Something Sublime

Are You Inspired by Graffiti?

 

I know there's a big controversy raging over graffiti.  Some folks think its art and any surface is fair game.  Others believe it's destruction of personal property.  As an artist, I'm torn.  I guess I fall somewhere between.  While I've seen some beautiful graffiti that absolutely qualifies as artwork, I've also seen graffiti that is defacing and destructive and believe people have a right to keep their own property "art" free.  I zoomed past Abe a few times in my car before I remembered to bring my camera along and snap a few photos of him.  In my eyes, this particular graffiti is inspiring artwork.  Besides, Lincoln is my favorite president so this one gets extra points.  It looks to me like he was done with a stencil or two.   Here he is in context:

Abe resides at the base of a large light pole in a local parking lot.  He doesn't seem to be bothering or defacing anything but who knows how long he'll be here.  I look for him every time I drive by.

I shot the rest of these in Seattle near the marketplace.  I love this one and the next.  Graffiti and posters covered the walls of several alleyways near The Great Wall of Gum...

Yeah...that's a lotta chewed gum.

Isn't this one great?  This looked to me like something that would take some time to create...at least for me!  Notice the texture remaining in the background from a bazillion (this word is actually in the dictionary now!) posters being put up and torn down.

This is one of my favorites too, because of the artsy faces; especially the "doll" at the bottom.

This was on an electical box and is mostly words but the mean monkey is intriguing.  So...are you inspired by graffiti or is it an "art crime?"  If you're in the art crime camp, take a look at this reverse graffiti.  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

In Addition:  After commenting to this post, artist Carol McFee sent me a link to her son Jason's artwork site.  Take a look at some of his incredible graffiti here.  Thank you Carol and thank you to my commenters...this is a great discussion so far!

Creative Therapy

"Asleep"

Anyone need a little creative therapy?  A few weeks ago, I was asked by the lovely Karenika to be a guest designer for one of the catalysts at Creative Therapy.  Creative Therapy is a site belonging to a group of talented art friends who choose a weekly topic to act as a catalyst in creating a piece of therapeutic artwork...any medium.  It's not a competition or challenge but more of a personal, art exercise.  This week's catalyst was "something you're pessimistic about".  You can read my thoughts about my piece "Asleep" and see some of the responses to this week's catalyst at  Creative Therapy.  Visitors are welcome and anyone can join in;  just leave a comment with a link to your work.  Cafe Prima will be providing a gift for a randomly chosen participant.  Hey, therapy can be fun!

The New Girls

"Sophie"

Between larger pieces, I've been working on building up my stock of earrings.  I've been having fun with filigree brass findings.  This pair is sterling, brass, freshwater pearls, vintage crystal rondelles and those gorgeous carved buri seed beads I found at the last bead show.

"Zoe"

More brass, sterling and azurite malachite drops.  I love the way the stones "hide" under the brass pieces, just peeking out.

"Becca"

These are sterling, brass and beautiful smoky quartz onion briolettes.  The stones swing and sparkle from beneath their caps.  It's like a little surprise under there!

"Pompeii-Rods and Bars Grey"

And another pair of my Pompeii inspired earrings.  This is definitely one of my favorite designs.  Which reminds me...

My sweet friend Pilar left a comment on my Eruptions and Aliens post about Pompeii dog.  When I visited MFAH last weekend to see the Pompeii exhibit they had a cast of this dog who had been caught in the eruption of Vesuvius.  It was sad but fascinating.  The Roman people often kept guard dogs as a way of protecting their property.  This one was tethered outside the entrance to a home.  The family had fled the coming eruption.  I'm sure they thought they would be returning as there had been volcanic activity and earthquakes in this region for many years.  Evidently, this dog avoided death for at first by jumping up and down onto some sort of nearby box or platform of some sort but he finally succumbed to the eruption and was covered with ash like everyone else.

Casts of the Pompeii figures were made by injecting casting material into the hollow forms left behind from people and animals caught in the blast.  At the time of the eruption, the bodies were covered with ash and volcanic material which hardened.  Years later, when the actual bodies were gone, what remained were hollows in the shapes of those who had been buried.  Many of the casts are very detailed.  In this cast, you could even see the dog's teeth!  The Field Museum of Chicago site also has some interesting information about the eruption and exhibit.

Exhibition 36

by Susan Tuttle

Brand new and hot off the presses...well, not exactly off the presses yet!  "Exhibition 36-A Gallery of Mixed-Media Inspiration" by Susan Tuttle is set for release this coming December.  I'm very honored to have artwork published in this book and can hardly wait to see.  December seems like a very long wait!  You gotta love Amazon though...the book is already available for pre-order.  It's going to be a must-have.  Susan has compiled artwork from 36 different artists, creating a virtual art gallery tour.  The thing I love the most about this book is that the reader gets a chance to peek inside 36 artistic, creative brains to see what inspires them and makes them tick.  And, for more inspiration, collage sheets are included to get you on your way to creating your own works of art.  Congratulations Susan!

The Secret Source of Steel Wire

Inquiring minds want to know...so, I've decided to divulge one of my deepest, darkest jewelry making secrets:  where to get steel wire.  It's really not a secret at all but you may be having a hard time finding it at your local craft store.  That's because most craft and bead stores don't carry it!  I'm very fond of using dark (or black) annealed steel wire in many of my jewelry designs.

That's what you're looking for if you want to use this type of wire--dark annealed steel wire.  Don't get the galvanized or the stainless steel...they don't have the same look.

The smaller gauges typically come in small packages of 50 foot rolls.  I work most commonly with the 28 gauge, 24 gauge and the 20 gauge (the 19 gauge will work but I like the 20).  Occasionally, I use a larger gauge like the 18 gauge, depending on what I'm making.  In case you're thinking "but Deryn, 18 is smaller than 28!"  Not so in the world of wire.  Remember, the smaller the gauge number, the larger the diameter of the wire.

The larger gauges come on spools like this one.  For some reason, this wire can be hard to find, unless your ordering it for industrial use, so I'm providing you with these links which can be found on the Ace Hardware Outlet site.  My local Ace hardware carries these gauges and I've asked them to keep them in stock after a big scare when they informed me they wouldn't be carrying the 24 gauge anymore.  They kindly got right on the computer and ordered it, just for me.  So, if you don't see it in your local store, ask them if they can order it.  Also, the larger hardware stores usually carry the larger 16 gauge wire but not the smaller gauges.  Sometimes the larger gauges are called re-bar wire or, on the Ace site, mechanic's wire.

 

Secret revealed...happy wire twising!

Confessions of an Accidental Collector

This week, I received a lovely, thoughtful gift in the mail.  This red, velvet rosary case was given to me by a woman who saw my blog and thought it would be a nice way to display my jewelry.  It's a vintage box, worn around the edges, with crushed velvet on the outside and white satin inside.  Just my thing!  Thank you Lorraine...

I seem to be gathering a small collection of vintage pincushions as well as jewelry boxes, and now, old glass pins.  It's funny how these things start.  I had an idea for jewelry display using my Chinese pincushions...

...went searching for vintage, glass pins...

...and ended up with yet another vintage pincushion!

But, in my view, less is more when it comes to nifty, old stuff.  I'm sure this cushion will come in handy somehow...

Pompeii Inspiration

"Pompeii-Bars and Rods"

Yesterday, I finished a new earring design that I'm really excited about.  Ok...it's not exactly new, in fact it's an ancient design.  Remember when I posted about visiting the Pompeii exhibit at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston?  The jewelry in the exhibit was gorgeous and very inspiring.  Many of the earrings were a simple but beautiful design that I fell in love with.  The museum folks called them "bars and rods".

My version of "bars and rods" isn't exactly the same as the one those ancient jewelers created but I'm really pleased with the way they turned out.  They're very comfortable and, when I wear them, the pearls clink together in such a nice way.  I'm definitely going to be making more of these.

"Pomp and Power"

I've also been busy with some larger pieces.  When I name a piece, I try to let some part of it speak to me.  Sometimes, this happens during the creation process but often it's not until the piece is finished. For part of the focal on this necklace, I used some antique Bible text, sandwiched between mica and antique brass.  When I was finished turning the last wire, the words "pomp and power" in the text stood out to me and seemed like a good name.

I decided to use all sterling wire on this piece and it was fun using silver again.  It's a bit different to work with than steel but with a very similar look.  I really adore this piece...it feels very solid and, well...powerful around my neck.  It's long and a little heavy with large, freshwater pearls alternating with some gorgeous, faceted turquoise chunks I've been hoarding.

"Heishi Stack"

"Music Love"

These are just a few pair of, what seems like, the tons of earrings I've been working on.  In reality, it's hard to get "tons" of anything done.  Life has a way of getting in the way of studio time and, with the mini men at the end of the school year and Number 1 graduating, I've got my hands full...in a good way!

Red Birds Return

"Vines and Nests"

I'm feeling so inspired by all the birds in our area this spring.  Where I live, there are tons of birds year round but especially in springtime.  Texas is in both the central and Mississippi migratory flyways so we see all types.   During the last week, I've discovered a mama cardinal nesting right outside my bedroom window in the bottle brush tree.  I can hear her occasionally chirping and twittering as she sits on the nest.  At first, I wasn't sure if she was simply building the nest or if she actually has eggs there so today, I figured out a way to peek inside.  Here's what I saw:

Three lovely eggs!  I'm so excited because last spring we had a pair of cardinals begin to build a nest in the same bush but they had to abandon their project because of this:

Miss Menace Maggie discovered there was something funny going on in her yard and every time she spotted those cardinals flying in and out of the bush she ran over and barked her fool head off at them.  Needless to say, they decided this was a very unpleasant place indeed and moved their operation to a more peaceful yard.

Cardinals are very shy and (pardon the pun!) flighty so, when I began nosing into Mrs. Cardinal's business, she took off from her nest.  She returned shortly with Mr. Cardinal in tow...him complaining and scolding me very loudly.  She was soon settled back on her eggs and I didn't check back until later when I caught the couple lunching at the neighbor's house.  It's hard to get good photos because these two are so quick moving.

 

Cardinals make for a very close pair and where one is, the other is never far behind.  It's sweet to watch them together.  The male often comes to an area first to check it out then signals the female that it's safe to join him.  I had to be really careful not to disturb the Mrs. but I finally got a shot of her nesting.  I had to slowly and cautiously hang my head, and my long lens, out from the window above while she eyed me warily the whole time.  If it's not one danger around here, it's another! 

Eruptions and Aliens

photo by Deryn Mentock

Well, here it is...our 23rd wedding anniversary.  Whew!  That sounds like a long time.  But, when I asked Wife Whisperer what he thinks about all these many years spent together, his answer was "Seems like 2!"  What a gem.  You just gotta love a guy like that!  Besides his whispering capabilities, he knows what appeals to me.  He took me on a field trip today to The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to see Pompeii: Tales From An Eruption.  The exhibit was awesome.

 

We saw a man similar to this.  He had died with his back up against a wall...just sitting, with his face in his hands.  There were quite a few more cast figures including a pet dog that had been caught in the eruption.  It must have been terrifying for them all but it really was fascinating to have a glimpse into their lives and lifestyles.

There were many beautiful artifacts and frescos, including an incredible mosaic made with thousands of tiny ceramic and glass bits.  One of my favorite things was the jewelry (of course!).  We saw many bracelets and armbands with the snake motif and we saw this stunning, gold necklace.  The designs were simple, for the most part, but very beautiful.

We also saw a very cool exhibit of Miwa Yanagi's work.  I love her clever take on the lives and dreams of women.  While Wife Whisperer was less impressed, I say...if you get a chance to see this artist's work, you should! 

 

After the exhibit, we met the mini men for dinner and headed home to finish off the movie marathon I started Friday night.  Let's see...we watched Alien, Aliens 2, Thou Shalt Laugh 2 (very funny if you're looking for clean comedy), Audrey Rose (just as bad this time as it was in the 70's), and The Sound of Music (excellent!).  So, yeah...I'm married to a pretty great guy.  How many husbands will tolerate this range of movies?  Even with chocolate cake bribery?...

Girls in Nighties

"Sisters in Their Nightgowns" by Sharon Tomlinson

Does this painting look familiar?  I did some serious coveting when I saw it on Sharon Tomlinson's blog All Norah's Art.  Sharon is an extremely talented artist and I've been following along, with interest, as she's worked on a series of "sisters" paintings.  When I spotted this one, I fell in love!  It arrived today and I opened the box with much anticipation, knowing how beautiful the painting  would be.

And hey, what's not to love?!  The girls in their nighties are just gorgeous.  Sharon does an incredible job with faces and her detail work is genius.  The depth of color and texture is exquisite.  I've already chosen two favorite girls:

Doesn't this girlie look like a nice sister?  One you could reveal all your secrets to and giggle with into the night?  I completely overlooked the fact that Sharon had painted butterflies onto the girls nightie collars until I started photographing.   Aren't they lovely?

And this one looks like my third grade teacher.  Oh no...wait a minute...third grade teacher was Mrs. Hairpuller.  It's favorite fourth grade teacher that this girl reminds me of...Miss Hokamp.  Don't you love that name?  Miss H. was young and single and pretty and oh, so wonderful!

And the most sublime detail of all...the reason I couldn't resist this painting...each girl carries her own divine butterfly (or are they night moths?) each captured in it's own, tiny cage.  Beautiful!  You can see more of Sharon's wonderful paintings here.

Scenes From the Studio

Ok...so I thought I would give you a little studio tour so you can see my workplace.  I'll tell you right now, things are a bit cramped in there so I've got lots of close ups.  Wouldn't want you to see that dang cleaning lady hasn't come lately!

In preparation for the trunk show DJ and I will be having June 20th before our class in Arizona, I've been picking up props here and there for my jewelry display.  I'm afraid I got somewhat carried away but I just couldn't resist these vintage jewelry boxes...leather lined with velvet.  They're the most delicious, vintage colors!

This pink one is teal inside...perfect.  I'm sure someone thought it was high time to get rid of these old things but, their loss is my gain.

Love this little velvet Italian number!

And this old, flowery, paper covered box.  When you see the inside of this one, you'll see that this is where I probably went overboard a bit:

Yes...she's a blue ballerina.  Well, I never had one as a kid so here she is now.  Besides, the inside of her box is lined with velvet and shirred fabric.  Who could resist?  She twirls around in the most wonderful way.  This particular item got some really comical, puzzled looks from my three guys.

Various fabrics to be artfully placed under the boxes...  The crochet on the right is handiwork from France.

These vintage, silk pincushions are another find I'm powerless to resist.  I just adore those little Chinese kids holding hands...and their tiny pigtails!

See how endearing they are?  I actually have a plan to use these in my display at the trunk show.  I'll be posting photos of the whole thing later.

You can't see much of it in this photo but I snagged this wonderful, old, wire greeting card display rack.  there are three wire sections and a heavy base.  The whole thing comes apart so I can easily pack it around with me. 

I got this lovely, small, china dish to hold my business cards.  Right now my collection of baby spoons resides there.  Back to some studio scenes and a few things I've been working on...or, will be working on.

"Babies in a pouch" Number 2 mini man stated rather facetiously when he saw them.  Funny boy!

Vintage stamps and carousel...I use these a lot.

A cool piece of crusty "junque" I have laying around.  This is one of those things that I have no idea what I'll do with but, there will be a moment when it will be the perfect thing for a project.  I love when that happens.  It just happened to me with these large, gaudy, copper rosebuds.  I didn't think I'd ever use them but...voila!...they ended up being the perfect element for a project I just finished...

The moral of the story:  never throw anything out no matter how useless it seems at the time and no matter how many times Wife Whisperer tells you you should.

This is part of my vintage globe collection.  The whole lot has narrowly escaped the trash bin on more than one occasion.  But hey...everyone needs a globe or two...right?

And, of course, some lovely baubles to work with.  Last, but not least, what I should be doing right now instead of giving a studio tour.  But, touring is so much fun!

Garden Party

One morning, a couple of weeks ago, Miss Maggie had a furry friend over to play.

As photographer of the event, I received an unwavering evil eye throughout the entire photo shoot.

The tail's not much to shout about but the face is kinda cute...right?  This face caused quite a ruckus in the garden.  Oh, the jumping, twirling and barking!  This is what happens when you're rude to your guests:

Maggie...stop licking your chops.  It's not good manners.  (Who cleans the windows around here anyway??  Please, pretend you didn't see that!) Of course, the mini-men and Wife Whisperer immediately ran for the bb guns but, not to worry, I put a stop to that.  We don't shoot at company!

Miss Maggie's friend soon drew a crowd.  "What the.........?????  Who invited you to the party???!!!"

Captivated by Artful Blogging

I apologize in advance but I just simply must indulge in a little mindless, shameless, horn-tooting.  As I thumbed through my new issue of Somerset Studio, I discovered this ad for Stampington's new issue of Artful Blogging.  I've been absolutely thrilled because I knew my blog would be featured in this new issue of AB but, when I came across this ad, I got even more excited because one of the featured spreads in the ad is from my article!  As terrific as that is, the thing that really has me going is the fact that the folks at Artful Blogging did an incredible job on the article.   From the little bit I see ("The Art Journal I Never Had") in this ad, it looks gorgeous!  Everything in this ad makes me want to run out and get a copy...the artwork, the colors the photos...yum!

Isn't the cover pretty?  My friend Ruth Rae's blog (you can see a preview here) will also be featured in the new issue along with...who knows?  Whatever is between the pages is sure to be fascinating.  This is one of my favorite publications.  I guess that explains my excessive enthusiasm!  I hear that the new Artful Blogging is already in the mail to some.  The rest of us will have to be patient as we "prepare to take another voyage into the captivating world of Artful blogging!"

The Good Shepherd

"The Good Shepherd"

It's a lovely time, with the Pope's visit to America, to have completed a piece called "The Good Shepherd".  This was a special order from a very sweet lady...it seems like everyone knows her!...Miz Carla.

Carla requested that a cross be the focal for her necklace so I gave her this beautiful, vintage, carved, mother of pearl cross.  I have several of these old, mother of pearl pieces and, as I understand it, they originally came from Bethlehem and were made by master craftsmen.  I've seen several online sources that claim this industry was introduced anywhere from the 14th to 17th century by Franciscan monks.  But, I have some original pieces that came with a card telling the story of Bethlehem mother of pearl.  According to the card, the industry was introduced by the Crusaders in the 12th century.  In any case, Mother of pearl carving is still an important craft there today.

I used a vintage, brass locket to go with the cross and a shell casing with dangling pearls...it reminds me of a flower with stamen peeping out.  The scripture inside the locket comes from John 21:17:  The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"  Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?"  He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."  Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."

 

This link is one of my favorites to make.  I used it near the charm keeper as well but added some tiny pearls on fine steel wire to add interest.  Carla requested whites and neutral colors which I felt played into the theme of sheep/shepherd/purity.