Something Sublime

Baby Trail

"Heaven's Children"  Deryn Mentock

I don't have time at the moment to write a full post on this piece but, suffice it to say, it has very special meaning that I promise I'll write about a little later.  You all probably saw the precious fingertip babies I got from the lovely Miss Judy, I couldn't resist putting one to use right away.  Judy's been traveling this week on her way toward Artfest, visiting with my friends Kristen and Ruth, leaving a trail of baby dolls behind her (don't miss Ruth's creation...scroll down when you get to her blog).

"Home"  Lorraine George

Also on her way to Artfest is my dear friend Lorraine George who gifted me with this stunning necklace.  Lorraine is such a talented artist and designer with a real eye for detail and precision hand.  She's one of the few non-teachers to get a booth at the Artfest Vendor event and I'm sure you can see why.  Her jewelry is fabulous.  Make sure you get to her table early as I have no doubt she'll sell out quickly!

"Old Enough to Fly" Deryn Mentock

Remember this piece of jewelry?  It's part of Seth Apter's Playing Favorites "museum tour" at The Altered Page which is now featuring body art.

He's got several photos of it posted along with the gorgeous jewelry of some other, very talented, artists.

   

Once you visit Seth's blog you'll be a regular there.  He's always got the best ideas and most interesting posts...tons of inspiration!

Playing Favorites

"Spirit Filled"

Have you been to Seth's blog The Altered Page?  If not, you're missing out on one of the most fascinating art blogs in cyberland.  What makes Seth's blog so interesting?  First of all, Seth is a talented artist in his own right.  But, besides Seth's art-candy, he regularly, and generously, features the artwork of all sorts of other artists.  Right now, he's posting a series called "Playing Favorites".  Seth's idea was to invite artists to submit their favorite works, done by themselves, with a short paragraph explaining their inspiration and/or why the piece is a favorite.  For me, this is the most enlightening aspect of the artwork.  I love hearing the creative thought process behind the work.

"Word Lessons"

These two pieces of mine are featured along with many other fabulous pieces of artwork in Seth's virtual museum tour...with more to come.  He's also posted the artist's links, the better for surfing! 

Cut it Out

Between making pieces of jewelry, I squeezed in a little time to carve a few stamps for Michelle Ward's latest challenge on her Green Pepper Press Street Team blog.  Her March challenge (is March really almost over?!) is hand carved stamps which is one of my favorite things to do.  Not that I get much time to do it!  I carved both of these using photocopies as my pattern.

This was the scrap paper I used to test my stamps as I carved.  I added a little extra paint to punch things up a bit.

Here, you can see the cherub stamp I carved (above) and a transfer of the photocopy I used (below).  This was a challenging stamp to carve but I think it may have been the material.  The "lips" stamp was carved on some pink carving material I had laying around and it was easier to cut.

I've got a small deco that I started a few years ago for hand carved stamp art so I took this opportunity to add a few more pages to it using my new stamps.

Here's the deco cover.  Notice the wrapped beads I used to bind the spine.  I got these about five or six years ago from a bead swap I was in.  They're made of some kind of fabric and embellished with metal leaf...gorgeous! 

I also have some beads from that swap that were made of fabric and wrapped with wire.  And look at those awesome knitted beads.  Sorry, I can't say who came up with the ideas for these beads and created them...my memory just isn't that good!  Now I'm completely off my subject.  My mind wandered to beads.  Ahem...back to stamps...

These last two are pages from the deco.  I've posted them before so you may have seen them already.  I made these pages using one of the first stamps I carved...the flaming heart.

I also used the flaming heart stamp as a pattern for the cover of this tiny journal:

 

Thanks for another fun challenge Michelle!

The War of Art-Resistance

Are you an artist?  A painter, sculptor, jeweler?  What about a writer, teacher, runner, dieter or housewife?  If you're in the process of any kind of creative endeavor, venture in self improvement or move to a higher moral calling, you should read this book!  I recently heard about Steven Pressfield's, "The War of Art" when I ran across it on Sandra Evertson's blog and then again in the newest issue of Somerset Studio where editor, Jenny Doh, wrote about it in her "Letter from the Editor".  I just finished reading it...it's an easy read in a few sittings...and I highly recommend it.  In fact, I like it so much, I'd like to pass on some of the best of what I've read so, I'm going to occasionally post some of Pressfield's wit and wisdom here for you.

"In Flight"

As the subtitle suggests, most of us creative types struggle with blocks and battles with the muse.  Pressfield calls these obstacles "Resistance".  He defines Resistance perfectly and tells how to overcome it.  "Resistance by definition is self-sabatoge."  We all know this to be true.  How many times has that nasty little voice whispered in your ear "You can't do this!  You're really not that good.  Everyone else is better, more talented, prettier and better dressed than you!"  From the git-go we are our own worst enemies!

But...there's another, insidious form of Resistance waiting in the wings.  Once we begin to succeed and overcome our own, inner Resistance, we may begin to notice others resisting our success!  Those close to us may develop strange, adverse reactions to our positive growth.  Maybe you have a husband who is suddenly demanding, a child who develops an issue that needs all your attention, a friend who decides you've "changed" or, worse, a fellow artist who is unjustly critical or wildly jealous.  Pressfield writes:  "The reason is that they are struggling, consciously or unconsciously, against their own Resistance.  The awakening (artist's) success becomes a reproach to them."  Fascinating stuff.

Pressfield gives a terrific analogy for this:  "The highest treason a crab can commit is to make a leap for the rim of the bucket."  According to Pressfield, the best thing we can do is get over the edge and don't look back.  Moving forward into success is what you want for yourself...isn't it also what you want for your fellow artists?  If you're the one holding someone's leg as they try to get over the rim, it's a golden rule moment.  "The best and only thing that one artist can do for another ist to serve as an example and an inspiration" If you're still at the bottom, gazing at the rim...what's keeping you in the bucket?

Get this book if you need a kick in the pants.  Take the leap!   

Resurrection Celebration

 

Crucified...

He is risen!

I received an wonderful package in the mail yesterday.  In their travels, Judy Wilkenfeld and Michael DeMeng discovered a German Bible with engravings by Albrecht Durer and, knowing my love of the Bible,  kindly offered it to me.  It arrived all the way from Australia, packed and shipped by Judy.  As you can see, the engravings are incredible.  The text of the Bible is in German in a lovely calligraphy font...maybe a blackletter script.  Judy generously included several lovely surprises.  Among these were two sweet, antique baby dolls.

They're from Germany, very old, manufactured sometime between 1880 and 1930.  I'm not really a doll person but these are the most adorable bisque babies I've ever seen.  I am totally in love with them!  I'm not sure about the availability of these but I do know that Judy will be at Artfest in Washington within the next few weeks so keep an eye out for her and you can ask her yourself.  She'll be offering her wonderful Red Velvet wares on vendor night and, of course, Michael will be teaching and vending as well.  Again...thank you so much Michael and Judy!

  Stop doubting...and believe!

A blessed Easter holiday to you...

Holy, Holy, Holy!

"Eternal Life"

This week, the last week of Lent, is known as Holy Week.  Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, the remembrance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  The crowds hailed Christ by shouting praises, acknowledging him as Messiah and waving palm branches which were known as a symbol of victory.  Christ rode into Jerusalem on a donkey which symbolized humility but was also the mode of transportation for kings.

"The Blessed One"

Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is a day of remembrance for many things, including the last supper of Christ with His disciples.  It is also the day that Christ prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, was betrayed by a disciple and was arrested.  "Maundy" is a word which refers to the ceremony of the washing of the feet.  Christ personally washed the feet of each disciple at the Last Supper showing His attitude of servanthood.

"The Christ"

Good Friday is a day of reverence and mourning in remembrance of Christ's crucifixion and death.  Holy Saturday is a day of silence in prayer commemorating the day that Christ lay in the tomb.

 

"The Starry Cross"

The Easter vigil is traditionally held through Saturday night and then the morning of Easter Sunday until sunrise.  Easter is the day of celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord.  The resurrection is proof of everlasting life and love.  The love of a Father who paid the ultimate price to show us He cares.  Proof of eternal life that belongs to each of us when we believe in Him.

Wishing you a blessed Resurrection Sunday...

The Perfect Pillow

I'm not talking about the kind you sleep on!  I've been looking for a source for a good bench bag for a long, long time.  I considered making them myself but just don't have the time.  You all know I spent a a weekend with my good friend Sally.  Well, not only does Sally have lots of great stuff in her studio but one of those great things is the perfect bench bag.  The one I've been turning myself inside out looking for. 

Of course, I just had to have one for myself.  When she noticed me slobbering over her bench bag Sally had no choice but to tell me where she got the goods.  Enter...The Antique Palette etsy store.  I immediately ordered two pillows of my own and they're on the way to me even as I write this.

So, what's all the fuss?  And, what's a bench bag for anyhow?  It's probably something only a jewelry maker or metal worker can get excited about but it makes a big difference when you're pounding metal or wire.  A bench bag goes under your steel bench block to muffle the sounds and vibrations of all that necessary hammering done by jewelry makers.  These bench pillows are just right.  They're made with nice soft suede so the bag doesn't slip around on the bench.  They're filled the perfect amount so your block can snuggle right down into all that cushiony goodness.  If you're looking for a new pillow, I highly recommend these! 

Sprung

Part of Life It Photos group

I couldn't resist snapping some quick photos of my neighbor's beautiful Bradford pear tree.  The last couple of weeks we've had quite a few gorgeous, spring days...one of the advantages of this glorious, humid sub-tropical climate I live in (the other day it was 87 degrees!).  I felt a bit foolish when neighbor man came out his door and there I was crouching on the ground with my telephoto in hand.  Hopefully, he thinks I'm a real cool, quirky artist type but most likely he just thinks I'm strange! 

Leaves and Connections

"Music To My Ears" available at my Etsy shop

Today was a great day for taking photos...the light was perfect.  Of course, that means it's not a great day for too many other things;  cloudy and occasionally rainy.  Good for making jewelry though, which is what I spent most of the day doing.

"Thirsty Soul"

I've been toying with the same wire working methods I developed to use in class samples for the Mingled Elements workshop that DJ Pettitt and I will be teaching.  The techniques have translated very well into jewelry.

"Little Leaves"

These forms are inspired by Susan Lenart's resin paper forms.  Although, I didn't use resin for these.  By the way, have you seen her new book?

All of Susan's work is incredible and so is her book.  It's very well done and the pictures are clear and beautiful.  Susan's got some great how-to information here but, more important to me, she includes lots of conversation about her creative process and what excites her artistically.  Take the time to enjoy this book...just browsing through it is inspiring!

Sally's Studio

I got to spend most of this last weekend with my sweet friend Sally who invited me to come for a sleepover.  I get really excited when I get to go to Sally's house because she has the coolest of cool studios.  She's recently done a little rearranging and has installed this incredible storage unit.  It's not your ordinary, everyday storage unit, as you can see...

The moment I walked in the door I fell in love with it (just like I knew I would when she described it to me!).  I complimented and coveted it and just had to open some of the drawers.  It's the perfect studio piece.  Sally has lots of other great stuff in her studio like this pretty saint type doll...

And this scary doll...

I didn't just spend the weekend taking pictures of Sally's studio though.  Once we got caught up, we actually got to play around with art stuff.  We both finished up pieces we had previously started and, once that was done, we got to goof off a little.

This is what I got accomplished.  Yeah, I know it's not much but hey, it's hard to get a whole lot done at a sleepover!  We were very busy chit-chatting and listening to music.  Also, unfortunately, I haven't fully recovered from whatever monster bug is trying to take over my body and was feeling at a pretty low ebb.  Anyhow, the best thing about visiting Sally's studio is not what we get done...it's Sally.  She really "gets" me and she's a great friend.  She's generous and talented.

 

See?

Life It

"Gate Latch" uploaded to Life It Photos group

Richard Pearson

"Burning" by Richard Pearson

I try to point you to the work of other artists here just so you don't think this blog is all about me.  I got lucky and stumbled across Richard Pearson's blog RapidView the other day.  I don't know Richard at all but, wow...I love his work!

"Sweeter Than Laughter" by Richard Pearson

Richard is a talented photographer but I love what he does with Polaroids.  What exactly does he do?  I'm sure this probably isn't polite but I'd like to sit him down and pick his brain!  His Polaroid photos/collages are incredibly intricate and fascinating.

"Animal Like Eyes" by Richard Pearson

His blog is full of gorgeous artwork like this.  Go take a look and make sure you look through his archives.  I'd love to hear what you think...

Mingled Elements Thank You

Sold out!!  Wow...I want to give a huge thank you to all of you who signed up for the Mingled Elements workshop that DJ and I are teaching at The Paper Studio this June.  Cindy, the owner, said we sold 16 spots on Saturday in the first ten minutes and the rest sold by the next morning!  I'm so excited about this news I'm skipping through the house, high-fiveing the mini men!  Cindy has started a waiting list so, if you didn't get into the workshop, and you want to take it, drop her an email and get on the list.  I'm looking forward to teaching!

Mail Call

Mail art by Sally Turlington

Oh, I had a lovely mail day not long ago!  My dear friend Sally Turlington sent me this terrific calendar created by her and her friends in the Art-ed-Anima group.  Of course, it wasn't mailed in just any old envelope but this beautiful, artful envelope.  When you visit Sally's blog you'll see she's a huge fan of Nick Bantock.  Sally did a great job capturing the Bantock feeling.

The calendar is new for this year and is full of terrific artwork by some very talented artists, including Sally.

Sally is a master of mail art.  I always feel so lucky when I get a package or envelope from her because she always takes the time to turn it into art before it reaches me.  In fact, I don't think Sally sends anything in the mail without beautifying it first!  This is the other side of the envelope.  She cleverly altered one of her old photos to look like a rubber stamp.

Here's the photo Sally used in it's unaltered form.  Makes me want to turn all my vintage photos into rubber stamps.  I love the look but haven't quite acquired the computer skills yet.  Thank you Sally for the inspiring artwork!