Friday, October 21, 2011

Nibblefest Art Contest: 'Still Life'....



"Green Pear" for this month's Nibblefest Art Contest (click for auction link)....

My entry for the October 2011 Nibblefest Art Contest (the theme this month being 'Still Life') features a single green pear rendered upon an 'upcycled', 3.5 x 4.5 wooden plaque. In addition to the vintage second-hand frames I tend to hoard (as mentioned in my previous blog entry), I also possess a collection of small wooden plaques that I've acquired second-hand through various means. To prepare these old plaques for painting I sand them and then cover them with overlapping scraps of paper in order to build up and create a new and textured surface upon which to paint (the textured surface lending depth and dimension to my paintings)...

I feel good about giving these old, unwanted items, typically headed for the landfill by the time they cross my path, second life in the creation of original art....

Monday, October 17, 2011

RedWood - by Patience for the 11th annual "Ripped Off" EBSQ Art Exhibit






'RedWood', my 2nd entry into EBSQ's 'Ripped Off' exhibit




I was able to finish and upload this 'Ripped Off" EBSQ show entry this past weekend -- a fun project and very enjoyable for the opportunity to partner up with my buddy, Tina Calderin. (Thanks, Tina!)...




Side View, demonstrating the painted frame....





My "RIPPED OFF"  inspiration:  "Wood Nymph", by Tina Cart





My accompanying artist's statement:


My partner for my second entry into this year's RIPPED-OFF exhibit was the wonderful pastel artist and painter, Tina Calderin, of GalleryT....

So many lovely pieces to choose from in Tina's EBSQ portfolio, but I finally decided upon her painting, 'Wood Nymph', to RIP, attracted as I was to her flowing, flaming hair and captivating blue eyes, but also to the intriguing way in which Tina painted a floral arched 'frame' as part of her painting's background...

I have recently begun painting almost exclusively on supports I create myself utilizing the old, salvaged wooden picture frames that cross my path from time to time (usually for free). I feel good about giving these unwanted homeless items a second life, not only because trees were cut down at some point to produce them, but also because by the time I get my hands on them they are usually destined for the landfill. The process of recycling these vintage frames into painting supports/canvases is a lengthy one, typically involving stabilizing the frames (which can be quite rickety), cutting thick paperboard to fit, securing it all and pasting and building up a painting surface with layers of overlapping scraps of paper. The end effect is a highly textured surface that adds dimension and depth to my paintings, complete with a built-in frame (onto which I often extend my painted images, incorporating the frames into the overall piece) into one cohesive, ready-to-hang whole....

Interpreting Tina's 'Wood Nymph', I used one of these hand-constructed, repuposed framed painting supports as my canvas, concentrating on her subject's beautiful hair color, cascading waves and serene expression, while including my own version of a painted floral frame using the same hues as Tina's (including her bold red background).....

Friday, October 14, 2011

EBSQ's 'Art of the Day'.....




Happy to say that EBSQ is back online and in working order, and...happy also to say that my piece, 'Sunny Scrimmage', was selected for today's EBSQ 'Art of the day'....! Thanks, EBSQ!



This is a fun piece because it was actually something I did many moons (suns?) ago. I had refurbished an old dresser I'd found free for the taking on the side of the road in our neighborhood -- we had just bought our new (to us) old house, and were in need of some bedroom furniture for my son. So I grabbed the freebie dresser, and immediately set about Upcycling-- fixing it up and painting it. My son was 8 at the time, and quite the soccer fan (still is), so I painted cheery bright soccer scenes all over it -- this being one of them. He loved it!

Well, needless to say, the dresser that was so cool when he was 8 ceased to be quite so much when he entered his teen years -- but what were we going to do? Paint over all my hard work??? Nahhhh. Happily my son is pretty good natured, and managed to put up with it in his room these 10 years....and who knows? Perhaps it can be something to pass along to his own kiddos in years (many long years!) to come....

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

EBSQ Servers Down....

Just a note to any who might be wondering, it seems that the online art community/site, EBSQ, is currently down due to server issues. The problem is temporary, but my portfolio there (along with those of all other EBSQ artists) is inaccessible at the moment while EBSQ conducts data recovery. In any case I'm sure all will be back to business as usual soon....

Thursday, September 22, 2011

September Nibblefest Art Contest: "Ode To Blue"



"Blue Moon Guardian", my 9" x 12' original entry for this month's Nibblefest Art Contest



What a week! We've had contractors crawling around here for days doing extensive and much-needed insulation work on our ramshackle, century-old home. Lots of noise, fuss and muss, inside AND out -- though all of it should prove very worthwhile once we start seeing what we hope will be significantly lower energy/heating bills this winter, brrrrr. It's always been so bone-chillingly frigid in here during the cold months that I suppose I'll only truly believe it when I actually see it (and FEEL it!). Which ought not be too long now, hard as it is to believe that we are actually at the official first day of Autumn....

Something else that we are currently at right now, is yet another round of the fun and fabulous Nibblefest Art Contest...! The theme for September is 'Ode to Blue'. Well, needless to say, I adore the color blue, so in spite of all the commotion around here I did manage to come up with a NFAC entry. I was in the mood to do something whimsical and fun -- plus for once I actually entered a larger painting this time around, as opposed to my customary ACEO's (click for link to my entry auction)...

My auction description:

A tribute to one of my favorite colors, this unframed ORIGINAL was painted in acrylics on 9" x 12" canvas sheet, and features a lovely whimsical creature, perched on a branch and cuddling her infant under the watchful, trustworthy gaze of a friendly and smiling, blue crescent Moon....

For further information regarding the Nibblefest Art Contest (NFAC), I highly recommend reading this really good blog post about it, hot off the Wordpress press as written by my friend and fellow artist/blogger/Nibbler, Sherry Skey (check it out here)....

Happy Nibbling, Everyone...!

.

Monday, September 12, 2011

EBSQ's "Ripped Off' Exhbit



ACEO: "Blue Blaze" by Patience


I participated in a fun annual, themed EBSQ exhibit last month, known as the 'Ripped Off' show. To participate, members partner up with one another, choosing from amongst each other's portfolios a piece with which to use as inspiration to create a new, original work of art -- or in other words, a piece to 'rip off', but with express permission of course! (read the prospectus of the show here). I was invited to pair up with the wonderful nature artist, Amanda Makepeace. Agreeing to create ACEO's, the above is what I came up with, based on her painting of a blue bird entitled 'Resplendent Blue'). The following is my artist statement;

.....My partner for this year's EBSQ 'Ripped Off' show challenge was the wonderful nature artist, Amanda Makepeace. It wasn't easy choosing among her many lovely portfolio pieces, but finally I settled upon her watercolor painting, 'Resplendent Blue'.....

As a bird lover, having my own little pet cockatiel for over half my life now, I was attracted to the avian subject matter, in addition to the striking color. I also admired Amanda's simple, understated, and elegant composition, as anyone familiar with my artistic style knows I myself tend toward detail (and often lots of it). Thus I thought it a good personal exercise to attempt her more subtle approach with a simple, unadorned background. Unlike Amanda's bluebird, painted with watercolors in mid-flight with outstretched wings, mine is painted in acrylics looking over its shoulder in a relaxed, perched position -- the same posture that regularly greets me within my own pet cockatiel, every single day.....


All very much fun, and a big thanks to Amanda for teaming up with me! To see her own take on one of my pieces, go here -- she 'ripped off' my 'DragonFly Moon'. I love what she came up with, and because we traded, I am now privileged to possess a beautiful, original work of art by Amanda Makepeace...!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Nibblefest!



"ACEO, Pear Share" (click for auction link)


We are in the month of August. Really??? Seriously how can it already be August, much less the 20th of August? And yet so it is, which can mean only one thing (besides my Mother-in-law's birthday today)...Nibblefest Art Contest!

The contest theme for this month was 'Farm'. Well for whatever reason I didn't think I was particularly inspired by the theme, and consequently stalled and stalled -- and yet when I finally did settle down to work (at the 11th hour), it all came together quite nicely and quickly in spite of myself, and I ended up liking and enjoying what I came up with (will I never learn?). In any case, here is my entry/auction description:

"....A family friend has a wee hobby farm, complete with a small orchard. Every autumn I am invited to head out to the farmstead to pick as many fresh apples and pears as I can manage. With the bounty I prepare homemade sauce and pie filling, canning and freezing up a storm, as well as filling up my dehydrator with batch upon batch of sliced apples, all to enjoy throughout the rest of the year. And so I brace myself -- the harvest season is nearly upon us once again...."

Next month's (September) Nibblefest Art Contest theme is to be 'Ode to Blue'. Interesting enough (-- and perhaps for once I could actually attempt to get my entry done ahead of time...?).....

Thursday, July 21, 2011

The Nibblefest Art Contest Rolls Around Again....




An ACEO entitled, 'Catch a Falling Star', the theme for July being "Imaginary Creatures' (click for auction link)...



Nibblefest Time! For those not in the know, the Nibblefest Art Contest (or, NFAC) is a fun and friendly, themed monthly art competition, hosted via ebay. All entries must pertain to the theme somehow, AND be listed with a starting bid of .99 cents. My entry for this month is an ACEO featuring a young woman who, to her surprise and delight, has been lucky enough to catch a fallen star.... (To see all of this month's lovely themed Nibblefest entries, click here)...

Thursday, June 30, 2011

EBSQ's 'Art of the Day'.....


Screenshot of my 'Pottery Wheel' as EBSQ's 'Art of the Day'.....

What a nice surprise! I woke up this morning to see that my recent little ACEO, 'The Pottery Wheel' was selected to be featured on the front page of the artist community, EBSQ, as their 'Art of the Day' today -- how lovely! (Apparently the theme for this week's 'Art of the Day' is the nouveau classic quote by Forest Gump: "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna to get.") Well, it always makes me feel a little like a 'Queen for the Day' to be featured as the 'Art of the Day'. Thanks, EBSQ...!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Nibblefest Art Contest for June: 'Things WIth Wheels'




My ACEO entry, entitled 'The Pottery Wheel'....(click for auction link)

I had fun with this month's Nibblefest Art Contest* theme, 'Things With Wheels'. One of the first things to pop into my head upon thinking of 'Wheels', was the art of pottery and the pottery wheel. I've had limited experience with the technique myself -- but my daughter will be taking a pottery class later this summer, and I'm looking very much forward to seeing what treasures she brings home....


(*Nibblefest is a monthly themed Ebay art contest that begins on the 20th of each month, with all entries starting at a mere .99 cents).....

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

'Frida Bohemia'



'Longings from Beyond', my entry into the Bohemia Beer 'Kahlo Challenge'....


Yet another art contest!

Guess I've been on a bit of a contest roll lately, but I can't help it -- I do so adore participating in these things. I just find the deadlines and the general structure of competitions and shows so personally helpful and inspiring. Well, provided that there is at least a somewhat motivating theme or prospectus to work off of that is. But even still I'm really not that fussy, and am usually willing to try my hand at just about anything. Thus you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled across the 'Kahlo Challenge' as sponsored by Bohemia Beer, what with its particularly personally appealing theme (I mean Frida! Kahlo!). From the moment I heard about it, it felt like something that I could really sink my teeth into -- so how could I possibly resist?

The point of this challenge was to take inspiration from the artwork by the great Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo (without violating copyright!), all while incorporating positive reflections and imagery of the Bohemian Beer brand. Yes, very commercial in nature -- but all just part o' the fun....

My accompanying artist statement:

For my entry, I found myself inspired by Frida Kahlo's many iconic and enigmatic self-portraits. Painted on an 18" x 24" salvaged vintage canvas panel I prepared and hand-embellished with layers of paper for maximum texture and effect, I set about to create a personal tribute portrait of the Lady herself. One of Mexico's most esteemed daughters, she wears the colors of the Mexican flag. Her jewelery reflects the rich amber tones of the brewed beverage. The offering of fruit below the portrait is a nod to Frida's work in the still life genre -- I included watermelon, as well as a lemon, to reflect both the sweet and bitter nature of Frida's troubled yet full and passionate life. Included is an opulent rendering of a bottle of delectable Bohemia Beer, so appealing and refreshing in appearance it has caught even Frida's eye...!

Monday, June 6, 2011

"Little Blue Dress" for EBSQ's 'Mid-Century Modern Chic' Show



My Entry for the "Mid Century Modern Chic" Show (click for link to the show)


As per my personal moratorium against buying any new art supplies for as long as I can hold out, I've been creating/constructing my own painting supports recently, in lieu of retail purchasing of pre-stretched/wrapped canvas or canvas panels, et al. In some of these instances I've been able to incorporate a frame into the piece as an overall 'element' -- which serves two purposes really...., that being (1.) to make the painting ready-to-hang and 'finished' in appearance, But also... (2.) to utilize an old. salvaged, homeless frame, that no one actually wants, but at some point a tree was cut down for, and which would likely only add to our present national waste-stream if a use for it weren't somehow fandangled. Such was the case for this little piece I recently conjured up....:



My accompanying artist statement:

"Little Blue Dress".....

Back in the day, in the '80's when I was in high school, my girlfriends and I developed a penchant for vintage clothing. We would often comb thrift stores and garage sales, searching for particularly good specimens, and showing off our precious scores. I can well recall one dress in particular, that I estimated to be from the late 50's/early 60's, which I felt incredibly lucky to have stumbled across by chance at a rummage sale, and dearly loved. Baby blue, with a sweetheart neckline, a full skirt and wide white sash -- this is my homage to an elegant Mid-Century dress I once thrifted, wore, and adored...., and which has long since been lost.....

Painted in acrylics on a hand-fashioned canvas-panel I constructed myself with salvaged materials, and with a built-in frame incorporated into the painting as part of the overall piece......

Thursday, June 2, 2011

EBSQ May Show Entry: "The Salt in Sugar: A Portrait of Shug Avery".....




'The Salt in Sugar', My Entry for the EBSQ "Alice Walker" Exhibit.


I recently entered the 'Alice Walker' show on EBSQ.com, with a piece I painted and titled 'The Salt in Sugar: A Portrait of Shug Avery' (click here for a link to the show, and here for a link to my entry)....

The following is my my artist statement:

When I first learned the theme for this particular exhibit, I knew immediately from which Alice Walker's renown and respected works I wanted to draw my inspiration....

I read 'The Color Purple' in college, and can still well recall, even now decades later, the strong impressions it made upon me at the time. The tale, with its sweeping narrative, rich characterization and intimate portrayal of African American womanhood in the Depression-era rural south, truly made me appreciative of the insights into a world so very different from my own, and within a few pages I found myself absorbed. Particularly engrossing to me was the fiery character of Shug Avery, a passionate free-spirit and non-conformist who refused to submit to the social conventions, limitations and rules set upon her sex and race by the culture into which she was born. A sassy, sultry blues singer, Shug, with her confidence, glamor, pride and unwillingness to suffer fools gladly, represents freedom and empowerment to her friend, Celie -- Shug's shy, insecure and long-suffering counterpoint. Though Celie and Shug's relationship gets off to an initial rocky start thanks to Shug's jealousy, with Shug eventually offering Celie the excuse of "That's just the salt in Sugar..." for her previously rude behavior, in time the two become inextricably linked together, and create a bond so long-lasting and strong it builds Celie's self-worth, giving her a precious sense of identity, and in turn allowing her to liberate herself from an unhappy existence of chronic mistreatment, oppression and pain.

For my entry, I wished to create a portrait of Shug Avery to truly express the many complexities of her most extraordinary character. Celie is first introduced to Shug via a photograph advertising an upcoming blues gig -- a portrait of Shug that both compels and fascinates Celie long before they actually meet. I imagine a creased, vintage, hand-colored, black-and-white publicity still, tattered and torn but chock-full of the jazz-age glamor of the time, complete with an expression and style for the fictional Shug to boldly reflect her complicated nature and conflicting personality traits. This is my attempt to represent her in all her glory of confidence, pride, beauty, strength, sexuality, temper, humor, intelligence, irreverence, compassion, and loving selfishness.....

--Painted in acrylics on an 8 x 10 Paper Canvas-Panel I constructed myself, with built-up overlapping layers of paper for a highly textured and dimensional effect....

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Nibblefest Art Contest (NFAC): 'City Music'




My NFAC aceo entry, 'City Music'....(clicky)



The 20th of the month was several days ago, and that can only mean one thing...: The Nibblefest Art Contest!

It's amazing just how quickly this monthly event can roll around, and May was no exception. Although I can't really say the contest sneaked (snuck?) up on me this time (as usually happens), since I was fully aware of the loooooming deadline. It wasn't so much 'sneaky' this time around, as much as it was 'tricksy'. The theme for this month, 'Village or Townscape', really had me dragging my feet for the longest time. I just didn't think I was particularly inspired (blah), and in fact was rather tempted to possibly just sit this one out. That is, until I finally forced myself to settle down at the 11th hour and come up with Something, when to my surprise an idea just sort of painted itself as I reflected upon town/city life.....

The following is my listing description:

"This ACEO entry for May's Nibblefest Art Contest (NFAC) (the theme being 'Village or Townscape') features a busker on a bridge, with the view of a cityscape behind her.....

Having lived in the megalopolis of Chicago for several years, one of the things I remember fondly about city life were the snatches of music I would encounter in the subway or on the sidewalks by the buskers -- those street musicians known for setting up little corners for themselves and performing for donations by passersby. The music was always something I could appreciate, especially upon negotiating my way home from a long day of work downtown -- and I always tried to give a little something in return, if even only a few pieces of change from deep within my pockets....".

Friday, May 13, 2011

ACEO, "Bossy Blossom", Nomination for 'Most Unique' Award



"Bossy Blossom"

It was a nice surprise to learn that the second of my two ACEO entries into this month's ACEO Group 'Theme Week' art contest, the theme for May being 'Flowers', has been nominated by my peers for the 'Most Unique' award! Good luck to all my fellow nominees...voting is happening now -- Fingers crossed!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

ACEO Group Theme Week Contest, for May



My ACEO painting, "Frida's Flora' (click for auction listing)

Here we have my ACEO entry for the monthly ACEO Group 'Theme Week' Art Contest, the theme for May being 'Flowers'. With a theme such as that (and so suitable for this time of year --- ahhhh, Spring! Finally!), I had to think of a person who surely adored flowers in all their forms and glory just as much as I do. "Frida's Flora' features that ever-inspiring and passionately iconic artist, with flowers in her trademark uniquely-dressed hair....

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

New 'Nibblefest Art Contest' Facebook Page




Finally! The Nibblefest Art Contest now has its very own Facebook fan page! We're hoping it can become a wee little, centralized Nibblefest 'hub', for artists, fans and spectators alike -- so please consider stopping on over and giving it a 'Like' (the link can be found here...).

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Pencil Portraits




Sketchbook Pencil Portrait


I teach a small art class for middle-grade children, and have a fun and entertaining deal going on with my students right now. If they each bring me their sketchbooks, and a photograph of themselves, I will take their sketchbooks home with me, and return them with a completed, personalized pencil portrait of their photos. It's a fun exercise and good practice for me, plus it always goes over really well with the kids. My main aim is to provide an example, and to encourage them in the ongoing use of their sketchbooks -- but in doing so I'm hoping also to create a nice lasting keepsake for them.....

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Nibblefest Art Contest: 'Carnivale'



My ACEO entry, 'Carnivale' (click for link)....



Yet another bout of the Nibblefest Art Contest rolls around! It does have a way of doing that. And yet somehow, despite the fact it always begins on the 20th each and every month, and I participate on a regular basis, the deadline for this thing STILL has a pesky way of sneaking up on me. Every. Single. Time. Nevertheless, I did manage to get all my entries completed and entered in a timely manner this evening for this month's contest (the theme for April being 'Dragon'), including the above ACEO, entitled 'Carnivale'....(and as you can see, I took a more liberal/less literal approach to the Theme with my entries this time around)...

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Breast Cancer Series:  10 x 10 'Birds of a Feather"

Here we have the 4th painting of my Breast Cancer Series.  In keeping with the bird theme, it's entitled 'Birds of a Feather', as with that old saying: "Birds of a feather, flock together...".  Oh, how I realized this to be true as I myself was diagnosed and undergoing breast cancer treatment.  I found myself really reaching out and wanting to connect with others who understood what I was going through, and so appreciated the support I found in fellow survivors who had gone or were undergoing through similar circumstances.  It was really wonderful to be able to ask questions and compare notes with these compassionate women.  And I feel very privileged that I was able to tap into such a helpful and supportive network (an affiliate of the YSC (Young Survivor's Coalition),  an organization with which I am still active and involved today.   

Saturday, April 2, 2011

ACEO Theme Week Art Contest for April



ACEO: 'Welcome to Narnia' (click for auction link)



My entry for this month's ACEO Theme Week Art Contest, the theme for April being 'Doorways'. It's titled 'Welcome to Narnia', and features that magical old Wardrobe, with wee, little 'doors' that actually 'open' to reveal the white, wintry world of Narnia beyond...!:





Behold, Narnia -- Complete With Beckoning Lamppost...!


I was a hopeless bookworm as a child. There was little I adored more than devouring tall stacks of books checked out from the library, reading for hours at a strestch in pleasant, peaceful solitude (often in my own treehouse). As such I can well recall plowing through the "Chronicles of Narnia" series, by C.S. Lewis, in pretty short order, somewhere around the 6th grade. 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe' was my favorite -- with the idea of the old cupboard in the big rambling house offering a portal into a fantastical land of talking animals, a wicked ice queen, and perpetual Winter (and yes, I have seen the films -- but still prefer the books!) piquing my youthful imagination. I suppose that's why the idea for this entry popped into my head as it did, and turned out to be so effortless to execute (even though ACEO's can be pretty small to work with ;-). In any case, I was very glad I managed to participate in the ACEO Theme Week contest this time around -- since I got busy and missed last month's TW deadline (Theme Week always beginning the first of every month)....

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Another Treasury!



ACEO Portrait of Edgar Allen Poe, as featured in this EBSQ Team Sampler Treasury (click for link)


Yet another pleasant surprise today! Delighted to find my wee little Poe portrait being included in this fine Etsy Treasury featuring fellow EBSQ artists as created by Theodora Demetriades.

It feels especially timely for me too, as it was only two days ago that I was coincidentally reading what must be my most favorite E. Allen Poe short story aloud to a small group of high school-age literature students. I adore reading aloud anyway, but being able to interpret my favorite Poe tale, 'The Cask of Amontillado', all while adding my own personal touches of light drama and pregnant pauses, to a receptive and accommodating audience was especially fun! There's just something about that particular potboiler, clever and moody character study that it is, complete with foreshadowing, foreboding, macabre humor, reverse psychology, suspense, irony, treachery, and of course the requisite creepily gothy and angst-ridden Poe ending, that has stuck with me all these long years after first reading it when I must have been around their age. In any case, just my little homage to that masterful, classic American poet and storyteller, and honored to have it featured in this way -- thank you, Theodora.....!

Monday, March 28, 2011

"Spring"







Ahhhhh, Spring....

And indeed yes, it truly IS Spring, though the recent chilly temps we've been enduring currently here in Illinois would surely have ANYONE believing otherwise (teeth chattering as I type). Regardless, I was delightfully surprised this morning to discover my little "Spring" ACEO above was featured in today's 'Must Have Monday" collection via the EBSQ blog -- thanks EBSQ...! (click for link) (My ONLY regret is not having a more accurate picture of it -- it's not at all as washed out in person as it appears here. Why oh why is it just SO difficult to get accurate/decent images for the web??? Oy...!).

Sunday, March 27, 2011

March 2011 Nibblefest Art Contest: "Cube-y Ruby"



ACEO: "Cube-y Ruby" (click for auction link)





Yet another Nibblefest Art Contest rolls around (and ending today actually -- need to be more timely in my blog updates!)..., the theme for this month being 'Abstract'.

As much as I look forward to participating in this contest (every single) month, I do have to admit the theme of this one in particular had me dragging my feet ever just a little wee bit. It's not that I don't like abstract art -- I do, highly. Still, while I've personally dabbled in the genre over the years I guess it had been awhile, because I just wasn't sure at first exactly how I wanted to approach this theme. Ultimately I decided to try taking a stab at a few historic styles in Abstractionism, including Cubism -- and lo! In spite of myself I ended up enjoying my projects this time around far more than I was initially anticipating. So much so in fact I'm tempted to try my hand at more like this -- overall a good challenge for me and I do appreciate the mental exercise of breaking down a subject into its basic components of line, color and shape....

At any rate, here's my auction description (and I do wish you could see her in person -- this flat scan just really doesn't do her justice):

"Cube-y Ruby"

One of my ACEO entries for this month's Nibblefest Art Contest (NFAC), the theme for March being 'Abstract'.

Anyone even remotely familiar with my artwork will recognize this is a radical departure from my usual style...! When reflecting upon this month's theme, I thought about the various historical styles of Abstract art, and decided for fun to try my hand at a few of them. Using a portrait format (of a woman named 'Ruby'), this is my own personal interpretation of Cubism (the style often associated with the classic master, Picasso). It was very much an experiment for me, but I liked it...! (note the original is much more colorful and defined in person than demonstrated in this flat scan).....

Unique and one-of-a-kind, 'Life 'Cubey Ruby' would make a lovely addition to any ACEO art collection ....

ACEO's (or Art Cards, Editions and Originals) are small works of art that always come in 2.5" x 3.5" size (the same size as standard sports trading cards). ACEO's are fun to trade and make lovely gifts. They allow for the collecting of original artwork to be accessible by anyone.


....Nibblest is a monthly, themed art contest which begins on the 20th of each month. To see more fabulous art entries starting at a mere .99 cents, please search NFAC....

Saturday, March 12, 2011

'Statue of Liberty' Commission Revisited , Part II: Adventures in Crating and Shipping....

Lady Liberty Hits the Road....



So the day I finally wrapped up my big Statue of Liberty project last summer was a giddy one indeed -- except that it was actually as of yet only PART of the whole story. She still needed to somehow make her merry way across the country, safely and intact, on an epic journey of 2,000 miles in order to be united with her new owner on the west coast. Being 8 feet tall (minus her two-feet of ever-practical detachable arm) this was going to be no minor feat....

Calling around, I'd already established connections with a suitable shipping company I wanted to work with. Once a few logistics were worked out, I needed to think about contructing for her a strong, sturdy container in which to travel. I was warned multiple times by my shipping rep that she needed to be as carefully packaged as possible, for the long trip was bound to be a rough one. Not wanting any 'mishaps', I took that to heart. Thankfully my teenage son was home at the time, and willing and able to help, designing and putting together for me a large, sturdy, handy-dandy and highly serviceable wooden crate.....


(Wooden Crate: 8'-6" x 4' x 4'-6". And heavy as heck!)



Once everything was all set up and ready to go, it was time to schedule a delivery date. I admit the day of her pick-up from our house by the shipping company last October was a nerve-wracking one, for it was a matter of getting her well situated within her crate as securely as possible (and all the while just sort of figuring out exactly how to go about that as we went along)...

I'd begun by wrapping her up like a mummy in packing material that I'd been saving/hoarding, as well as any number of old sheets and plastic tarps, and taping it all securely in place. Then, with the help of my husband and daughter, we were able to schlep her outside and position her within the box, tying her snugly in with taut clothesline so that there would be little risk of her rattling around in there, while at the same time bolting her base to one the end of the crate with wood screws. With these measures in place, there was no way she would be flopping about very easily, regardless of how roughly or carelessly she might be handled along the way:



Well, needless to say the whole shebang was REALLY quite heavy -- between the Statue and her weighty wooden sarcophagus, the entire kitn'kaboodle had to be well over 400 pounds....:



But, finally she was ready, all properly tucked in and secure within her big box, so we could attach the remaining side of the crate on with a network of wood screws:



She was ready to hit the road, and in fine style. By now it was only a matter of waiting for the truck to show up at our house, which it did, eventually, much later in the afternoon (as in, MUCH later -- all I can say is, thank goodness it was a dry, sunshiny day!)....

Once the truck pulled up, and the trucker and I exchanged our various paperwork, we found wheeling the thing down my (gravel) driveway toward the semi not the easiest task -- but between the trucker, his little power-dolly thingie, and myself, we managed to roll her (if awkwardly) out into the street:


(Mister poor trucking guy is behind there somewhere).......



With the trucker then getting her up into the truck bed:

(Thank goodness for the hydraulic lift on the back!)



And with that? Away she went, on to her new west coast home, and much to my extreme relief....!




So while the whole entire project may have taken a few years off my life, heh, I'm so glad and grateful to have had the opportunity to be involved in such a fun challenge, and very much appreciate the experience. So long, my Lady...!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Breast Cancer Series: "Plumage".....



Breast Cancer Series: "Plumage"....


Yesterday my family received the extremely unhappy news that my husband's aunt, who has battled breast cancer in the last few years, is now to be receiving hospice care. The last time I saw her, a little over a year ago perhaps, was when her family was visiting from several states away, and she was ostensibly in remission, while I myself was still actively in treatment, somewhere between chemo and radiation. I recall how we compared notes, in that way that cancer patients/'survivors' (not crazy about this term personally -- wish there was any other..., but what to use?) when they meet up are apt to do. She was glad at the time to have it all seemingly behind her. It's quite terrible sometimes how quickly things can change. Her teenage son is exactly one month younger than my own....

It all serves to remind me how I have had occasion and privilege to meet so many women living with cancer by now (and so many of them young and relatively young), along the way in my own cancer journey -- and each and every one of them with their own stories to tell. In this piece, the third in my Breast Cancer Series, I think I tried in a way to symbolize them all.....

The title, "Plumage", as per my ongoing 'bird' theme, refers to the often colorful, patterned, and artfully tied headscarves worn by women during active treatment. Although I myself frequently preferred personally to just go 'au naturelle' in my chemo-induced hairlessness (it was summer at the time, and hot), I still wore my share of hats and scarves, amassing quite a collection of them (many made and given to me by friends). I always admired the women who could manage to sport theirs with real style and flair. As for myself, the pretty-but-silky scarves often slipped around on my naked scalp, or were tight, or uncomfortably hot -- so sometimes just going without anything at all seemed the easiest and most comfortable and practical solution to me. Thus, during my bald phase, I ran around 'natural' in large cities and small towns and everywhere in between, yet never with any undue attention. In fact barely anyone even batted an eye -- I do believe everyone's seen it all these days (or at least has had enough friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, etc, go through cancer treatment to understand what's going on). However, while I myself felt practically liberated by my own state of baldness, I certainly can empathize with my fellow cancer patients who choose instead to remain covered up, with their very own manner of 'plumage'......

Sunday, March 6, 2011

'Statue of Liberty' Commission, Revisited...(Part I)....



My 'Statue of Liberty' replica, in all her 10 feet of meticulous (and near-insanity producing) papier-mache Glory...


Ya know....? Looking over my blog archives here, I realized I never did post the very final-FINAL, finished photos of my epic 'Statue of Liberty' papier mache commission from last fall. To be honest, I think once it was finally completed and out of my hair, I might have been a little PTSD about the whole thing, despite how much I really did enjoy both the project, as well as the challenge (because I always ALWAYS do love me a Challenge). Now that several months have passed however, giving me some distance, I think I can safely revisit those last several weeks of the project, the finishing of her and the shipping of her (an adventure of epic proportions in and of itself) without seeing spots swim before my eyes, heh....

So, onward to some pics (from 10/2010). Behold, 'Miss Liberty':

Side View (noting the ever-practical Detachable Arm):




Back View (Plus does not my October yard look here like the most verdant of green jungles? Oh Spring, we're a'waitin' on ya...!):




And, for Size Reference: (thanks here to our good buddy, Alexandra, for modeling):



Indeed, m'lady came quite a long way from THIS, eh? Pretty humble beginnings I must say -- not to mention I surely had my moments of frustration and doubt along the way, but whew, it all came together in the end....

(And please stay tuned for Part II, '(Harrowing) Adventures in Crating and Shipping', coming soon....!)

Friday, February 25, 2011

Etsy Treasury



"Think Spring...."(clicky)


Yay! Thrilled to be included in the above Etsy Treasury...! Thanks, Windi!

Nibblefest Art Contest: "Life On Mars (Sunken Dream)"





Nibblefest Art Contest on eBay: ACEO "Life on Mars (Sunken Dream)" (clicky for link)

One of three ACEO entries by me for this month's Nibblefest Art Contest (NFAC), the theme for February being 'Dreams'.....

When reflecting upon this month's theme, the first things that came to mind were favorite songs of mine that happen to have the word 'Dream' in their lyrics. I thought long and hard about all the tunes I know and cherish from a lifetime of listening that feature the word 'dream' -- a surprising number to choose from as song after song popped into my head. So many in fact that I found it very difficult to narrow them down to a mere three -- though in the end, after much deliberation, I finally managed to whittle the list. As such, one song that I have always loved, but also been a little haunted by, with its intriguing poetic lyricism, soaring vocals and swirling orchestral, is David Bowie's 'Life on Mars', about a lonely, unhappy girl who attempts (unsuccessfully) to find solace and escape from her difficult life through the watching of films (and I know I had to have spent many long HOURS listening (and pondering) this classic tune as a pensive and moody middle-teen):

".....But a friend is nowhere to be seen.
Now she walks through her sunken dream
to the seat with the clearest view,
and she's hooked to the silver screen...... "

So here we see her, 'the girl with the mousy hair', as she sits alone in the darkened theatre, enduring yet another nonsensical movie that says nothing to her about her life....



.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Breast Cancer Series: "A Little Bird Told Me...."




A Little Bird Told Me....


This piece, the 2nd in my Breast Cancer Series (as painted for the art show of a local breast cancer symposium in which I was invited to participate a few months ago) reflects upon the rumor circle that reverberates through one's community, and even beyond, on the news and collective realization of one's cancer diagnosis. While typically the old saying "A little bird told me' traditionally suggests tidings of positive circumstances to celebrate, this little bird brings news of a decidedly different nature....


.