Time out

I'm taking a couple of days off. I need a break and I'm hoping that a complete change of scenery will spark some much needed artistic inspiration.

It's a wrap

I created some B movie poster wrapping paper to wrap up a moviemaker pal's birthday presents.








What's inside? Well you'll have to wait 'til the party to find out.







Update (8/22/10): The party's over now, so I can tell you that the gift was a tripod and carrying case.

Attitude is everything

This piece was a slight detour on the way to completing A Kodak moment. It was a donation to Nuit du Sang, a fundraiser for the Animal Rescue Foundation (A.R.F.).


Title: Little dog, big attitude
11"x14" - mixed media on canvas

A Kodak moment

I've decided what I'll be working on next. It's a one of a kind picture based on a photo of friend. The photo was taken on the vacation she took last year. It's the happiest I've ever seen her look. I think that's an important moment to capture and preserve.

I've started planning and sketching it all out in my mind, but I haven't put anything on the canvas just yet. I'll make a physical start on it over the next couple of days.

In some ways this is the most ambtious, most personal piece I've ever done. It feels like the stakes are that much higher when the subject matter is someone I know. Plus I'm going to be giving it to her as a surprise gift.

Score!

As I was out and about on the weekend, I found myself near the art supply store. No harm in having a quick look, I thought. Glad I did. The canvas on stretcher frames were on sale, so I stocked up. I've got enough to keep me busy for the next few months at least. Now I've just got to decide on the theme for my next series.

"With & Without" series 1 (concluded)

SERIES 1
16"x24" - mixed media on canvas


Title: Should've been me
Inspiration: I had a chance and I blew it. That should've been me.









Title: Price of happiness
Inspiration: I'm surrounded by beautiful things. I've got more money than I need. I should be happy, but I'm not. Something's missing.

"With & Without" series 2 (concluded)

SERIES 2
8"x10" - mixed media on canvas


Title: Fool me twice
Inspiration: You lied to me. When you got caught, you asked for another chance. Fool me, I gave it to you. Now you've done it again. I can't trust you anymore.




Title: Look, don't touch
Inspiration: There's no harm in looking, is there? I mean, as long as I look but don't touch that's okay... right?





Title: Whisper the words
Inspiration: You want me to say it. I want to say it. But it scares me to say it out loud. Let me whisper the words.

Whirlwind week and a half

Last week and a half were crazy busy. I was on vacation most of the time and so I tried to catch as many Fringe Festival shows and gigs as possible. Between shows, I continued working on the "With & Without" series. There are a couple more larger pieces and several smaller pieces close to completion now; both series should be done by the end of July. As I complete the pieces, I'll post photos of them.

VisualFringe 2010 opening

This year's show includes: fine art photography, paintings, collages, pottery, metalwork, a knit sculpture, and more. We've got some very creative people in this town!






There was a full house for most of the opening evening. Lots of familiar faces and some interesting new folks too. It's nice to see the theatre fringers out supporting the visual fringers (and vice versa).






Here's my lil corner of the show. The feedback on my work has been fairly positive. In fact, I sold a piece on opening night! "A complicated dance" will be going to a great new home.

"With & Without" series 1

The pieces I submitted to this year's VisualFringe are from two series entitled "With & Without." They are inspired by the blog posts of people who are with and without significant others. There's something about being online that makes people feel freer to share their innermost desires and fears. Consider this a peek into their personal lives by proxy!

People have been asking me about the backstories for these pieces. Here are the excerpts from the blogs that served as my inspiration.


SERIES 1
16"x24" - mixed media on canvas


Title: A complicated dance
Inspiration: Why is everything with you such a complicated dance? I don’t know the steps or who’s leading and no matter what I do, I’m always stepping on your toes.









Title: An irresistible temptation
Inspiration: I know I shouldn’t be doing this, but I just can’t help myself. I feel like I’m swept up in some damned Harlequin romance.









Title: I choose booze
Inspiration: He said to me, "Given the choice between you and booze, I choose booze." Nice to know I was one of the possible choices.