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Another "secret" project that I can't show you much of :( A friend asked me to make this. I'm in the mood for deep, autumn colors. Hopefully, you'll get to see more of it at some point!
I'm off to watch spooky movies with the mini-men... Happy Halloween!
My dear friend Catherine Witherell has tagged me with the dubious title of "Creative Snit". The proper description is as follows:
noun
a state of creative chaos, creative frustration, or a state of obsessive creativity: "she was in a creative snit"
Therefore, worthy recipients of this prestigious award should demonstrate one or more of the following criteria:
1) photos of their chaotic creative studio spaces
2) reports of staying up till the wee hours of the morning while consuming large amounts of coffee and or chocolate in order to finish a swap or prepare for a show
3) documented frustration over the creative process
4) evidence of a large quantity of art created over a small period of time
5) photos of the recipient at vendor night at any art retreat ( it goes without saying that ALL attendees at such events are either in or will soon be in a creative snit)
Trust me, you are NOT interested in pics of my pathetic studio space! I don't usually stay up much past 10:30 p.m., although, I have been known to consume large quantities of both coffee and chocolate...occasionally at the same time. I don't typically experience frustration over the creative process and I usually don't participate in vendor day/night either as a vendor or as a buyer. So, that leaves "evidence of a large quantity of art created over a small period of time", which I certainly have been doing lately...at the expense of my etsy store and blog posting!
Although I can't show you much of the project that's kept me pre-occupied these last two weeks. Here are a few sneak peeks...
I'd like to see what kind of creative snit you've been in recently, Deb Trotter!
| a children's Halloween custom, in which they call on neighbors, using this phrase, and threaten to play a trick if a treat is not given. |
"Trick or Treat"
Wow! I'm busy but am finally getting settled back in after an extended stay in Portland for A&S and to visit my family. It's always great to be back in my hometown!
I can't even describe what a fabulous time I had at Art & Soul in Portland this year! A huge thank you goes to Glenny who organized a multitude of terrific art classes for some 400-500 of us this year. The weather was less than spectacular, as you can see from my pics, but everything else was wonderful, including my teachers and all the friends, old and new, I got to see.
I was lucky enough to get into all three of Robert Dancik's classes. His specialty is a versatile product called "faux bone". It seemed like he tried to teach us everything he knows...and more! He was extremely generous and free with techniques, tools, materials, sources...anything and everything we could think to ask him about. My favorite kind of teacher!
I also had a terrific metal clay class with Sharri Haab and Wendy Manilow and a fun book class with LK Ludwig. One of my faves was a jewelry/mixed media class with the lovely and talented Jane Wynn. She was also very generous with her knowledge and I immediately felt connected. I love the way her brain works!
I got a chance to return to my first love: glass. Lorna Lovell and Carmen Reynolds taught a class in kiln forming glass. One of my first art interests was stained glass and I really thought it would be my career but, I was sidetracked by life. I had so much fun, in this class, being near the glass world again. The zip of the metal cutting wheel on the glass was like a familiar, old friend. But, the best part was composing bits of dichroic glass, stringers, noodles and punches to form beautiful, tiny bits of melted glass art. Lorna is the owner of Uroboros glass which I remember from my old stained glass days so I was thrilled to meet her and even more so to take a class from her and Carmen. Besides...look what cool stuff we made!
Of course, the best thing about A&S is meeting up with people. As you can see, I chanced upon the wonderful Judy Wise. Aren't her earrings lovely??
I was overjoyed to see my old friend DJ Pettitt. DJ is one of the kindest people I know and also, extremely talented. Her talent and spirit flow over into her classes as you can see from the pictures she's posted to her blog of her student's work.
I lunched one day with sweet Katie Kendrick and Michael DeMeng, who is such a charismatic guy. I can't believe we haven't run into each other before.
I had the pleasure of sitting with my friend Stephanie Rubiano in the metal clay class. Stephanie and I have known each other a long time and we both live in Texas but it takes traveling out of state for us to see each other. (Congrats to you Stephanie on your recent successes!) I also sat with Catherine Witherell who, let me tell you, is super talented and full of ideas! Catherine and I have known each other for awhile online so it was great to finally meet in person.
I fused glass with Rhonda Scott and Kathy Read, swapped charms with Michelle Geller -who is the sweetest thing. I sat next to Diana Frey in one of my classes, got to meet Tonia Davenport (terrific plexi jewelry) and reunited briefly with my good friend Ronnie Grundset. And finally, finally got to meet someone I've been hearing about for well over a year and corresponding with; Mija Andrade. What a joy it was to meet her! You are a kind, gentle soul Mija!
I'm sure I've left someone out here and, sadly, there were a few folks I just didn't get to see. It was a whirlwind but a good one! It was bittersweet leaving my home and the view of Mt. Hood and the two mountains behind it (Adams and Rainier) brought tears to my eyes...very unexpectedly! But, my parents are here visiting now to soften the blow. Needless to say, I'm super busy trying to get caught up and meet deadlines as well as fighting a nasty, Oregon head cold. Off to work...
