Making Marks

ARTitude article

Suz at ARTitude has been a really wonderful supporter of my exploration of a variety of media and techniques. She's published my articles about everything from making polymer clay books to dyeing fabric. The current zine (she calls it that, but it's really more of a magazine now) has an article I wrote about how to make your own texture plates for making rubbings.

This technique is very similar to making gravestone rubbings. In this case, instead of using stone to make the design, I use skeleton leaves, stencil letters, hot glue drawn in designs onto a substrate, and hand carved stamps.

I really enjoyed making these rubbings for a couple of month. Then the intrigue faded. I've learned that many ideas catch my fancy for a limited time and then I'm off to something new. I think one reason is because I really enjoy learning something new.

Sashiko Dragonflies

The Japanese "country quilting" patterns, called sashiko, have always fascinated me. The elegant simplicity of the designs draws me in. Recently I found a book of patterns called The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook and my interest in sashiko was renewed.

I never have been able to finish a quilt. I've started many (friends have always finished them), but this time I decided to take the patterns and apply them to something I knew I could finish - a paper project. I used graph paper to freehand draw two quilting patterns and then used tracing paper to meld the line designs together.

This 4" x 5.25" design is for a notecard, and the cardstock for the background arrived from The Paper Source! Now for time to put the cards together. . .

9/29- These are now for sale in my ETSY shop.

I have two more designs ready: a flower pattern and a leaf pattern. I hope to have them printed and ready to sell at the Silverton Arts Association Card Show in December.

Signs of Autumn

These lovelies are along my daily walk with Scooter. When they first started out of the ground, they looked alien. I thought they would make interesting cone shapes for abstract paintings. All of the sudden there were not just one or two flowers but lots of  crocus flowers all along this property. What a great way to celebrate autumn!

Sometimes my mind works like this, too. Once I have one germ of an idea, it can multiply. All of the sudden I am almost overwhelmed with inspiration and it's difficult to know where to start.

Aqua Orbs

This print, "Aqua Orbs", has been difficult to photograph and capture the correct colors. So far, this is my best image.

"Aqua Orbs" is definitely related to my two other Gocco silk screen designs. The background design has been describes as an artifact, and I agree that these look a little like the product of postmodern civilization. The designs also remind me of cave drawings - simple shapes that can be interpreted in a variety of ways.

My next screen prints will be Japanese quilting inspired note cards. Stay tuned!

Celebrating On-line Store with a Drawing

Here's a thumbnail of "Purple Enclosure". See the whole image at my on-line store, where you can also buy my Gocco silk screen prints. I'll have another original print in the shop later this week.

For now, if you'd like to be in the drawing for number 5/20 of the "Purple Enclosure" series, please leave comment on this post today.

Thanks for stopping by.

(9/18) And Vanessa won the drawing for the print! I'll send you a private e-mail to get your address.

ETSY on-line shop open

I opened my ETSY shop today, and you can now buy "Blue Gestures" on-line! I will be posting my second print, "Purple Enclosure" and my third print, "Aqua Orbs" soon.

AND, I'll have another on-line reception give away here, on my blog on Monday. Looking forward to seeing you then!

Late Summer Treat

These sweet little cyclamen are growing in a neighbor's shady yard, and this is one of six or more clumps of flowers. I spotted them one morning while walking the dog.

I see a lot more of the cycles of nature in the few short months I've been walking the dog. I've appreciated the lavender, Shasta daisies, and hydrangea this year. Now some trees are starting to turn, including my favorite tree. It seems a little odd to have chosen one when our twice daily walk is full of trees, but I have a fondness for a certain maple. I'll take a picture when the colors are right.

I enjoy messing around in the studio. I like to paint from my imagination and see how patterns and colors work together, but this process is fueled by the rest of life, little treasures like cyclamen in my neighbor's yard.

Music and Painting

When it's my turn to mind Lunaria Gallery, I take in a case of some CD's to play, but I usually end up listening to Paul Simon's Negotiations and Love Songs over and over. I find it's excellent background music for me and the customers. Many people whistle or hum along.

One time at a gallery opening, I was talking with Lori Webb about what she was playing, Paul Simon's Graceland. I mentioned my habit of playing another of his CD's. She said that in her painting classes, they played Graceland repeatedly. There is something about the music that is universal and soothing without being repetitive.

What do you like to listen to when you create?

And The Winner Is. . .

Me! I really appreciate all of the comments and support family, friends and colleagues have given me for this show.  (This photo is one of the gallery walls showing how they hung KC's work and mine. It looks great!)

But the winner of my Gocco print, Blue Gestures, is Tammy! Congratulations! I've sent you an e-mail asking for your address.

Thank you to everyone who showed up in person and who wrote such kind comments.

My next reception will be when I open my ETSY shop in the next two weeks. I'll be giving away another Gocco print, Purple Enclosure. I'll give a preview and then announce it here, just like this reception.

Reception is Today

As promised earlier in the week, I'm inviting guests to leave a comment today (before midnight, Pacific Daylight time). I'll take the names, toss them in a hat, and choose a person. That person will win the artist's proof of my first Gocco print.

The on-line reception is in honor of my exhibit opening tonight at Lunaria Gallery. If you join us in person, you can also post a comment here and participate in the drawing.

Thanks for stopping by!