SCHOOL DAZE

"In the dime stores and bus stations, people talk of situations, read books, repeat quotations, draw conclusions on the wall. " -Bob Dylan

I'm into the second week of an online graffiti workshop with Alisa Burke. Still having fun, just don't have as much time as I did, when I was on vacation last week. Practicing my juggling....as in work AND play.



This week we did some exercises with stencils.

HERALDRY- emblem, symbol or insignia

" We may talk what we please of lilies and lions rampant and spread eagles, in fields of d'or or d'argent, but if heraldry were guided by reason, a plough in a field of arable would be the most noble and ancient of arms." -Abraham Cowley



I have been wrapped up in this wonderful world of copper, old jewelry parts, found objects, paint, etching and stitching. In trying to develop a name for this process, I came upon old coat of arms and heraldry. Items used for war initially and now symbolic of families and other things. And yes, each marking on heraldry has a particular meaning, even the color.

These things very much reminded me of the look that I am attempting to achieve. I am calling these pieces my Heraldry Series. They are peaceful symbols in every way.




I am planning to open an etsy soon. Keep your eyes open.

ALTITUDE WITH ATTITUDE

There I am, perched high above the town of Telluride Colorado, riding the wonderful free transit system gondola into town. Can you tell the view is spectacular. If you have a weak stomach or a super fear of heights, that first scene over the ridge can be a bit tricky.

While I am here, I decided to sign up for Alisa Burkes Graffiti Chic, on line class. It's a treat. I have a difficult time being "messy", she helps you get over that by using great videos and blog sample lessons, instant chats and other things to get you on your way.

Our first assignment was to photograph some things we found inspiring and use the photos as a jumping off point to dig into her techniques.

Below you will find a short sequence of photos showing a bit of what I did for the first two pieces, starting with the photo.


I used whatever paper I could find as a base.


It's all about layers....paint, text, stamping, scraping and so much more. I felt pretty "tight" on this first one. I admit I sort of liked the initial painting, so it was hard to move on.

Next photo and subsequent painting.



Have NO IDEA where the 66 came from, but I got rid of it fast.

I had more of a sense of freedom here. We'll see where the next exercise takes me.

Besides the spectacular mountain views, there are some typical Telluride sights.

Boards with tons of posted events.

The Free Box is a great place to get rid of what you don't need and pick up something else........yes, for free. I got a brand new journal the other day.

Then there is the white out snowstorm which can sneak up on you.

Mostly there are beautiful scenes like this.

IT'S A BLING DISINTEGRATION THING

Better late than never.

I've been itching to be a part of Seth's disintegration project (The Altered Page) and just managed to get it together in the past few days.

I decided that I would make use of some of the techniques I've been playing with lately. Heavy water color paper, heavy acrylic medium, copper, metal findings, stitching..........and just to see what will happen......some BLING. What do I hope will happen? It would be great if I end up with "vintage" bling. Perhaps some of the stones will fall out, rust will form, the finish will crack......a girl can only hope.

FLOWER SHOW-SHOW FLOWER

This piece began with the vintage ceramic flower in the center that I wired to a copper sheet and grew from there. I once again etched, drew, painted and stitched on the copper.



I went to the Philadelphia Flower Show on Monday during a snow storm. What a refreshing change from the winter weather, to step inside the convention center and see fresh flowers......everywhere.

A collage made entirely of flower and plant petals.

The theme this year was Bella Italia.

Fashion.

Another collage of real flower petals.

More incredible fashion statements with live plants.

A table I would LOVE to have in my house.

FRIENDLY FRENZY IN N.Y.C.

It's been awhile. I've been here, there and everywhere.

I just spent 4 days in New York with dear friends that share my love for the creative process. We all came with a variety of supplies and some ideas and went wild. No shows. No museums. No fancy restaurants......we did manage to get to a flea market and a closeout jewelry finding shop.

I've included detail shots and then the full piece. If you look closely, you will see broken jewelry pieces (LOVE EM), wire, stitching and my beloved copper that I have drawn and painted to compliment the metal pieces. I used wire and a variety of other means to attach everything to the copper and then stitched the piece to layered book pages and other papers.

I am attempting to come up with a name for this technique.......jeweled collage, jeweled assemblage, sculptural jewelry.......haven't quite "got it" yet.

I also used some vintage buttons.

We also tried our hands at handbags. I brought a copy of Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine after seeing an article in the latest issue. Alisa Burke created some AMAZING bags using recycled materials. Check out her work. We simply collaged on sandwich paper and sewed the edges together, adding found metal objects and buttons for a clasp.

I also printed out some of my work on canvas and lined it with fabric.


Another project had us making found object and recycled jewelry parts........jewelry.





Thank you , Joy.

In case any of you read the last post, I had a great time being WARM in Cozumel, Mexico for a few days and visiting friends in Florida