getting out there!!

spirit tree - mixed media on photo transfer with sewing (8x10)
 

spirit tree detail

without a doubt, I fit the definition of a struggling artist, scrambling to find the way 

to support me and my girls with my art/ my passion!!! 

garden party dress - mixed media on transfer (5x7)

this desire regularly brings me to a state of frenzy  ~ I work on one project, but then move to another project that may be more profitable and then abandon everything to explore a new inspiration!? or maybe my time is better spent making dresscards?!??! did someone mention ADHD??? 

(oh & did i mention groceries, girl taxi service, bills, paycheck jobs...)

green dress - mixed media on transfer (5x7)

Now I am not unique, many know this story, but as I was beginning to sink into hopelessness, I realized that I need to get my art out there before I jump ship.  I have many, MANY unfinished projects, and not a lot out in the world ~ but that changes NOW!

look to the sky - painting on transfer (8x10). part of a series of sky and bits of architecture

I am happy to announce that some of my most recent works are NOW on exhibit at 

Fountain Street Fine Art.  

And there is A LOT going on at FSFA ~ tonight is the opening of 'materialize', Lisa Barthelson and Denise Driscoll, as well as the Fountain Street Studios' open studios, not to mention FSFA's 8x8 member exhibit ~ so much art in one spot, and now some of my work has joined the fray!!!

mixed media and sewing on subscription cards

detail of loose threads

These pieces represent the many different 'interests' that i have been obsessed with these past months - subscription cards, transfers, photographs,  . . .  as I matted these works I realize that each of them speaks to me.  This is confusing as well as significant, as I have a show at Fountain Street Fine Art this October, and I am wondering/thinking/curious about what I am going to show?!?!? so we will see ~

just in time for mother's day!!!

I am also delighted to say I finally finished more dresscards ( for some reason this was a daunting task) but I now have a good supply which I am distributing to those who want them ~ 

Fountain Street Fine Art, Framingham, MA

Shafer O'Neil Interior Design, Wellesley, MA

Artisans Way, Concord, MA

Renew Art & Industry, Natick, MA

or via ME (just email)

progression of a panel ~ a visual journey

'pencil mug 3' painting and collage of cradled 8x8 panel

It is that time of year again - time for the Fountain Street Fine Art's Members’ Group Show.  Each year the gallery gives its members a uniform sizes cradled panel on which to do whatever they want. The gallery then exhibits the panels and offers them at one set price.  This year the panels are 8x8 in size and $150. in price. See below for all details.

The panels were due this weekend and I am happy to say that mine is done and delivered!! However not before a few late nights and many different 'stages' ~ which I thought I'd share here ~

First, I experimented with my recent obsessive drawing, directly on the wood, adding the dress image,

 but I wasn't happy. 

pen on panel

obsessive drawing beats dress

pen on panel

dress image reemerges 

pen and collage on panel

still not happy so I 'play' with the collage; I sanded the piece

pen and collage on panel, sanded

 collage trumps drawing and dress

mixed media on panel

gesso over collage on panel

in comes the photo transfer

photograph of pencil mug

Story of the beloved pencil mug:

 This mug was given to me about 30 years ago by my college roommate.  During one of the breaks she had seen it in a dollar store and thought that I would love it - which I did and do! It survived spending the next 3 years dangling from my backpack as I crisscrossed the Kenyon campus and trudging along middle path to my studio.  It has also survived my nomadic existence.  Being one of my favorite possessions it has moved from Ohio, to Los Angeles, to Iowa, Chicago, New York, finally settling safely in Natick.  And once again it is out and about in the world, as I for some reason, don't like drinking from plastic travel mugs?!?! However this time it isn't hanging from a strap on my bag, it travels safely in a cup holder in my car, as I taxi carpools to school and head to work. 

photo being transferred with matte medium to panel

painting and collage on transfer on panel 

painting on panel (out of focus as it is most likely 2am)

As usual, it was very hard for me to stop, but I finally put the brush down and called this painting, done!! 

However it has inspired a series - but that is for another post  :)

instagram photo of panel

Hope you enjoyed this visual journey of my 8x8 panel.  If you can, make sure you go see the show. I have always been delighted to see how each artist has 'dealt' with their panel, and there are good deals to be had as well. ;)

~ peace.

8x8 All - Members’ Group Show

@ Fountain Street Fine Art

April 11 - May 19 

Each piece is 8" x 8" in size and $150 in price

Closing Reception May 19, 3-5pm