Only a few more days to see this special event at The Arts Center. (Ends December 23rd)
On to New Horizons Click to see more about it.
It was an honor and a pleasure to be part of it.
I am committed to sustainability and ecologically friendly practices in the creation of ART and DESIGN. Many of my art pieces are made from recycled and reclaimed materials, hand-made recycled papers, and when possible, eco-friendly inks and paints. My designs are limited editions. Send me an email if you are interested in purchasing any artwork you see on this page.
Only a few more days to see this special event at The Arts Center. (Ends December 23rd)
On to New Horizons Click to see more about it.
It was an honor and a pleasure to be part of it.
Environmental Arts and Humanities at Oregon State University had this to say about the exhibit:
OSU Envirnmental Arts and Humanites Blog
If you are in Corvallis, come see What Will Nature Do? at the Arts Center in the main gallery until November 13, 2021. Dr. Dominique Bachelet's vision for the show is inspired. I am honored to be part of this exhibit and accompanying book.
700 SW Madison Avenue, Corvallis Oregon.
Stop by Circle Studio and find out more about alcohol ink workshops and pet portraiture workshops. There are other workshops available and more being added all the time.
Though this webpage is basically about my artistic journey, I had to take a moment to praise Julia Cameron and her contribution to that journey with her book The Artist's Way.
I was thrown into an artistic block on January 12, 2018 when my muse, lover, best friend, confidant, and protector died. The pandemic only exacerbated the entire sense of uselessness. I struggled to find artistic purpose and found it only while making small pieces of jewelry I gave away. This was satisfying, but I was unable to go further.
It was time to do something about this self-inflicted creative block (they all are, frankly). I went online and purchased a used copy of The Artist's Way published in 1992. I don't remember having an artistic block in '92, so I don't recall reading the book. However, I am familiar with similar processes to unleash the artist within. I gave workshops for years at my art studio in Asheville, North Carolina and before that in San Diego, California, that focused on this phenomenon. Guiding and allowing students to find their inner artist and facilitating that journey has always been central to my teaching philosophy. Now it was my problem and I couldn't help myself. I humbly sought guidance.
Cameron's program is simple:
I returned from an artist date, went straight to the studio and produced the painting below. I barely remember painting it. It simply emerged. This is what we as artists seek; that experience when YOU get out of the way and the artist, the creative within emerges. It is not the best painting I've ever done nor my favorite, but it does represent a watershed moment for me as an artist. I am appreciative of Julia's book and it is never too late to start from scratch. I do it every single day.
I was listening to Legend: The Best of Bob Marley and the Wailers on the way home from my artist's date that day. What else could I call it?
My new mantra: It is easier to paint than not to paint.
I also like: Don't give up.
No Woman No Cry
10" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
The isolation we’ve experienced through the months of the pandemic often made our encounters with other living beings more meaningful and precious. It is not just in contemplative practice, in the presence of great natural beauty, or in the ‘zone’ of extreme physical exertion, danger or creativity that enlightenment and awareness can occur. It is the connections we make as living beings on this planet that can facilitate bliss and allow us to experience the peace, love and joy of life during this unprecedented time of plague for our generation.
Bliss in Time of Plague is an expression of such an encounter during the first summer of Covid. The accompanying lavender jade pendant represents cleansing the mind of cluttered thoughts, confusion, and negativity. The Tree of Life wire-wrapped around the stone symbolizes the interconnectedness of all things.
Peace, joy, and love to you.