Printmaking

Hey all here is another update. I've gotten caught up from the two separate weekends in Mendocino. Although they were weeks apart I finally put all the stuff back where it goes. At least in the correct room.

I am new to printmaking with only the last year under my belt in any sort of work. However on my last trip to Mendocino I took a workshop at the Mendocino Art Center (MAC) on photopolymer etching. I love this stuff. You have a steel plate covered in photopolymer coating and expose it to ultra violet light. We used a box at the workshop with tanning bed lights I think; however at home I used the SUN. Absolutely the Coolest!

For the process you create a transfer much like a negative; however what is black is black and what is white is white. Opposite of what a negative is in reality. I created mine on an overhead transparency. The ones they still use in some classrooms that are not completely digital.

At the workshop I came un-prepared (that is another story) and I created a very simple ink wash to learn the process. I copied the drawing onto the overheard transparency on the copy machine in the office.

Here is a picture of the drawing as well as the transparency, the plate, and the print.




By using the ink drawing I was experimenting with keeping the middle values in the drawing and it worked very well. I also did a print from a photograph of a shed door. You get a great deal of detail with this process. Here is a picture of the shed print.
Over the weekend I etched a plate unsing the sun in my back yard. I will take pictures and post soon. If you are thinking about taking a workshop in photopolymer etching I highly reccomend it.

Second Sunday

Today is Sunday and a week into the month of August. My goal is to post once a month. I exceeded that last month so we will see for this month.

August started out with a bang. My daughter Bethany came to visit for a week. I haven’t seen her in a year and half but we talk on the phone several times a week. It has been three years since my two daughters have been together and I must say it was an excellent week. No arguments and we spent many great hours the three of us together.

Bethany flew in on Friday the 31^st and I picked her up at the airport and we left for the North Bay. I dropped her off at her aunts in Sea Ranch and I went up to Mendocino for a workshop in photo polymer etching. It was a great weekend and I spent some time with my ex-sister in law on the way back down to Sacramento.

My younger daughter Lacey took four days off and the two girls hung out together. I t was an excellent week for all. But most importantly I have two beautiful daughters that I love a great deal and spent the last week with them. Life does not get any better.

Next post will be about the workshop. I loved it and plan to do more print making using this technique.

My goal was to update my blog at least once a month and I find now maybe once a week is doable. I will wait and see. I am not changing the goal as yet; but may exceed it.

Since my last blog I spent a long weekend in Mendocino with my Swell Sisters. It was our summer retreat. Retreat is an interesting word and I may have thought that the weekend would be spent together discussing or collaborating on art. However I think retreat to the others meant to to just get away with women friends.

I discovered at this weekend that I may be in the wrong woman's group. Not because the women are not wonderful and accepting: they truly are very accepting. It is because they are so much younger than I am. Most are in their thirties and forties and I am in my sixties. Once we move beyond art as a topic or interest I am lost. Perhaps it is me and I am feeling my age.

I think we go a long time and don't think about our age even though we look in the mirror everyday. Then we are in a situation and it hits us in the face. I am not ready to drop out of the group; but perhaps limit my participation.

Enough thinking. Mendocino is beautiful. If I could move there tomorrow I would. I like the coolness of the day and the big fire at night. (no heat in the 1850's house) Interestingly I had never been to Mendocino until June 20th when I went to the Art Center there for a workshop. I am going again the first weekend in August for a workshop. Three visits in three months. Maybe that is a sign.

Saturday

Today is Saturday and of course I am off work. I word for the state and will be furloughing two days a month starting next month. We are a little behin=d many of the other state folks. The CSU put it off and can't any longer. We are almost 600 million le4ss in funding than the previous year. It is bad. the campuses are not accepting any more students for spring (or winter for those on the quarter system). I try not to think about it because I have not control. Why worry about what I cannot control.



On a lighter note: I went to Port Townsend last April and it was beautiful. I actually went for an Art Fest put on each year by Teesha and Tracy Moore. Three days of workshops and we stayed at the fort for four nights. Too Cool! Very basic accommodations but so much fun. Like being in the college dorm. The woman across from me was from Norway, two doors down they were from Canada and I met a woman from Ashland Oregon on the way up. We all had a wine social at night with show and tell about our workshop we participated in that day. I hope to go again next spring We will see if I can afford it. I think it is very affordable for what you get; however if you don't have the money then nothing is affordable.

July Beginning

I am baaaack! Where have I been? I really don’t know. I haven’t been blogging that is for sure.

I just felt I didn’t have anything to say on a regular basis. I don’t consider myself a writer or a chatterer. I am not the person that walks up to strangers and carries on a conversation. This is not to say that I do not communicate because I do.

I guess it boils down to the fact that I do not consider myself interesting enough to blog about ME. However I am trying to change my attitude about myself.

So is blogging doable? Yes: people do it every day.
Am I capable? Sure: I am physically able to type and spell words.

I have decided at this point to at least update my blog once a month. I know die hard bloggers out there are saying “A MONTH!” However that is the minimum and when I do more than I have exceeded my goal. That is a great motivator I think.

Anyway here goes: recently I have been concentrating my art on print making. I took a beginning print class in the fall of 08. We started with linoleum cuts and I really like the reductive cut process; however the printing part is where I really need the practice. I also got involved with spray paint and stencils. (I am still not sure how that related to print making in a print class.) I love the variety art allows us and plan to continue spray painting in the future. I am not keen on the toxicity of the paint and fumes; however I like the process.

I really think process is the key. If you don’t like the process you won’t continue.

I took a print lab class and it was basically independent study. The group was very diverse in print making and I was able to get a lot of good information and help from others in the class. I love the synergy in an art class and I was introduced to wood cuts, silk screen, etching, collagraphs, and monotype. I felt like I needed to be a sponge in the class because there is so little print making being done in the Sacramento area. At least that I can find.

I am continuing with collagraphs and monotype at home and want to do more dry point etching. There is just not enough time in the day.

Well it has been two months and no blogging. What is up with that? The last two months have been busy. I had some work showing at the Marco Fuoco Gallery in Sacramento in the months of November and December. It was the first time I showed my work in a real gallery.

The month of December was the Swell Sister Show at the Coffee Garden in Sacramento. We had a great time at the 2nd Saturday reception with music and great munchies. The sister’s work was very varied and wonderful. We hope to show as a group again this year. I painted new shoes for the event. Pink!

January (2nd Saturday)I had three pieces at Body Tribe for the non-profit organization Born Free USA; AVES Show. Very busy night with two other sisters were showing independently across town. Sacramento is a great place for art. You can always find something you like OR don't for that matter.

I go back to school in a couple of weeks and am looking forward to spending time in the print lab on campus. This will be independent study in the studio. I am looking forward to it.

That brings us up to date. I am doing some work on paper. I am trying to get back to drawing more. I feel I have drifted off somehow. Many of my Swell Sisters are doing a 30/30 show. Thirty pieces in 30 days. I decided not to do the show at this time although I am trying to do the 30 pieces. Keeps you working if nothing else. I will post pictures soon.

Maybe in 2009 I will actually sell something.

New Month

Beginning of the month and the year is almost over. This year has gone fast I think. A lot for me has changed. I have made some new friends and drifted away from old friends. Not so much drifted as dropped off. We all try to keep ourselves motivated and going forward. It may be dreams, or ideas, or activities that create that motivation. Hopefully whatever it is for you it can be shared with a friend. That is the best thing in the world.

Friendship is some what like a marriage in that it has to be nurtured. If one person in the relationship has to work harder (or thinks they work harder) than the other then it tends to fall apart. Friends make time for each other. I guess I am destined to have but a few friends at any one time. When I make plans: I make them with that person or persons. I prefer small groups of people I know perhaps not well; but I am comfortable with and can talk to. I have never been comfortable talking to people I do not know at all.

I guess at this age not much will change and I have decided that friendship needs to be a partnership of give and take. And more importantly when time is set aside to get together and visit that it should be considered a commitment with enough value that it is kept. I guess value is the operative word here. In friendship one must feel their value in the relationship.

I am off to San Diego next week on business and next Saturday I will have some of my art in a group show. Yes I am excited; however I am trying to keep a low profile. It is my first show and I am not sure how it will all turn out. Fortunately another artist in the group show is a friend of mine and that is a bit calming. We will stand around and look goofy together (sorry Janet).

I am hoping to take pictures and post. Actually the last two pieces in the “Lil Monster” series I created I didn’t get pictures taken. I will take them at the gallery. I am also scheduled to paint a mural on the bathroom wall of a friend. I was supposed to go over yesterday; however both she and her husband had a cold. I didn’t want to chance it. I have to much going on right now.

The piece pictured here will be in the show in December with the Swell Sister Society. It is 100% reused materials. I love that abut it..

Quote for the day: Cherish your vision and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; they are blueprints of your ultimate achievements. – Napoleon Hill

I LOVE MY SHOES

I love my shoes AND my shoes love me! Last Thursday I met with my quirky art group and the meeting was art to wear. We were asked to bring a pair of canvas shoes to paint. When you wear your shoes you are showing your artwork to the world around you. Anyway that is the premise.

I wasn’t sure what I was going to paint; however I decided since it was SHOES I wouldn’t think about it. It is not like I am going to prom or to an inaugural party. SO I just started painting and decided to use lots of color. I tend to limit my color palette and decided these needed to be fun.

Half way through I thought that I would never wear them since they looked like something a 12 year old would wear; however I find them quirky and fun. Wow and it was from the "Quirky Art Group" with the Swell Sister Society. Interesting!

I wore them to the grocer store today. I can honestly say I don’t know if anyone looked at them because I forgot they were on my feet. I guess feeling stupid will not be an issue.

I really like the idea of wearable art. One of a kind pieces of clothing. It is something I would like to explore more. Yeah....Like I really have time right now. BUT I will file it for later. I am thinking that a ball cap would be fun and it would be a little more visible than shoes. At any rate I think it was a great experiment and I enjoyed it. AND I will wear them. I am thinking of wearing them to work tomorrow.

Anyone who likes fun and off beat things should think about getting some acrylic paint a pair of canvas shoes (or canvas tote) and make your own statement. Who knows you may like it and it's useful.

Quote for the day: Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength. – Betty Friedan

Painting On

Well again it has been awhile since I posted. I have been painting and pondering entering more shows. I need to find out if anyone besides me finds my work worthwhile. Not the right word to use but you get the idea.

I thought about entering Freefall in a show back east; however shipping would be a bit daunting to me. I am not sure how it would ship.

I also entered the Pink show at the Tangent Gallery. If they don’t take this piece that is fine and I will keep it. I actually like it. I has been interesting having this hanging on the wall and the many comments

from friends.

I just found out we are invited to show in November at a new gallery in Sacramento. Not much time; but I want to get my work out there so I am painting this weekend when I can. I have had a dream of showing in a gallery and it is actually going to come true. Scary and wonderful at the same time

Oh yeah it is the Folsom Renaissance Faire. Busy Busy Busy!!!!!!

Quote for the day: ‘When one of your dreams come true, you begin to look at the others more carefully.” Anonymous

Friday Too Early!

Well it has been a couple of weeks since my last post. I am only up because I cannot sleep these days. Our economy is in the toilet. although I have been very busy at work and at home. I am thankful for my job. Let me see if I can recap.

I am finishing up a piece for the “Pink” show and hope to send in the submission this weekend. I think it is great. I haven’t heard anything from the “5x5x5” show. Perhaps they did not like my submissions. Oh well I will keep trying. There are a couple of shows coming up that I hope to enter. I am really into my reuse of materials since my cash flow is really dismal at this time to buy anything new.

Here are a couple more pieces in the “little monster” series I am doing. I so love these little guys. There is a show “In Your Dreams” in the spring in New York. I think that would be a fun show to send in a submission.

The Swell Sisters met last night and we worked on our own projects; however I just socialized with the group. It is hard for me to work on anything serious in a group of 30 women all talking at once. It was a blast though.

Our show is fast approaching and I will be showing “Free Fall” since I finally finished the piece. We open on December 13^th - Second Saturday.

Recently I met few of my swell sisters and we had a concrete play date. What fun and it opens up many possibilities. For my piece I just took mannequin bodies form (actually only the front half) and covered it in concrete and

will lay it out in the garden. I guess I need to take a picture to share.

My friend Jilly is willing to show me how to mosaic. I am going to have way too much fun!

Also next weekend is Folsom Faire and the last faire of the year. Busy! Busy! Busy!

Quote for the day: There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality. – Pablo Picasso

Painting Painting Painting

Well golly gee I have been busy. Very busy! I have been so motivated to paint that there are not enough hours in the day. I haven't posted in two weeks.

Here are a couple of pieces I sent off to a juried show in Virginia. We’ll see if they accept me. Right now I am not using a paint brush with these and I am not sure why. I use everything but a brush. I really just pour the paint. I am reusing interior acrylic house paint from a dentist office remodel. I like the fact that it is limiting my pallet and I love the consistency. These are 5x5x1.5 and they are part of the little monster series I am doing.

I went out on Saturday and helped a sister move from one storage space to another. She is also and artist and writer and she had some great stuff in storage. She offered me anything pretty much I wanted; however I already have too much stuff. I did take a couple of old boxes that held print type. Here is a picture of one in progress and is about 7x7x1. This is fun since I was struggling with a different piece earlier. One of my assemblage pieces was going down the toilet so to speak. I decided to put it away for now and move on. It will be revisited later.

I am also working on a piece for the pink show at the Tangent Gallery in November. The deadline is coming up and this piece is all spray paint. What fun and a little hard to control. I guess I need more practice.

These are just some of the work I've done lately and I will try to post more works in progress. Oh... and I finished Free Fall. I will post her tomorrow. She will be in a show in December with the Swell Sisters.

Quote for the day - Every Artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures - Henry Ward Beecher

I have to agree since I find that most of my work is light in nature unless I get mad at our government and then I do a political piece. Not going there!!!!!!!!

Friday No Work!

I haven’t blogged in a while. I have actually been busy. Go Figure! Work has been pretty crazy. We are setting up our reading conference for November and buying books and contacting with the hotel. I took today off because yesterday was my birthday. Now I know I should have taken yesterday off; however I had a meeting in Sacramento and thought if I have to drive there I might as well go to work. That gave me today off. No driving to Sacramento. I am going up to Cameron Park and have lunch with one of my Swell Sisters Janet.

Anyway........... "Happy Birthday to me."

The Swell Sisters meeting was great last night. We had another Sacramento woman artist speaking about her art. She has a great sense of humor and it was very enjoyable. Her name is Gioia Fonda and she started her own holiday called Pink Week, fifteen years ago.

Per Gioia the second week of November is the week that we should celebrate Pink in all it’s glory. The holiday is to get people aware of color. However if you love green than you wear green all week etc.

Gioia is co-owner of the Tangent Gallery in Sacramento http://www.tangent-gallery.com/ and the Pink show opens on the 2nd Saturday in November.

I have been taking a basic print class at CSU Sacramento and here are some pictures. I know some out there in web-land will think these are primitive and mediocre and they would be right; however it is new skill I am learning. It keeps me in the classroom with young college students and at 62 it is invigorating because I do not understand them at all until we discuss art. Then we can all connect. We started with corks (wine and champagne), erasers, potato (the hardest by far), and we graduated to the EZ Cut which is like eraser material rolled out flat and about 5X7.

The first picture is of the corks and eraser and the second is my first print that I actually cut. I really don’t think it is to bad. I like the cutting part....the printing not so much. I really need to work on that since it is a print class.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Quote for the day: Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after. - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Work In Progress

I was hoping to sleep in today. Unfortunately that was not the case. I was out late last night at the 2^nd Saturday Art Walk in Sacramento. I didn’t get home until almost midnight.

It was really fun. I met my Swell Sisters at the Verge for the 2^nd Annual Circus Show. The Circus Show was sponsored (or co sponsored) by Gale Hart a Sacramento artist and animal rights activist. All the proceeds were donated to animal rights programs. It was fun with great art, great people, live entertainment, and carny games.

Then we were off to see a collaborative show that one of our sisters was showing in. She did great and sold everything I believe. Good going Laurelin.

Sacramento was crazy last night so many people out. I am not a crowd person normally; but it was fun. I am not sure how anyone sees all of the art shows in one night.

Yesterday I started some new pieces. I am back to assemblage for some reason. I promised myself I had to vacuum before I could get into the studio. I had to take the dang machine a part to change the belt. I hope it lasts as long as the last one!

So far this has bee a great weekend. Here are a couple of pictures of my work in progress.

Quote for the day: For the serious artist does not satisfy needs – instead he creates values. Values, to the world at large, have – alas, alas, and again alas – no value at all – Anthony Burgess

Paint Paint Paint

Today is Tuesday and I think I lost a day or two. That is becoming a habit. Maybe I stay younger that way and only age half as fast. Interesting thought don’t you think?

On Sunday at the St. Ambrose Guild meeting we painted the dags on the pavilion. Yes friends I took pictures. And you say “Yippeeee.” I will also take pictures at the Folsom Renaissance Faire to see how it looks once it is up.

When I arrived at the home of a friend that stores our pavilions I saw that the pavilion was actually up. I though we would have to stand on ladders to paint the dag. The pavilion is 8 or 9 feet tall….at least at the bottom of the dag. The top is probably 15 feet maybe. After asking a few politically correct questions (not my strongest trait) I discovered it was only up to dry out from the Golden Gate Renaissance Faire. Yes friends that faire was a very drippy wet cold affair. Just like northern England and after 90 to 100 degrees here in Sacramento it was very invigorating. Sorry I digress.

Here are pictures of the ladies painting the dags on the pavilion with a wonderful Tudor Rose. I made the stencils and we are saving them to complete the painting. We only finished the front and one rose on each side. The best news is that we will never wonder again which is the front of the pavilion top.

Also the men were painting the portable car garage (not sure what you call it) something other than shiny silver. We use the car garage behind the pavilion as a storage area and dressing room. That allows the full use of the pavilion for chairs and tables AND to keep out of the sun.

The day went pretty fast once we started and with a potluck in between it was a very nice Sunday in deed. Spending the day with friends is never wasted.

Quote for the day: It's a lot like nature. You can only have as amny animals as the ecosystem can support and you only have as many friends as you can tolerate the bitching of. - Randy K. Milholland

Ain't that the truth?

Whew!

Hello all I haven't posted in a few days. Been so busy. I was back at work this week and sometimes after a vacation you have twice as much work at before. Well I was overwhelmed. It was a short week and didn't really feel like it. It seems like there is not enough time. Gosh it seems I say that a lot.

Today I made stencils for my Renaissance Acting Group. The stencil is of the Tudor Rose and we are going to paint the dags on the pavilion before Folsom Faire.

I agreed to make the stencils because after the meeting tomorrow, and after the pot luck, and after a couple of beers it needs to be as easy as possible. No really it is so we can get done in a reasonable time and make it look uniform. I am going to try to remember my camera and take pictures. The pavilion top will only be on the ground so better pictures will have to be taken at the Folsom Faire.

I also worked on my Swell Sister collaborative projects. Actually one is a skull I worked on by myself so I am not sure where collaboration comes in. (see the above picture) I am actually quite pleased with the look. I may have trouble giving it back. The large skull was made by my sister Jennifer out of sugar. She passed it on to me to paint. I was afraid it would melt; but I kept the paint minimal and realistic.

It was to hot to work in the yard; but I did water today since I cannot water again until Tuesday. We are in a stage 2 water alert here in Folsom. I also cleaned the kitchen floor, did laundry and I would have vacuumed; however that machine seems to have a broken belt.

Have a great weekend.

Quote for the day: Avoiding the phrase “I don’t have time...”, will soon help you to realize that you do have the time needed for just about anything you choose to accomplish in life. -Bo Bennett

Back

I am back from vacation. It was a great week in the mountains. First in Twain Harte and then in Strawberry. A great way to beat the heat.



At senior camp I was introduced to gourds and wood burning. I believe wood burning is now called pyrographics or something very similar. I know as a kid I did some wood burning; however this was great fun. I burned the outside of the gourd with a design and then stained it with leather dye. Now I know why people talk about the Gourd Festival in Folsom. The gourds must be amazing since I think mine are and I am novice. I am going to the gourd festival this fall to check out the artists that do this work all the time. What new fun at 62!



Quote for the day:
Aging is not 'lost youth' but a new stage of opportunity and strength.
Betty Friedan (1921 - 2006)



Folsom Gourd Festival
http://www.folsomgourdfestival.com/festival_news.htm
Check it out!

On Vacation

Sorry! Out of the blog until Friday August 29th. Going camping.

Wednesday is my Thursday

Today is Wednesday which is really my Thursday. One more day of work and I am off until after Labor Day. Yippee. Now.....I would love to say I am taking all this time off to paint; but I can’t. I am off to Twain Harte for a girlfriends only weekend. Girlfriends I haven’t spent real time with in a long time. Back on Sunday then off to Tahoe camping.

Sacramento County has a summer camp in the El Dorado Forest just below Tahoe. The last two weeks of August are senior camp. Yes friends I am a senior. We sleep in cabins and eat in the dining hall and have workshops during the day. It is really very pleasant. I take my art supplies and draw or just read a book.

The reason I bring this up is I may not get a chance to post until Friday the 29th. And you say “Oh Well So What.” Well shame on you. This blog is riveting right?

Enough about my vacation see the attached picture of my on going project called "little boxes.” True to my nature they are re-used cigarette boxes. I am trying to make them really durable so I have a proto-type in my back pack. It is wearing well. Enjoy!



Quote for the day:
He who does not get fun and enjoyment out of every day... needs to reorganize his life. – George M. Adams

Is it Monday?

Hello Monday and all you cyber geeks. Well I had a very busy weekend. Saturday I was at Folsom’s new dog park for opening ceremonies with city officials and all manner of political folk. The dogs were so good. We had a few hundred for the first day and they ranged from the extra large to the teeny tiny; but they all got a long. Why can’t we do that? Inquiring minds want to know.

Sunday was off to San Francisco to the Golden Gate Renaissance Faire. It was definitely a bit chilly there. We had drizzle in the morning and it was cold all day. However it is a really nice faire with a good selection of guilds and vendors. The food could have a bit more variety and more than one coffee vendor; but all in all a good show. I give it two thumbs up.

Now that that is over I can concentrate on my painting. The Swell Sisters have a show opening in December on 2nd Saturday. If you are reading this and not at all familiar with Sacramento, let me tell you we have an art scene here. Yes a real art scene. Every month on the 2nd Saturday all of the galleries open their new shows with some sort of reception. Some folks in town make it a mission to visit as many galleries, in that one night, as possible. However I wait and go after a week or so. I prefer to see the art not the back of someone’s head. Crowds are not my thing.

Now I can concentrate on what I want to show with the sisters. I am jazzed. I also started another collaborative project with my sisters and will post as they come along.

Quote for the day:
I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. – Gilda Radner

Art is Collaboration

I have missed a couple days of my blog here. Not sure what is up with that.

Oh yes I know. I have been at work all day and meetings in the evening. That pretty much uses up my time. I haven’t even had a chance to paint. I might need a sick day to feel better.

The Folsom Dog Park opens on Saturday and we are getting the last minute details together for the grand opening ceremonies. The committee has no idea how many people will show up with their dogs for the event. I haven’t been a part of the Folsom Independent Dog Owners (FIDO) for very long; however I am told that this dog park took eight years to complete. We may have 50 people or 500. It should be interesting.

My Swell Sister Society is meeting tomorrow and we have a speaker from a gallery in Sacramento. We are also ending the collaborative art project "Indi 1” and starting “Indi 2.” The project involves several artists that start a piece of work and pass it on to another artist to work on. We continue to pass the pieces until all have worked on each of them. I thought the process would be easy; however after several people have worked on a piece it becomes more difficult to make changes. The finished pieces I think are amazing. I will take pictures tomorrow of Indi 1 and post.

Well that is it for now. I still need to get back into the studio before I explode.

Quote for the day:
“Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.” – Andre Gide