd love to hear about it if you are.