Amy Stoner's Fine Art Blog

For the love of curves

2011-01-29T22:06:00.001-08:00

I know what you must be thinking (all 3 of you out in cyberspace that may actually read this)....where have I been? Well, I'm back now and finally creating some new work that blends my current work in encaustic and my old love of the nude female form.

Back in my art school days, I would obsessively attend any live model drawing class I could for the chance to capture the human figure on paper. I admit that I am a complete romantic fool for the human body; each curve and line holds a unique beauty that only the person owning that body can possess. There is so much beauty in the human body, but we have been conditioned to only see our flaws and imperfections that we omit all the amazing sensuality we carry around in the world every day.

I admit that even with my artistic eye, I too fall prey to this case of body insecurity. Rare is the day when I can look in the mirror and be in love with all my curves. But, I strive to create art of the female form that does just that.

The ladies I create (hand carving wood blocks that are then printed onto thin rice paper before being embedded between layers of wax) would never be seen in a typical fashion magazine. They have juicy thighs, strong legs and arms, curvy backsides, and soft stomachs. They are my chance to show the world that "real" women are beautiful and desirable...even if we don't always believe it ourselves. Maybe it's just a cheap form of therapy for myself, but I would rather draw a luscious curvy woman anyday and help celebrate all those real beautiful curves out there!

So, expect more from me in this new direction! I am loving it!

Rain

2010-10-09T07:53:00.001-07:00

I forgot how much I love the sound of rain. The meditative drumming of droplets on roofs and concrete. The wet slick ground becoming saturated and soft. The rivers of fresh water running to circle and dance with fallen leaves before it falls deep under the city. I forgot that fresh clean cold smell. The damp. It fills my lungs as I sit wrapped up on the porch smoking another cigarette, which I know I don't need.

I forgot how much I need the sound of rain; like the calm voice of a lover long gone. The damp song seeps into my skin and bones and reminds me that so much of me is water. I want to lay out in it and become lost in it, drown.

Luminous Layers

2010-06-21T21:41:00.001-07:00

Portland will be buzzing about the "Luminous Layers" special exhibit at this year's Lake Oswego Festival of Art. The exhibit team and myself have been working hard to bring you the most comprehensive exhibit of encaustic art in the Pacific Northwest.

"Nationally recognized artists melt, layer, scrape, and sculpt, creating their visions in wax. Lectures, displays, and demonstrations featuring some of these leading artists will explore the techniques of this art form throughout the three-day Festival. "

Friday, June 25th

I will be giving a free demonstration on mixed media techniques in encaustic at 2pm. I will also be leading a guided tour of the special exhibit at 5pm.

"Why Wax?" Presentation and Panel Discussion with featured artists Jeff Schaller, Cari Hernandez, Kanaan Kanaan and Moderator Andrea Benson will take place from 7:30 - 8:30pm in the Headlee Theatre, Lakewood Center. There is a $5 at the door.

Additional free live encaustic demos are available each day during the festival in the special exhibit area. Please see the daily schedule in the demo area for each days' list of artists!

Get all the info here!

Welcome the soft warm arms of Summer

2010-06-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of Summer here in the Pacific NW...and well, it is feeling more like it than the past few cold and wet weeks. The sun is out and my thoughts start drifting to thoughts of summer picnics, bbqs out on the lawn, late warm evenings on the front porch watching the light slowly fade, hearing Hazel's shrieks of joy as she plays in the sprinkler....

It's so easy to get caught up in the grind of our frenetic day-to-day lives. We all have so much to do, and never enough time to do it. My goal for this summer is to take some time and relax a bit more. Breathe in the heavenly warm scent of ripening peaches, enjoy the tart-sweet punch of homemade lemonade, and actually take the time to lay down on the lawn and read a book.

Ah, summer. May we all take a moment to enjoy you a little bit this season!

To Montserrat and Back Again

2010-06-17T16:06:00.001-07:00

Hello world! I'm back from my inaugural trip to both the East Coast AND the 4th Annual Encaustic Conference at Montserrat College of Art. And what a wonderful trip it was!

I had three days filled with conference fun such as demos, talks, meeting other amazing artists, seeing their work...and did I mention buying art supplies in the vendors' rooms? Oh my. It's a miracle that my bank didn't drag me out of those rooms before I could do more damage. But, really, how is a girl supposed to say no to all that color?

I will admit that I do have a short limit of the amount of gallery mingling I can handle...so I went on a little "walkabout" during one of the openings...and I stumbled upon some students' studio spaces on campus. Which is where I snapped the above photo with the quote from Degas. It was a beautiful studio space with an equally striking quote. I love it when we stumble upon just what we need to hear.

Here is my newest work, and one included in the conference's "Best Foot Forward" exhibit. If I was going to show all of the other attendees something that was "me" it better have a bit of green in it!

I will share other photos from the conference as I try to get this blog up and running again. Oh, and to the lovely woman (I am SO VERY bad at remember names) who came up to me (while I was trying not to buy MORE paint from R&F) and who told me she reads my blog and how much she enjoyed it....thank you! You rocked my world and I promise I'll try sneak away from the dreaded Facebook enough to actually put posts on my blog more often!

Like Leaves Poking through Sand

2010-03-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been spent in a fog; of allergies, that is. Things have been slower, quieter, and not as productive as I would like while I battle with my body....I usually never win these sort of things. So, most of the weekend was spent resting and trying to be OK with that.

That is easier said than done. I like to be in control of situations, to be in control of myself. To set my goal and complete it - easily - in less time that I thought. Oh, how plain foolish and grandiose of myself. Life never really works out like that; and luckily, I am learning that (albeit slowly) and trying to be gentler with myself and that master "to do" list.

For example, I have a cleaner and tidier studio right now, thanks to a burst of energy this weekend. And we now have a stair rail on our porch thanks to my husband's energy and creativity! But, the studio isn't being used right now as I just don't have the "oomph" to get down there...and well, I painted the primer on the railing, but that's it for today. That is enough. I AM ENOUGH....as is. Until tomorrow...

With Thanks and Gratitude

2010-03-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

I participated in the annual SE Area Artwalk this weekend (for the 5th year, I think?) and it was another wonderful joyful time to celebrate art, springlike weather, and yes, even more art! I was hosted by the gracious and talented Mark Larsen, and with 4 other artists in his house, it was like a weekend long art party even without the hundreds of visitors that walked through the doors!

The piece above was my newest work to date, finished in the wee hours before the artwalk opened on Saturday...and it was the last piece I sold for the weekend, just minutes before the artwalk ended! Talk about "meant to be"! Since it held two of my favorite colors (green and orange) it was almost going to stay home with me, but now I am happy to have it make someone else smile!

The artwalk was great fun and successful, but most of all it really brought home the fact that Portlanders love their art and their community! It was such a great opportunity to talk to fellow community members, make new friends, and talk about creativity! It was also moving to have parents' of a tiny little newborn buy a piece of art with their daughters' name first letter on it!
It's all those little things that make my heart sing and so very lucky to be able to make art and share it with others. Thank you all for making that happen!

And, like the weather, I am unfolding

2010-03-05T14:18:00.001-08:00

Hello world! I can't fathom how long it's been since I've taken the time to write, compile my thoughts, and share on this blog. My mind and life have been narrowed; focusing on just those bare necessities to get me through the dark winter. I've thought about posting here several times, but just didn't really seem to have anything to say. And well, I figured that when the time was right, I would be here and share. So, voila!

I went to the coast a few weeks back to visit a friend. I took a much-needed break from "life" for a glorious 24 hours and enjoyed the steady heartbeat of the water, wind, and silence. It was lovely. I visited my favorite stretch of the northern Oregon coast, where I snapped these photos. I love the idea of looking at a great expanse through such a narrow viewfinder. It really struck a chord with me.

It never ceases to amaze me about just how much the world is there for you when you need it; if you only slow down and take the time to notice. All the whining and shaking your fist at the sky looks silly once you settle down and realize they were trying to help all along; offering gifts along the way, hoping you would see.

I am seeing and noticing a lot more right now, and feel abundantly full and content and joyful. I hope I can be open and make it last!

And finally, I want to share a bit of what someone else is making - Hazel's first foray into the world of play dough. It was a homemade recipe I made using paprika for a nice soft orange color. We had so much fun sculpting and shaping; it was one of my favorite activities as a child. And the scent of paprika in the house made my heart happy for all my Hungarian heritage....though I'm sure great grandma would have thought all that paprika a waste when there's goulash to make!

Spreading the Love (and money) the best I can

2010-01-18T13:57:00.001-08:00

I know that by it now it seems the entire world has heard about the heartache happening in Haiti, and hopefully, they have done something to help out, if possible. I know that our family has tried to help in its own way with some donations and lots of prayers and good thoughts!

But I still wanted to help out more, and since I lack a bottomless bank account, I wanted to offer the best I could. So, for the entire month of January, I am donating ALL proceeds for the sale of ANY original encaustic painting in my Etsy shop! Yep, all I will take from the sale is the cost of shipping. The remainder will go towards Mercy Corp in order to help those suffering the aftermath of such a horrible event.

Hazel Learns a New Word over Thanksgiving!

2009-12-04T19:45:00.000-08:00

If At First You Don't Succeed....Lessons in Sinuses

2009-09-27T21:20:00.001-07:00

The past two weeks have really taught me a lot, crammed into some tight times amid some tired nights. I had been feverishly working towards preparing for my first time selling my art at the Corvallis Fall Festival. I had been painting, making prints, organizing, listing, all while doing the normal housework, applying for holiday shows, etc, etc. Then I caught "the cold". It was a week and a half out from the festival, so I figured I would get over it in time to get the last stuff ready and be good to go.

Funny, how I thought that.

Well, I did get over the "cold" on Thursday. But, it really didn't leave as much as get nice and comfy in my sinuses. Now, that is where I normally suffer from colds, so I figured I could deal with some stuffiness over the weekend. No biggie. Did it before many times.

ouch.

The thing about my sinuses this time is that they weren't joking around. I got a serious sinus infection that wouldn't budge even with hot compresses, neti pot dousing, hot tea, and OTC medicine. No, this infection was there to stay; even while trying to set up a booth and unload all my gear by myself. in the hot sun. while I was cranky and in a lot of pain. Yes, I am a whiner.

So, Saturday afternoon of the sale rolls around and I'm sitting in the booth doing my best imitation of a gal having fun when my parents visit and they find out just what is happening. That is when I get whisked away to the local Emergency Room where they give me antibiotics and painkillers and tell me to rest and drink lots of liquids. Not easily done sitting in the sun at an art sale.

So, I had to leave the art festival a day early. Which entailed packing up all the gear and both, but this time with the help of my parents (and the joyful blur of painkillers). I spent today at home instead of trying to make money at an art fair. And I should have been angry, hurt, frustrated at my current state, etc.

But, surprisingly, I'm not. I'm really at peace. I mean, I'm a little bummed that all my work didn't turn into some more profit which could really be used now (especially to pay the doctor bill) but it was so nice to just sit and relax and HEAL. And, maybe it's because of the seasonal change (and the coming cooler weather) but I just want to take it easy, enjoy being a mom, do some crafting and relax. At least for the next few weeks. Then, I will be aching to get busy again. I mean, I am starting a new painting class on wednesday and I hang my art this weekend for a new monthly show, so I'm by no means stopping the onlsaught of the to-do list. But, at least I am in the mood to slow down a bit!

Getting Busy

2009-09-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

So, I've been busy; very busy getting ready for the Corvallis Fall Festival Sept. 25-26th! I've been going to the studio every free moment I get to work on some new work, and that has been challenging with a very active 17 month old daughter running around like crazy! But I did get some extra hours in this weekend to finish these two new lovelies!

They are both 18" square and can be displayed seperately, but were made to go together. I had a lot of fun working with the colors and textures in these pieces! And so, even though this is just a quick photo of the paintings in my studio, I still needed to share!

Gratitude

2009-08-24T11:27:00.001-07:00

This photo is a shot of what I've been working on over the past several weeks. New work, new ideas, new directions, but all with an underlying theme of color, happiness, life, and gratitude.

Gratitude is a very important element in my life right now. I have a lot of it. Granted, not much has changed with the day to day happenings, but I have just started really realizing how very blessed I am. And how much I have to be grateful for. Big stuff. wonderful stuff.

So, as I get busy with life and upcoming art shows, I just wanted to share a little of what I have been up to, and letting anyone reading this just how grateful I am!

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

2009-07-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile. A long while. Over a month since I wrote here. And I did think about it several times; sometimes out of guilt or obligation, sometime out of anxiousness. But I just didn't know what to write. So, I didn't.

Now, I'm slowly coming out of my self-induced cocoon and getting back to living the life I want to live. A positive one. A happy, productive one. A life I can get up in the morning and look forward to unfolding. I'm not completely "there" yet, but I have a plan, and that is a good place to start.

I took an amazing art class in early July in the lovely town/island of Vashon, WA. It was taught by the amazing printmaker, Mary Margaret Briggs. I have pics of her studio which I will share shortly, but for now, there is just a taste of the work that came out of her workshop above. This was not a piece I made in class, but rather something I made at home afterwards - the first encaustic art I have made in over a month. It felt so good to get my hands back "in the wax" and make something that really makes me happy. I made several more from prints from the class and will share them shortly as well. But for now, baby steps. I mean, I finally have something to say. I shouldn't let it all spill out at once!

Home is Where the Joy Is

2009-06-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

This was one of those glorious, wonderful, calm and peaceful weekends we get so few of around here. We hadn't overwhelmed ourselves with "to-do" lists, we didn't have too many scheduled activities, we just enjoyed the natural flow of things and had a great time!

A trip to the farmer's market always has a way of starting the weekend out well, and so do things like sleeping in a bit, taking a family bike ride through the neighborhood, playing in the park, and eating fresh sweet cherries.

I thought that this new little encaustic painting really summed up my happy thoughts of home. Hopefully, I can remember this sweet respite of calm peace during this increasingly busy week to come. I think everything would go much smoother if we all carried a bit of "home" in our hearts, so that is my goal this week!

The Fruit of Fun

2009-06-10T10:16:00.001-07:00

Right off the bat, I apologize for the silly little pun in the title. It's one of those mornings, where I went to bed too late (after a fun night of crafting with some new friends) and then slept poorly , got up earlier than I planned, and have been living off of dark chocolate for the past hour or so. Whoopee!

I wanted to share with you my very first foray into fruit paintings! Fun! The first one was the "ripe" little red piece in the corner that was a happy accident while playing around during last weekend's class. I liked making it so much, I decided it needed friends. Fruity friends. I am even working on a larger red one that could be these little ones' momma. Oh my, I really do need some more sleep....or time in the studio.

Either way, enjoy the "fruits" of my labor. You can also see more shots of them on my Etsy store!

Little Jewels From the Studio

2009-06-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

I've been busy in the studio, carving out some time for art-making here and there - and I've been having a BLAST in the process. I hadn't made too many pieces in awhile, so this was a much needed burst of productivity! I just wanted to share a few of these little pieces. They will be slowly making there way out to my Etsy store soon. But first, sharing with you!

I don't know if these are just flowers, or bike wheels, or some portland-hybridized bike bloom, but they just scream summer fun!

An Encaustic Painting Class Photo Primer

2009-06-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time teaching four fabulous and fun students the basics of Encaustic Painting yesterday afternoon. Here are a few snapshots of class, including two of the students' finished pieces, which I adore for their color and texture! I had a great time, as always, and am still on the "high" of watching creation, color, and inspiration!

The Power of Positive Thought

2009-06-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

Home is where my heart is right now. And that's not just because I've been working away like crazy on house/garden projects or trying to clean. I've just been really happy this week, and well, I want to enjoy it. Roll around in it and just breathe a sigh of contentment. I don't feel like this a lot, so I need to really enjoy it while it's there!

I spent a glorious day in the art studio yesterday finishing up some pieces for my inaugural sale at the First Thursday Street Gallery in the Pearl! It's tomorrow night from 5-10pm, and I can't wait to spend a warm summer evening out in the Pearl District with tons of fellow artists selling art, looking at art, and just enjoying an evening in Portland. Come out if you can!

These two pieces are products of yesterday's art love-in. The top one just came out of the blue at the end of the session when I am just letting myself make anything that I feel like without any limits. How is it that those are often the pieces we are most drawn to? Funny.

Though, I fully admit I also really like this second piece which is on a thick piece of 2" thick wood. It's a nice chunky little piece that just screams summer sunny fun!

Playing Catch Up

2009-05-27T12:27:00.001-07:00

Life has been busy, hectic, fun, and exhausting. And now that my hubby's mini vacation is over and life is back to "normal" (whatever that is) I feel like a madwoman playing catch up on everything else in my life. So, enjoy these odd snapshots of my life so far.

First off, after a craft nite with some other mommas and some more quiet time during a nap, I finished my first "big" felted wool project - meet KrazyKitty. She is a slightly odd creation of three felted wool sweaters sewn together (with love) for Hazel.

The uberhubby was amazing this weekend and constructed these new cedar raised garden beds. Our old ones had rotted and we never got around to this project last year. So, now we have some yummy strawberries, tomatoes, basil, zucchini and squash plants soaking up the sun and enjoying the view. I can't wait till later in the season when we get to enjoy our bounty!

Finally, we relaxed and did enjoy some delicious meals with family and friends. Alas, I never remember to photograph the actual event as we're too busy eating and chatting. But trust me when I say it was wonderful and delicious.

Now, I've got a list a mile long of things "to do"; none of which are anywhere near glamorous. But I have a date with my art studio tonight and I hope to have something new to share with you soon. So, keep in touch!

Serendipity in Queen Anne's Lace

2009-05-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

I've always been a fan of the flower queen anne's lace - and any other ethereal bloom like it. From the delicate blossoms of this bloom, to the light-as-a-feather bloom of sea lavender, I just love this type of blossom. So, I thought it was about time that I carve one to use a block print.

This Encaustic collage above is the result after carving the block and printing it directly to the luan wood panel. That way, I can get the crisp lines of the block print, while still savoring all that woodgrain yumminess. Yes, I said yumminess. I love wood. Can you tell?

Anyhoo, this is my final post this week as I get ready for the annual Alberta Art Hop. It is this Saturday, May 16th from 11am-6pm. Imagine nearly 20 blocks closed filled with art, music, merriment. Now, imagine this with clear sunny weather in the upper 70s. Yeah, I'm talking near bliss! I will be on the block of NE 26th St, on the north side. Come see a full booth full of new handmade Encaustic paintings, collages, prints, woodblock prints, hand printed journals, and even some fun embroidered and appliqued baby clothes! I'll be there with bells on waiting to say hi!

Dark Poppies for a Dark Rainy Day

2009-05-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is another one of my new encaustic/printmaking creations. It began it's life as a woodblock print on a lovely deep olive green handmade paper. Then, I added layers of clear wax, other art paper, red wax and a golden citron yellow green incising following the contours of the poppies.

I'm really enjoying these new pieces as they blend together my love of printmaking and encaustics again. It makes me want to spend all my time down in the studio covered in ink and wax - and loving it!

However, I've got other obligations, including the Alberta Art Hop this Saturday and a class on Sunday, so I've got to get some "work" done before play time. That being said, I am currently felting a handful of new wool sweaters I've thrifted so that when I do have time, I can start making some more fun felted creations for Hazel - and myself!

Printed Journals and Printed Paintings

2009-05-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

A very happy belated Mothers Day to all out there that celebrated! As you might deduce, I had a fabulous mother's day where I spent most of it not being a mother, and playing around in the art studio! I had neglected my mini etching press for far too long, and so I spent hours playing with paper and ink and pressure - having a ball!

I printed on paper, on fabric, on wood. And then, during a long afternoon nap yesterday, I got to play with some wax after all the printing. Above are three of the results - relief block prints on paper and wood with wax and more paper and paint and just plain fun! These will be making their public debut at the Alberta Art Hop this Saturday, May 16th! I will be selling these there and I hope that people love them as much as I do.

I also decided to branch out from my normal printmaking, and print on some yummy blank journals! I really love having art on something practical, like a journal! How can you wrong? I'm excited about the new medium and their practicality, so I'm hoping others enjoy them too. I've got some listed on my Etsy store and we'll see what the reaction is!

I'm going to be a busy little bee this week as I gear up for the Alberta Art Hop and a Beeswax Collage class this weekend. But it's involving art, so I will be on cloud nine! I can't wait!

Back to the Grain, Woodblock style

2009-05-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Can I tell you how good it felt to print again? It's been far too long since I ran some inked wood through the etching press, and I just loved to get it going, getting all inky, seeing that magic moment when a picture "magically" appears on paper? God, I love that!

Here are the prints I pulled. I still need to do some clean-up work on the poppy woodblock, but I wanted to get a feel for what it looked like printed. And the milagro heart is an older block that I've been meaning to print again to use as collage pieces in encaustics! I even printed a few images on paper, but I think I need to use different ink to get that to work. But imagine! Images on fabric! Art and sewing possibilities. Oh, I'm giddy!

And finally, to round out the poppy goodness, a quick shot of the poppy pillow I made for the living room. I bought the fabric awhile ago and just love it. love. it. As in, I should have bought more!

Here's wishing all you mothers (and daughters and sons) have a wonderful mother's day! We're going to celebrate a day early with a neighborhood parade, street fair, and dinner at a local restaurant. Oh yeah! Happy Mother's Day!

Wool, Felt, Fabric. FUN

2009-05-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling crafty in the evenings lately, and needed something to keep my brain (and fingers) busy. So, I pulled out my stash of felted wool sweaters, felt, and embroidery thread and got busy!

These little wool felt posies will eventually be incorporated into some fun project, but for now, I just had a blast making them!

A gal can never have too many pin cushions, so I fashioned this one to keep pins handy when I'm working away from the sewing machine. Now, I need to get some fun new pins!

These are Hazel's new summer pants! I LOVED this green fabric and new I'd eventually make something out of it. Alas, the old pattern I had was too small so my amazing mom added a gusset in the back making them wearable. I had to add some funkiness to them, so she has black polka dot strips on the bottom. Now, I want a pair!

I also whipped this skirt up on mom's serger. I had seen a similiar styled skirt out of knit at this high-end kids clothing shop. I went home, drew out a pattern on a paper sack, and started cutting! It's not perfect and I will do some tweaking to improve, but I dig how easy and quick it was and fun to trim out with ric rac on the bottom!

A Beltane/May Day Giveaway

2009-05-04T08:04:00.001-07:00

I'm a big fan of letting the seasons inspire us, energize us, and teach us life lessons. Spring is fully upon us and we just celebrated May Day and Beltane. It's a time of joy for life, love, growth, abundance and joy. And I'm so into that!

Therefore, I'm starting this off with my very first blog giveaway! I am giving away a free 5x7 print of this Encaustic collage above (printed on an 8x10 paper). All you have to do for a chance to win is post a comment in the blog below about what you want to grow more of in your life this season! How easy is that? The winner will be randomly drawn and will be posted on the Thursday post!

Happy Beltane and Happy May!

AND THE WINNER IS: Emmy Jay
Emmy, please get a hold of me and let me know your address so I can send you your free print. And thanks so much for reading and commenting on this blog! Stay crafty!

Random Thoughts In Procrastination

2009-04-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Today is a quiet morning, and not for lack of NPR on the radio or Hazel's playful babble. But, more because I am like a pile of slothful atrophy on the sofa. Oh yes, one of those days.

So, instead of doing the laundry, vacuuming the floor, or writing press releases, I look through old photos of old trips (I always want to travel when I am faced with multitudes of mundane housework to do). We went to visit some family in Eastern Oregon a few years ago, and I got to visit my favorite spot out there; an old abandoned resort, Hot Lake. Unfortunately, someone had bought Hot Lake and was trying to make it a tourist stop. I wish they would have left it alone, but it was nice to be able to go on the property and explore a bit.

Here is another photo of a recent little encaustic I made. I am busy making stuff to sell at the Alberta Art Hop on Saturday, May 16th. Here's just one of those pieces waiting to see the light of day at the next art sale! Enjoy!

Poppies and Paperwork

2009-04-29T10:06:00.001-07:00

Today is a busy day in my home and studio. The baby is actually away, spending the day with her grandparents, getting spoiled rotten - and loving it. And this means that I have filled my day with a to-do list a mile long while I have my undivided attention for the next few hours.

It's always so hard to prioritize on days like these. I have my art business to run, which means so much more "business" type duties than just sitting and making art. Though I try to squeeze in some actual art-making no matter what! Then, of course, I have my house surrounding me with a myriad of things to do like laundry and mopping and just the general mayhem of home life. Top that off with the urge to just relax and kick back with a mocha while doing some blog reading or shopping. Oh, and I wanted to take a bike ride and do some errands too. HA HA HA.

So, I'm going to be a busy crafty momma and take off, but I wanted to share a new woodblock I just finished carving last night (after attending a marketing seminar earlier too!). It is some little california poppies that will soon be printed on handmade papers and embedded into encaustic collage paintings. The orange is just marker that I put on the wood to help me really "see" the new design while I am carving. It helps the image "pop" out of the wood a bit more. But I can't wait to print this and see how it really looks on paper. I have good feelings about this as I've been wanting to make this for months.

Let A Little Hope In

2009-04-28T07:47:00.001-07:00

It's dark and rainy in Portland, Oregon today and if you watched the news, looked at the paper, (or even outside) you might be feeling pretty blue. Dark, depressing news seems to be everywhere. And it's always changing. At first it's the economy, lost jobs, music and art teachers getting cut, food boxes, etc, etc...and now...swine flu. Seriously. enough.

So, I'm sticking my nose up at all the down and depressing news and am going to spend my day in the land of happiness, hope, and bright colors! If you see me today, I may just blind you with obnoxious colors just to get a jolt outta life! But I'm just done with all this depressing talk right now. We have lives to live dammit!

So, on to that. The first image above all this whining is a new Encaustic collage painting that I actually worked on during a class I taught this past weekend at Collage and DIY Lounge! I always get so energized and inspired by my students, that I try to sneak in a little fun play while they are happily creating. I just posted this piece to my Etsy store yesterday so I can share it with someone else in the world!

Since I don't think I'm going out walking today in the rain, I wanted to share my silly missing letter signs from North Portland. The first image has been missing letters for years. It is technically "fabric world", but with all the missing bits of letters on that sign, it is loving referred to as "f'bic vod". I went there once to get some batting and the "A" was dangling precariously from above and I stood there and just prayed that it would fall into my hands to keep and lovingly display in my home. But no. Oh well.
The "Twilight Room" is a local establishment and popular college bar, and only recently lost an "o". They serve amazingly good patty melts here and I once scared an entire karaoke bar full of people here when I sang "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane (these were all country song folks) and I don't think anyone recognized it.

I hope, wherever you are, you can find a bit of sunny, happy, even obnoxiously fun, bit of hope out there today. Grab it. Hang on to it. Decorate it with glitter and stickers and wear it on your sleeve proudly. We're going to be positive, hopeful, happy people. And that's that!

Lilacs

2009-04-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

This is a short and sweet post to share one of my all-time favorite blossoms: lilacs. I have love lilacs and their scent since I was a child. I've met so many people who call them "old lady" or "grandma" flowers, but to me they are just too intoxicating to miss in the Spring garden.

I picked these today from my two big bushes out front of my dining room windows. The light colored ones are an unknown variety, but the darker blooms are "My Favorite" variety that I purchased from the famed Hulda Klager Lilac Farm in Washington. Hulda cultivated hundreds of varieties, this being her favorite. It has practically no scent but had deeper double-petaled blossoms. How can you not love that?

I also have an unknown deep pink lilac in the back yard that was here with the house when we bought it. And I have a dwarf korean lilac, and a fern-leafed variety, and of course, the "california" lilacs, Ceanothus...which aren't lilacs at all, but really cool in their own way.

I'm gonna stop with all my geeky lilac love, but just let me tell you that I can smell them right next to me and my laptop and they're just heavenly. Go out and get yourself some lilacs and enjoy them yourself! So good!

To Quote Martha Stewart...

2009-04-24T08:06:00.001-07:00

I'm all about the "good things" today. Nothing huge or major, just things that are currently making me smile. Well, besides the fact that I will be attending a HUGE plant sale today to get new plants for our recently built retaining wall beds. But, I will hold off on my plant lust for now and just share these little photos!

This is another new ladder/bridge painting I finished up this week. There was an entirely different painting underneath this one, but I just couldn't accept it, so this is it's new face to share with the world. I so enjoy making my little ladder/bridges right now. To me they are images of hope, growth, travel, change. Don't like where you are right now? Need a change? Climb out of your situation on a ladder, see new vistas by crossing that bridge!

I went to a local church rummage sale yesterday and came away with a haul of fabulous finds (most for Hazel). However, these little blocks are all for me! I love to write things out with them on our little built-in dining room shelves. This is the current phrase.

Finally, a horrible, close-up man-hand shot of my new skirt I made yesterday with help from mom. It's a fabulous pattern from Indigo Junction that you can make for any size based on how many panels you want to use. I used three fabrics in mine and I just love it. It flares out on the bottom and just makes you want to twirl. I was twirling and photographing, but you'd be amazed how hard it is to take a photo of yourself in a skirt when you have short man-hand arms and there's a wee one dancing around you wanting the camera too!

A Bright Spot on a Cloudy Day

2009-04-22T15:29:00.001-07:00

This Encaustic painting is the only thing getting me through the day right now. It's been one of those days; where nothing seems to go right, my patience is running so very low, and it seems that everything has a large dark cloud above it.

But I keep trying to remember my art-making fun I had a few days ago when I created this painting that I am so very in love with right now. Is it bad to say that about your art? I make plenty of things that I am not in love with. But I had a definite image of what I wanted in my head, and this is what happened - it came out like I envisioned. yay!

This is another one that I was working on and finished this week. It's blue, so it fits my mood today, but I still cheer up when I see it. I have to keep remembering how everything seemed to flow so smoothly during this time and try to harness that now.

My wonderful husband even forced me to leave the house last night have go out for some "me" time to help my current mood. And it did help so very much last night. But that was last night. And today is now. And it doesn't seem to have done the job for today. So, I'm just gonna sit here and enjoy what does make me happy for the time being....and until I have to make dinner.

Seeing Things That Aren't There

2009-04-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Since the sun has decided to bless us all in western Oregon, I've been trying to take advantage of each day with an early morning stroll - along with my camera!

Today, I was trying to think of different types of things to photograph in a neighborhood that I've been walking through for almost 8 years. Things have a way of blurring and whirring by when you are used to them. You take them for granted.

I have a bad habit of this in many aspects of my life. I can have a myriad of wonderful, color-filled, creative days, but all it takes is one bad day to blur all those good ones as I sit in my little puddle of self-wallowing.

I strive not to do that, but instead, to find that little unexpected bit of beauty in every situation.
No, it doesn't always work. But heck, it's worth trying!

The sun just seems to make everyone a little lighter, a little brighter. I know that it has helped wipe some of the gloomy cobwebs from my brain as I stretch in the sun and run off to find my next little peek of inspiration!

I hope that everyone gets a bit of time to look at things differently - to see what might not usually be there in our normal rush about; but is there waiting patiently for us to notice.

Finally....some ART

2009-04-20T11:14:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's true. I am posting TWICE in one day AND I am finally sharing some new art I have recently made. Amazing to see art, on a art blog, really! hee hee

The other shocking thing is the amount of pink in these two pieces...but really, I just couldn't resist a little bit of pink when I was making these. The one above is a continuation of my love of poppies and poppy seedpods. As a child I loved taking those big hard dried poppy pods and shaking them all around the garden, knowing that all those tiny seeds would bring more flowers the next year. I still like to do that. I love poppies.

And this "sweet" little painting was created for our Portland Chapter's IEA meeting. We were all asked to bring in a painting of a "dessert". I loved to draw tall little cakes as a kid too, so this was a really easy option for me. Plus, I love cake. Who doesn't?

Well, that's really going to be it for my mad posting today. See you next time!

A Collage of Craftiness

2009-04-20T07:50:00.001-07:00

I'm sharing a week (or so) worth of craftiness as I my mind needs some mindless pretties after worrying about my dad's injury and his resulting surgery to re-attach a myriad of muscles and tendons. The good thing about it is my dad loves the power tools, so he geeked out a bit on the cool types of screws/drills/etc. they are using to re-attach things. I thought they sounded cool too...until I realized they are doing that to his body! Ugh. We're all here for you dad!

So, my first craft to share has to be something made with wood! These are the little wooden beauties I made for Hazel's first birthday! I bought the wood shapes already cut out, but then slathered on some cute papers and lots of kid-safe varnish. They have different patterned papers on the back sides too! She doesn't really know what they are yet, but likes to chew on them nonetheless...so success!

I got Denyse Schmidt's book, "Quilts" from our fabulous library and I am so in love with it I must get a copy for myself. I made this little vinyl bag, which is a variation of the one in her book. It was my first zipper and my first foray into sewing vinyl. It's not perfect, but I dig it, and will put it to good use.

I've also been sewing clothes for Hazel; namely skirts! This one was whipped up during a nap and includes a sweet pink (I know...who would have thought me sewing pink!) vintage pattern and some yellow ric rac on the bottom.

This skirt was during a very long afternoon nap at my parents' house. It is two layers of fabric and I love the way it kind of balloons out over her butt! White ric rac may or may not be added to this soon.

And finally, a quick shot of a table set al fresco in thanks for a VERY gorgeous weekend of warm weather and sun! Hope you have a crafty, wonderful week!

Beauty in Expected and Unexpected Places

2009-04-16T09:24:00.001-07:00

This morning is just lovely and I had to steal the moment and take Hazel for a walk around the neighborhood. I was even organized enough to grab my camera on the dash out the door in order to snap a few photos that inspired me along the route.

This first one makes me laugh since I took it right outside a small grade school. I had kids watching me out the window asking "what is she doing?" I'm taking a picture of something cool, funky, and beautiful (to me).

Since I'm a big fan of lime green/yellow green/olive green (you get the idea) I happen to just love the light bright green blooms on trees in Spring. This big leaf maple just really caught my eye!

The wonderful thing about living in our neighborhood are all the bits of "country" I see around me, while being only about 5 miles from downtown Portland. We live in an older neighborhood and my fondness for old peeling paint on buildings got me with this one.

These clear Spring mornings just remind me that everything is a circle. Everything is new, renews, grows, branches out - every year without any help or prodding from us. There is really such solace in that thought for me when I get frustrated with the world and how it isn't doing what I want it to!

Finally, a secret little garden spot a few blocks from our house - one of my favorite spaces around! It's next to a big old white farmhouse, and I just love to walk by this space on hot summer days and imagine laying in the shady grass of that tree enjoying a good book and some lemonade.

Take a little break from your day and see what beauty you can find that inspires you!

When Craft Supplies Get Beautiful

2009-04-13T10:49:00.001-07:00

So, I needed to clean up my art studio. badly. But, ya see, I couldn't just head down there, broom in hand, and clean. I had to re-decorate. Yes, I had sewing supplies that I am finally really getting into and they needed to be displayed beautifully, not just thrown in the multitude of boxes that they had before.

So, out came all the old wooden storage boxes I've been hoarding for just something special, and in went all sorts of stuff!

I'm a sucker for a cute wooden cutlery holder, gardening supply holder...you get the idea. This one was perfect for all my ric rac (I LOVE ric rac) and bias tape and other fun stuff!
I was on a roll (of avoiding real cleaning) so I also decided to store my complete woodblocks I carved in a cool old metal gym basket. I am also obsessed with these sort of things too. Ah, pretty.

When that was done, I was still not ready to REALLY clean, so I made a mirror out of an image from Nikki Mclure's past calendar. I love her work and really love this image so I slapped it on a malma mirror from IKEA and lovingly slathered on several layers of glossy mod podge. Now, I just need to find a fabulous place to hang it!

And finally, a glimpse at some cool new and vintage fabric I picked up at a second hand store this past week. I can't wait to make something with it...or just roll around with it in my obsessive fabric lust.

Yeah, I'm REALLY gonna start cleaning the studio now...

The problem with direction

2009-04-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

I must admit that I admire those around me who are focused and driven...on ONE goal. To have that focus on one thing they really love, need, enjoy. That's a beautiful thing. I am focused and driven myself....but towards, oh, about a million things, it seems. And that is my ultimate conundrum...which direction do I take, what adventure do I choose, when I want to do them all?

Sometimes, I really try to get super-focused, making lists, organizing calendars, pinpointing with laser accuracy on "just" what I want at the moment. Only, the moment doesn't last long at times.

Other times, I try to flow like water, seeing where life takes me from moment to moment on my journey, trying to be open and receptive to all the amazing things that could happen at any moment, if only I am willing to accept it. Usually, when I'm like this, amazing things DO happen. But then, I get too many things going and I get stuck in the mud.
Oh, and of course, there are the "sparklies" as I like to call them - those ideas, objects, thoughts that just catch the peripheral of your eye and shout "me! me! me!" It's sooooo easy to stop on your journey and spend too much time on all these "sparklies" which may be fun, but take you away from the main destination on your journey.

In the end, I have no answer to this in my own life. I've been the type of gal who likes to do too much since I was a child and the decisions were to play with legos, go stare up at clouds, fingerpaint, or plan a mud empire in the flowerbed. I'm still the same way, I just don't tend to take the time to cloud-gaze as much as I should!

One thing I am trying to do is to slow down a bit each day, enjoy the details (and joys) of the days, even the simple or harried ones, and realize that

1. I CAN'T do everything. So, don't even try cause it'll just piss me off!
2. Enjoy and be grateful for what I DO accomplish. Easy to write down, hard to do at times. But, I'm trying and that's something, right?

As this weekend comes, and I will be busy with birthday parties and Easter and housework and an art business, I will try to remember to slow down and just pick one direction at a time...or at least to enjoy the view a little bit more! Happy weekend!

Happy Birthday Hazel!

2009-04-09T14:12:00.001-07:00

One whole year ago today, you were born - and my life changed unbelievably...and for the better. You were a miracle and a wonder, and I feel so very blessed to say that I am your mother!

I can't believe a year has gone by already, and I'm all too aware that time will fly by even faster as you learn and grow and become an amazing, independent, young lady. But today....while I still can, I'm gonna hug you and hold you and wish you a VERY Happy Birthday, my little bean!

That Dang Pesky Failure

2009-04-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

How is that Failure strikes? Disappointment, lurking around dark corners right out of sight...until it hits us over the head, and we sit there in a daze of anger and sadness and jealousy. These are the types of things we usually hide and quietly stew over, but I'm trying to be open and really share myself on here - highs and lows.

And so, this is all swirling around my head right now as I learn about a show that I did not get accepted into, and that I DID take part in last year and did very well and really loved it. And so, this particular rejection has a particularly sharp sting to it. Usually, they roll off a little easier as I am always so busy into so many things that I just don't have time to linger amid the disappointment.

And even though a part of me wants to sit and stay in this foul mood of mine, it's time to pack up my bags and keep going - and having a great time regardless. Granted, I did enjoy a big slice of chocolate cake to soothe the soul, but now I'm just going to go back in my studio and continue the journey I'm on...and I'll find another show/opportunity/excitement that will make this all seem like it was meant to be. Well, I may have to eat more chocolate to get to that point, but at least I'm working towards it, right?

Little Things

2009-04-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Lately, life has been grand. And filled with all the little things that make me smile; sun and blue skies and spring flowers being a total given, of course. Little Portland, Oregon is experience its' first days of real springlike weather and the entire town is just THAT much nicer right now...though we're all blinded by the gorgeous orb up in the sky!

I wanted to share these adorable little wool booties I got for Hazel (for this fall and winter!). They're from the fabulous wooly baby, and I'm head over heels in love with them! I can't wait till the cool days of autumn when Miss Hazel will be tromping everywhere in these! Ah, momma love!

Another thing I've been in love with is actually not so little....or new. This is the hand quilted piece of gorgeousness that my mother made for us for Christmas. The pattern is her own design tweaked from another I saw and loved because it looked like beehives! The fabrics and patterns just make me swoon and for the first time I actually look forward to making my bed!

And the painting above the bed? It's a luminous landscape from local painter (and my old high school drama set designer) Mark Larsen. I love his work and am so honored to finally own an original!
Here's a close-up of the quilt! Every small rectangle in the middle hosts a green fabric - my favorite color. And the rest of the fabrics are new and vintage patterns. I love love love it.
Another current little favorite is Hazel's little stove in our kitchen. It's a great vintage toy from Sweden with colorful knobs and a little oven door that holds all kinds of treasures depending on her mood. Though, I admit that mama has fun putting things on the stove top for her to discover after her naps...including a lizard in every pot!

And finally, I'm still enjoying the wonder of good cheesy pesto pasta with fresh asparagus from last night. Like I've admitted before, I'm a remedial cook and not too terribly domestic in the kitchen. But every once in awhile I get inspired and play around...and who can go wrong with mini cheese raviolis and pesto?

I swear I will post some art here again soon, but I'm enjoying this mini respite from the studio for awhile, so bear with me!

A Delicate Nature

2009-04-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

The season outside my window just reinforces the delicate balance outside, in our hearts, in our lives. Small thin petals unfold under constant changes of cold, wind, sun, rain, and maybe even frost. Our delicate hearts unfold each day under constant chance of hurt, pain, stress or joy, love, and hope.

A young girl I never met died of cancer this week. Another young boy I have never met is battling his ferociously. I read their stories online and instantly my heart breaks for their struggles, their familys' hurts and losses, the emotion of living this human life.

A high school student shares his drawings with me in his sketchbook and talks about why he likes to make them. My husband celebrates his birthday and I get to spend another wonderful year with this amazing man. My daughter runs around the house giggling and enjoys "drawing" with her bottle on the floor. I experience all these moments and my hearts gets so full with joy that it's hard to contain it all.

It's difficult to balance the two - sadness and joy. Why we all have to experience those lows. But, maybe it is to then realize how delicate our lives are...and to enjoy them all the more.

Please make a little time to enjoy the joy and wonder in life no matter your pleasure - I may be sewing and art-making with my time today, or running after a little girl. But whatever you do, make it special!

Finding The Peace Within

2009-03-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Our family is one of the MANY in our area that have been hit with a nasty stomach flu virus. We've been dealing with it since Sunday night, with our littlest Hazel being the hardest hit with her sensitive little stomach. All these long slow days at home cuddling on the couch has shown a hidden blessing - quiet. calm. peace.

During one of her naps, I was feeling well enough to go down to the studio for a bit and play around. I didn't have a lot of particulars in my head when I made this except for that I wanted it to be bright, colorful, to celebrate life! So, colorful and bright it is!

But can't we all use a little bright happy joyful peace in our days now and then?

Light at the end of the tunnel

2009-03-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

To steal a quote often-used by a friend (and a common song lyric), "what a long, strange trip it's been." This has been a long winter, and I'm not just talking about the weather! So many friends, family, and strangers have remarked about how they can't WAIT for winter to be over, and for a little light, love and warmth to come our way. I couldn't agree more. And whereas, it is now officially spring in this part of the world, the ice needing to be chipped away this morning didn't really make it "feel" too springy.

But, I look out my window and see our little bunch of daffodils standing as golden sentinels against the grey morning and I feel a little warmth. I can see the tiniest of buds on the wisteria vine and atop the lilac bush, and I can almost smell their wonderful scent I will soon enjoy. I see the faintest blue patch break through the week long torrent of gray and rain and I try to soak up every ounce of that warmth and sun before it disappears again. And I try to tell myself that there's a light at the end of the tunnel - a warm loving light that will usher in long sunny days, trips to farmers markets for fresh grown produce, long nights outdoors in warm summer air, bike rides along bluffs with bright blue rivers beneath, and smiles and hope on everyone's faces. I mean, that's what Spring is all about, isn't it? New life, hope, renewal. All I can say is "let's get on with it, already!"

Art is a Band-Aid for the Soul

2009-03-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

I taught a private Encaustic Painting Class last night, and might I just declare to the world what a FABULOUS time it was. Three lovely ladies celebrated their friends' birthday with an evening of art! And while they might have thought the gift was for their friend, I must also admit, it was also for me. I had been so engrossed with the SE Artwalk and then life in general, that I just simply didn't have anything left for art lately. Yes, I sewed and crafted a bit, I cooked - I was creative in other outlets. But, I needed to make art. I just didn't know it until last night.

These women were fun, feisty, and unabashed at making their mark with color and texture! I loved the energy in the room as we all got together and MADE something straight from our hearts. It was a great way to welcome the first day of spring today. All that new creative energy bursting forth! Bring it on!
These four little pieces (all about 3.5" square) were pieces I made during the class showing them different techniques and just having some good old artsy fun myself! I figured I needed to share them with the word as well! Happy Spring! Now, go make some time to MAKE something fun...even if it's dinner!

Like An Alarm of Impending Doom...

2009-03-19T15:08:00.001-07:00

A little over a year ago, I had a rare opportunity to take a few hours away from my newborn daughter and spend some much-needed time by myself. I went to the one place I knew would relax and rekindle me a bit - under the St. John's Bridge.

This is one of those days where I feel I could use another trip down there. Yes, Hazel is at her grandmother's house as I fight through an onslaught of duties and responsibilities that do not welcome small children (like working with hot wax).

I used 'Death Cab for Cuties' lyrics in the title because that is what my life seems to do to me. I start working on one project/responsibility only to then find others slipping in to my psyche like cracks in the foundation....pretty soon my head is filling up with too many things to do/think about/fret about.

But even with all these "to-do's" swirling around my head and heart, I try to remember that day under the bridge. warm. sunny. calm. the quiet of gentle whirs of trucks overhead and river currents below. the calm of just being. breathing. living. see, I feel better already.

This is where I admit my weaknesses

2009-03-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

I have NEVER pretended to be a good cook or baker. On the contrary, I am completely at peace with my seemingly absent skills in the kitchen. So, when there is a week like this where I actually make things, I have to take notice. Ok, so this lovely little dish is of pistachio pudding...instant pudding. Yes, you read that right. But as I sat down to eat my tasty little instant dessert...well, it was so pretty that I had to share. Yes, it's not really cooking, but gosh darn it...it's GREEN!

These ARE actually homemade, but only included four ingredients...so again, simple. They are homemade teething biscuits for Hazel. And, I admit they taste pretty good (I had to make sure the quality was ok for the babe!) But who knows when or if I will ever make these again as it took about 2 months to get around to it in the first place.

I promise I will show some images of art soon...as soon as I actually get around to making some more.

Obsessive Creative Consumption

2009-03-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

The weather was clear and sunny with a hint of warmth and that was all I needed to get a serious case of crafting on! I spent the day sewing while my daughter slept. I had been itching to sew for a long time, but did not have an area in my studio clean enough in which to do it. After, I got the area clean, there was no stopping me!

I made an array of cloth napkins, an oil cloth lunch bag for Hazel's food, and re-cycled a too short onesie into a little long shirt/dress with some scraps I had.
All that cleaning also allowed me to find what I thought was my long-lost box o' thread! Most of these have come from different second hand venues like Knittin' Kitten or garage sales. And I am a freak about having the right shade of contrasting thread, so I am constantly changing them..thus, I need a lot of colors!
Hazel and I also took several afternoon walks in the sun where I splurged on some fabulous funky flowers (the ferny plant in the back is a eucalyptus).
And I bought Amanda Blake Soule's book, "The Creative Family" at Broadway Books. I just discovered her blog, www.soulemama.com and I really love her approach to parenting and life!
And finally, I have to show off a photo of my babe in a new recycled tin frame from India that I just HAD to have. I'm not a photo frame type of gal normally, but I love this type of craft from India and the colors of it, so I couldn't say no.

I'm kind of relieved now that the rain has rolled in so I can sit back, take a break and enjoy my new creations/toys. And maybe sew just a little bit more....

In Like a Lion...

2009-03-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

After initially struggling with motherhood those first few months, this is what I now lovingly look forward to each day; my babe, my Hazel. She's turned my world upside down and I'm still trying to make sense of it all, but at 11 months and counting, she is becoming this amazing little person of joys and smiles and babbles and exploration. Oh, and she's been walking for about a month now already! So, the house is in shambles with toys strewn everywhere!

I had visions of motherhood being this calm, blissful time of fruition to me. I'm having a baby at 33, surely, I'm going to have everything figured out. I'm going to be patient, logical, productive, confident, sure of myself and my life. It's all gonna rock.

11 months in and I realize just what a farce that thinking was. I'm hopelessly lost in this myriad of life and lessons. I am a vision of productivity, positive thoughts and peace one day. Then, as quick as the weather turns, I am confused, short-tempered, inpatient and struggling through the day like a dank fog.

This thinking leads to many places with me. Initially, I get pissed, jealous, angry at myself, unable to accept that I can't do it all. Luckily, most days, that passes and I get these quiet glimpses into calm thought about "well, if you want to go somewhere else, be someone else...what do you want?" Goddamn, if that isn't the trillion dollar question. I am shocked to the core that my now-almost-34 year old self, mother, artist, woman can't answer that question fully. But, through the haze, I am getting glimpses of what that might look like, and I only hope I have the bravery to push towards it, even if it's scary and new. Hopefully, I can harness this green and growing energy of spring to push me towards growing more into the mother I want to be for Hazel, and the woman I want to be for myself.

Southeast Area Artwalk THIS WEEKEND!

2009-02-26T20:41:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again for the 6th annual Southeast Area Artwalk THIS Saturday and Sunday - February 28th and March 1st - from 10am-5pm. You can see over 100 artists at 50+ locations! I am again at the Hedge House located at 3412 SE Division St. (spot #39 on the artwalk map). This FREE Walking Tour of local artists is not to be missed!

I will have a HUGE assortment of brand new originalEncaustic paintings on wood, paper and now....even clay!!! I will also have reproduction prints for sale during the event. Please make plans to see what I have been so busy making these past months! You can also enjoy a delicious beverage and meal while at the Hedge House!

For more information on the artwalk, including a FREE map of the tour, visit their website!

If at first you don't succeed...

2009-02-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

This little square of beeswax was a l-o-n-g time in the making. This was originally one of my very first encaustic paintings - a really ugly attempt at manipulating wax. It really was hideous. Then, a few months later, after more practice, I coated it with more wax and it became another creation. Still, not something I was incredibly impressed with.

It then sat around the studio for a few years. I would use it as an example board for some of my painting classes, putting a little bit of stuff here and there. At the end of my most recent Encaustic Painting class, I grabbed some more wax and got to coating the entire thing again. I figured, "what the heck". And finally, after several years and several layers, the piece is finally done!

I really love this little bit of art as it just shows that work doesn't necessarily come easy, and finishing something up can take a long, long time. But, isn't that all part of the fun?

Time Management

2009-02-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

So, maybe I'm slow to catch on, but after being a mother for 10 months, I am realizing that it is just not going to be "business as usual" with a lot of things, including my art-making. I steal away time when Hazel is napping or in the evening after she goes to bed. I have started bringing stacks of blank panels and matboard up to draw on when she's playing on the floor and I have a moment on the couch. Inevitably, she wants whatever is in my hand, including art and ink, but I can still make some quick marks on paper before stopping to entertain the wee one.

I created this piece above during several of these moments. This morning was the time I got to pull it all together during a nap, and I can share it with all of you now that she sleeps in the afternoon. I can still feel the exhilaration of playing with the materials and getting to MAKE something in this brief moments.
This piece was actually created in the same way, but during her naps and during one of my classes when I first started drawing the flower image on the wood. This piece is for sale on Etsy.

I'm going to take the rest of this nap to actually sit and read and relax for a bit and maybe come up with some more creative ideas to try out during the next brief moment in the studio. Wish me luck!

Art Show Opening TONITE!

2009-02-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

This little waxy beauty is just one of six NEW Paintings I created for tonight's show opening of "Red, White and Pink" at Moreland Frameworks and Gallery! The opening tonight is from 6pm-9pm and I will definitely be there around the beginning of the opening! The gallery is located at 6517 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland OR 97202, in the lovely Moreland/Sellwood neighborhood.

There will also be fabulous pieces by metal artist Jill Torberson, paintings by Tricia Beck, and collage by William Spencer. Whoo hoo! It's a first friday art party you can't pass up! Hope to see you there!

Keeping Busy

2009-02-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderfully productive day in the studio this week and I wanted to share one of my favorites from that time - "la luna". I love the simple, graphic nature of it, combined with all the rich texture going on in it. I love touching this piece! I think I may do a few more in this same theme as I've really enjoyed it.

I put this piece up for sale on my Etsy Store, along with some additional new pieces I've made in the past week. Still, I'm trying to keep busy in preparation for several upcoming shows!

A Little Crafty Fun

2009-02-04T07:56:00.000-08:00

I had the lovely pleasure of a crafty evening with some other local mommas, and I took the opportunity to make some stuff for sheer enjoyment and fun...just for myself! It started out innocently with some vintage buttons and some crazy glue along with some hair pin blanks I bought ages ago with this idea in mind. Finally, I got to create some funky little button jewels for my hair!
It then moved on from there and I become a woman on a mission, wielding pliers and jump rings, oh my! I pulled out my bead stash and went to work making some sparklies to jazz up the cold winter weather! It must have been the influence of the sun we enjoyed yesterday, but I was so drawn to warm sunny colors!
I've had these red coral beads FOREVER and finally got to craft them into a little necklace, adding some pizazz with some fun red and turquoise earrings! I might wear these out today!
I found these fun woven beads up at Shipwreck Beads in Lacey, WA, and I just love the texture of them. They just really wanted to hang out with some fun vintage orange lucite beads!
And finally, just some fun dangling summer-time fun! I had a blast making these and will enjoy my new little treasures the next time I'm out and about!

Throw Your Love Around

2009-02-03T19:38:00.001-08:00

I've been having a blast making some heart themed encaustic collage paintings, and I will be sharing them with the world starting this friday at the opening for Moreland Gallery and Frameworks "Red, White and Pink" show!

I will be on-hand for part of the opening this First Friday, February 6th. The gallery is located at 6517 SE Milwaukie Ave Portland, OR 97202. The opening should run 6pm-8pm and there will be a bevy of wonderful works to share with the one you love - including this one-of-a-kind encaustic piece I created with a halo of nails and screws....to protect that love of yours!

The lure of Saturday afternoons

2009-01-31T15:49:00.000-08:00

So it's saturday afternoon and I have the time and childcare in order to go down to the studio and work on some art. However, I am choosing to relax a bit and share some of what I made yesterday! This is one of my petite paintings that is on a 3.5" x 3.5"wood block. I really am loving making these little waxy gems, and will have them available for the Southeast Area Artwalk in early March, as well as on my Etsy store now.

For now, I'm going to do a little more slacking and some art-making later on. It's just one of those days.

Busy Times in the Studio

2009-01-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

It's funny how things go. I hadn't been down in the studio to MAKE art for quite awhile. I was teaching classes, getting other projects done, etc. But not actually MAKING art of my own. Well, that has changed in the past few days. I've gotten the winds of inspiration under me and I'm busy making some fun new pieces for upcoming shows and sales I will be having in the upcoming months.
I have been making some new pieces on reclaimed lumber blocks - nice think blocks about 1 1/2" thick to stand out from the wall, with sides coated in colored wax! I am having a blast making these!

I currently added all these to my online store and I hope the public likes them as much as I do. I will be busy in my studio the next weeks to get ready for a bunch of shows and sales. I will try and share more images as I complete them! Stay tuned!

A New Year, A Cleaner Studio?

2009-01-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

I've been busy with "life" lately, and the studio surely shows it. There's stuff everywhere! So, I've been rolling up my sleeves, tying on the apron, and getting to cleaning and organizing. I mean, I teach a Beeswax Collage class there on Saturday and I need to find my students amid the chaos!
Here's my favorite little nook of the studio currently. Functionally, it stores all my painting brushes and doo dads, but I just can help but smile everytime I pass my little skull buddy! He is a fabulous creation by my friend Michelle Gallagher, a Portland scupture artist working in ceramics. The coolest part? Light a candle and the light shines through the eyes and nose. I can't wait to really show him off on my yearly Dia De Los Muertos altar. Whoo hoo!

Here's to tackling all your new year's projects (and cleaning) with gusto!

In Memoriam

2009-01-10T08:43:00.001-08:00

When I was a child in my "old life" - that is, when I lived in southern California - I attended a small catholic grade school. It was there that I met one of my dear friends back then; Stefani Garza. We would play at each others' houses, sneak sips of beer from our fathers while they talked woodworking, and would play in her backyard oasis of a giant avocado tree and a dilapidated old model T car. It was a great sunny childhood and I missed her after our family moved north to Oregon.

As most kids after such a large move, I lost all contact with those kids in sunny California. As one always does, there were reminisces, wondering "what if" to everyone I used to know, etc. But life has a way of always keeping you busy in the moment, and that's where I was until this week when I got an email from out of the blue.

Another schoolmate had found me on the internet and sent me an email letting me know that my dear old friend, Stefani Garza, had passed away. She couldn't have been older than 33, and I was just shocked and saddened that this sweet soul couldn't have enjoyed more time on this earth. Worse yet, I found out her parents had both preceeded her. I sat there, reading the email, just so grateful for all I have - the joys and the pains - and that I get to wake up again and enjoy life once again. And how I wish that could be the same for dear Stefani.

I remember her house so well - 60's era cinderblock walls surrounding a really cool patio with a palm tree and some odd tropical plants with little seed pods we'd play with, a large stand of bird-of-paradise flowers that I would always play with. We spend many sunny afternoons playing around in that yard; innocent, carefree. That is how I will always remember my dear old friend. I always missed you Stefani and I always will. Your spark will always live on in my heart.

And Now for Something Completely Different

2009-01-03T08:25:00.001-08:00

As you might be able to tell, I'm not doing much in the way of actual art-making. The studio is still in a disastrous state from special projects and the holidays and I have been knee-deep if just "life" right now. However, that does not mean a crafty challenge goes unheeded! I spent yesterday evening giving my old white built-in cabinets in the dining room a new look - with paper! whoo hoo!

The lovely blue patterned paper is from Martha Stewart Crafts that I bought on the clearance rack awhile back. I cut it to size and using some double-sided tape, added a cool funky backdrop to my collections - all without the hastle and extra cost of wall paper. Best yet, since I am SO finicky about changing things, I can simply pull it down in a few months and re-use the paper for crafts and still have my crisp white walls beneath! whoo hoo!

Here is a shot of MOST of the built-in wall. I used another fabulous art paper on the two long shelves. It was something I picked up at a local paper shop that I LOVE. Every winter I get the urge to decorate with a lot of cold icy colors - light blues, whites, silvers...and of course some of my favorite shades of green. But so many of my little white treasures just disappear on the white wall. So, I guess this is how this whole madness began.

This is the other angle shot of the built-ins, so you can see more of my crazy little collectibles. I'm sure I'm going to be bored with this scheme in a few months but for now, I am just basking in my cheesy pleasure of it all. Next, I'm tackling a wall in my dining room and filling it up with all my "little" art I collect. Stay tuned!

Glancing Back in the Rearview Mirror

2008-12-31T16:56:00.000-08:00

I always find myself at quite a surprised state come New Years. It has a habit of sneaking up on me amid the excitement of the holidays. I am often otherwise immersed in random activities so that the new year slips by without much notice from me. I guess it's easy to assume that I'm not one of those late night party-goers either.

This year, it's pretty much the same story, except that I find myself reflecting a bit more on the past year since it was such a monumental one in my tiny short life. And oddly enough, I haven't been thinking about what I accomplished in matters of success, ego and glory (though they are all nice, obviously.) It's not about art shows and new shoes and acceptance letters. It is all about those things that sneak up on you, knock you flat on your black, and smile down upon you saying "hello there. This is life calling."

1. I gave birth this year. Something I NEVER thought I would be able to do. And yet here I am with an amazing 8 month old baby.

2. I grew up this year and entered adulthood (yes, at 33). And no, not just because I had a baby. But because of that child, I had to learn (begrudgingly at times) that it is NOT all about me, my wants, my needs.

3. I also learned, however, that if you don't take care of your needs, you get fried and worn out like "jam spread on too much bread" and that isn't healthy either.

4. BALANCE

5. I need help from others and am not "an island". This is hard because I like being the one that can do things herself - and do them well, thankyouverymuch! But, in "real life" it's not always possible.

6. I found joy in NOT doing. In sitting, breathing, watching. Most of that was also around a very curious and amazing little girl.

7. I also found a bit more patience, because I had to. Though I hope there's a lot more out there, because I sorely need it.

8. I experienced the realization that I am never ever going to be perfect. Not even if I make a million lists, stress myself out, act cranky to others, and obsess. So, I am going to work feverishly hard at not trying to be perfect so often.

9. I learned that baby weight really IS hard to get off.

10. I learned that people are only human, and are inherently flawed and fragile, and that is what makes them so beautiful. And it is what makes life so damn wonderful in those beautiful human moments. And I will try to remember and cherish each one of them in the new year.

Happy New Year to everyone! Peace, love and art in the new year!

A Sunny Remembering

2008-12-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

This was the only icy snow covering in sunny San Diego earlier this month. We went down there to visit family and attend a memorial service. While we were there, we decided to take in the sights at Balboa Park.

The theatre there was performing "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and this was in front of the theatre. Funny now to look back at that "snowy" tree after having endured 14" of the white stuff in rainy Portland.
We walked through one of my favorite park areas - The Spanish Village of the Arts. It is a vibrant village square filled with artists' studios and beauty all around. This was out front of a glass studio. I just loved it!
We walked through their pavilion (think greenhouse without any of the glass) and enjoyed these lovely tropical plants!
A view from an archway along the main promenade in the park. The architecture was phenomenal and I enjoyed seeing the sights!
Finally, this amazing hibiscus was blooming in early December! It was amazing seeing so many blossoms and color. It was a rude awakening to return from San Diego and get hit with snow and ice just a week later. But we enjoyed our southern retreat and the heat it kept in our hearts!

Holiday Gift Spoiler - Dad, Mom, Kim Don't Look!

2008-12-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

So, all these snow days (and some long naps) have given some time to work on some holiday gift shadow box collages. I've had these box frames (from IKEA) for awhile and have been wanting to do this for soooo long. Now, I actually got around to it. If you are my father, my mother, or my friend Kim STOP READING and go do something else...hee hee. ..

This one that says "quilt" is for my sewing obsessed mother! Her sewing room is purple so this little goddess of the stitching will be happy at home...complete with some vintage lace and orange thread!
My friend Kim LOVES writing and literature, so I wanted to make something that was a literary goddess. She also loves the SCA and historic costume, so that's why this one has this look. In fact, this was the very first one I made. This has a stately lady of lit with some fun letters, a metal cat charm and some really fun white round decorative disks.
Finally, this one is for my road trip loving father. It has a fun vintage map in the background featuring one of his favorite highways - 395 in eastern california. (and lake tahoe!) It also has some fun vintage photos, a key for starting a drive and some funky felt animal stickers that I simply HAD to add to it! I'm ready to go for a drive!

Snow Day!

2008-12-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

Here is my beautiful baby girl getting ready for her first outing in the snow. If you look closely you can see she still has some applesauce on her face from lunch...she HATES getting her faced cleaned! My mom made the little fleece hat for her which she promptly pulled off after this photo. I LOVE baby hats like a freak, and my daughter barely tolerates them. Figures...
Remember the movie "A Christmas Story"? The poor little brother gets bundled up for the snow in about a gazillion layers, falls down outside in the snow and can't get up? Well, this was Hazel after the same thing. She fell down flat on her back right after this photo was taken. It was hard to stop laughing. Ah, the joys of family.

I'm staying home today making crafty things I will share with you in another post. But in the meantime, stay warm, stay silly and stay crafty!

It's time for trees!

2008-12-15T14:49:00.001-08:00

I admit, I'm usually a tree snob. I only like noble firs, and even then I like the tall thin ones with lots of space between the branches to really show off the heavy glass ornaments I always seem to buy. Yep, I'm one of THOSE people. But this year, we have a VERY mobile 8.5 month old baby crawling around and my stately noble filled with breakable objects just didn't seem to make sense. So, here we have our simple small doug fir christmas tree perched safely up on our old coffee table keeping those lights and small objects away from Hazel's curious hands!
I was actually somewhat prepared for the tree this year as I started making some unbreakable felt ornaments last month. I love felt and have made some felt ornaments in the past, but this year it was time to really go crazy and make enough to fill the tree!

I spent some time searching for a fun first ornament for Hazel...and was just disgusted with the selections out there for "baby's first christmas" ornaments. I wanted something fun and not cheap plastic with pink storks or something. I ended making this one for her out of felt. The "H" is out of sparkly red felt...and I even added pink buttons....she is a girl and I'm sure she will love the pink in a few years even if I don't.

This is an ornament I didn't make, but I've always felt it really signifies the reason for this season. It's time to slow down, enjoy the winter season, welcome back the light that will soon be returning, and try to spread peace wherever you can. We're enjoying the peace and quiet this winter storm has brought to our city, and the warm glow of the lights on the tree as we take in beautiful seasonal movies.....like "Tropic Thunder".

Oh come on, you didn't think I would remain entirely serious?

The weekend of ART

2008-12-04T20:32:00.001-08:00

I am involved in two fun and exciting events this weekend!

The first is an art opening at Moreland Frameworks and Gallery. They are having a holiday Art Show with several local artists, including 10 new pieces of my work. The opening is Friday, Dec. 5th from 6-9pm. The gallery is located at 6517 SE Milwaukie Ave. Portland, OR 97202

The second event is the Da Vinci School Holiday Art Fair. I will have many original pieces and reproductions for sale for this two day show. This is the last time to get my work before the holidays. And, 30% of all artists' sales goes to help this wonderful Portland Public School!

New Encaustic Works - Just in Time for Holiday Sales!

2008-12-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

I had some time in the studio, and some new little sizes of bases, so I decided to get busy and make some fun little pieces - perfect for holiday gifts for the holidays!

This piece is 3" x 3" and features one of my new milagro hearts. I carved the image into the wax and filled it with both red and a deep van dyke brown for a weathered look.
This sweet little piece is the same 3" x 3" size but has a completely different feel to it. That is a skeleton leaf embedded into the wax with white and the lightest wash of green. There's lace paper in there as well as fabric. I then incised into the wax and colored with dark brown. I just love this!
These two pieces are actually on stretch canvas panels that are 4" x 5" and 1" deep so they really stick out from the wall! The one of the top left has vintage paper on the base layer, layers of wax that have been scraped back, paper and a tree incised into it. It reminds us all to do what's natural - "grow".

The second one's base layer is actually a woodblock print I carved and it is mounted on ALL sides of the piece! Then I added one of my ladder images with the urging to "climb".

I will be posting more images shortly, and will have all these pieces (and more) for sale at the Da Vinci School Sale this Saturday and Sunday. Visit my website for more info on the sale!

Holiday Fun in the Studio

2008-12-02T17:12:00.000-08:00

I had a few moments of quiet play time in the studio yesterday during a nap, so I quickly got to work making a few fun things. I wanted some homemade gift tags for the holidays. This one above was an image I carved into a stamp and put on some yummy antique white cardstock. I love the colors!

These simple tags say "solstice greetings" and will be used for my friends' gifts at Yule. I love this stamp!

And finally, I had to include this "shoe" shot. I had no idea how festive my feet (and rug) were! And you've got to love the striped knee socks. Well, I do.

The Day It Rained Sauce

2008-12-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

This Sunday was not a day of rest at our house. Oh, no. It was the day we decided to process two large boxes of granny smith apples from Jason's parents. We were going to make applesauce. We've done this for several years now and I love homemade unsweetened applesauce. So, even though we were tired from all the holiday-ing with family, we decided to tackle the apples.

And what a battle it was.

We started cooking and straining the apples....and continued with the process for hours. This is just a very small sample of the sauce that was coming out of the food mill.

This is our canning set-up on the stove. The large canner on the left is for processing the jars once they are filled. It can hold 9 quart jars at one time. The pressure cooker in the back is ENORMOUS and is filled with applesauce heating up and ready for canning. Jason's parents bought us the pot for canning and we use it so often for sauce rather than pressure cooking. But it is so nice to have. The small pot in the front (which is still pretty darn big) holds the chunks of apples while we boil them to soften them.
This is sauce in action. Notice the wine bottles for reference to the enormous size of the pot of sauce.

Voila! After about 6 hours (Jason also cooked a roast during this time because he has mad cooking skills!) we have 22 quarts and 5 pints of homemade organic applesauce. That would be 6 GALLONS! MMMMM......

Of Gratitude and Pumpkin Pie

2008-11-27T08:32:00.001-08:00

Hopefully,we are all having a wonderful thanksgiving of our choice, sharing time with family, friends, and ourselves! I just wanted to take this moment (during Hazel's naptime) to talk about what I am most grateful for.

I am grateful for my life as a whole, but especially getting to spend it here in the Pacific Northwest, which I will always call home. If I hadn't moved here (as a child, so I didn't have much choice) I would not have had the wonderful adventures I have had, including meeting my husband and all my friends!

I am so thankful to have my wonderful, sexy (and funny) husband in my life. I can't believe we've known each other for almost 15 years, and been married for 10. He's my best friend, my confidant, lover, supporter, and partner in crime!

And now I get to add to this wonderful life by including Hazel in it! I never thought I would have a child of my own, let alone one as wonderful as her! She's brought about the most demanding changes my life has ever asked of me, but I am grateful for every moment that I get to be her mom.

I am so very grateful for my amazing family and parents. They have supported me my entire life in all my endeavors, and I would not be who I am today without them. Not to mention the fact that my mother continues to make thanksgiving dinner even when cooking is not her favorite pastime. It helps things a bit knowing Jason is bringing his amazing pies to dinner at her house too!

I am even so lucky to have amazingly cool in-laws and extended family. People always have horror stories about family and all the stress involved with it. I feel lucky that I can actually look forward to seeing family!

And finally, I am thankful to have my creativity, my imagination, and the time and space to let myself shine through my art. I would not be able to live without a creative outlet. I feel so much better, so real, so "me" when I get the chance to create, and I am grateful that I get the opportunity to do so. I love and am thankful for every speck of creative mess I get to play with!

Well, that may not be the limit to my gratefulness as I can write off a long list including friends, beautiful home, comfort, health, the color green, good food, etc. etc. etc. But this is the end of my post (and alloted photos per post) so I leave you all to make your own lists of thankfulness today and everyday - and have a slice of pie for me too!

It's beginning to look a lot like tinsel...

2008-11-26T20:51:00.001-08:00

Don't blame me about the horrible photos or the fact that the text is reverse. These are the things I do when the bambino is asleep and the digital camera is upstairs by her room and I just HAVE to share the fact that I have already started on HOLIDAY 08 at our house. These were taken on my macbook's built-in little camera. Pathetic yes, but I WILL post to the blog when I want to!

Many of my friends know that I am OBSESSED with Halloween decorating, and that I often will haul out my many many MANY boxes of holiday decor early in September to get it all ready. Well, I am not that crazed about christmas. But damn, I really do like it.

I'm a huge fan of silly vintage holiday decor, flocked trees, old scratchy ornaments, silly old bobble santa heads, etc, etc. It's the one time of the year (ok, maybe two times a year) that I am all about the glitter.

This year I did not put up a thing for Halloween. I had a 6 month old and was too sleep deprived to do much of anything except buy candy. Last Christmas we had a beautiful tree that we went into the woods and cut down ourselves...and only three ornaments on it due to my very pregnant status and the fact that I just couldn't bring myself to decorate for some crazy reason. Well, I'm making up for it this year!!! MWAHAHAAAAAA. And now that Hazel is sleeping really well at 7pm, I have a few hours each night to work my mad glitter magic!

I only wish I had brought down another box (or two or three) so I could continue the madness. Well, I do have tomorrow night....and all the energy from that turkey and pie!

It's official

2008-11-25T19:45:00.001-08:00

I am completely addicted to my new macbook laptop, Frida. Yes, I named my laptop. I have to start rationing my time with her, as it is sooo easy to just hop on for a second and check email, etc. However, it also gives me the opportunity to update my Etsy store (in which I just added this piece) as well as update this blog! whoo hoo!

This is a recent piece on my new focus - the heart. Most of the hearts are of the non-anatomically-correct variety. But I opted for a bit more realism with this piece. It is encaustic on wood with some collage elements added.

I had a few hours to myself today so I ran to two art supply stores and got some new "toys" to play around with the next time I am in the studio....so stay tuned for some new work!

More Mini Paintings

2008-11-23T19:49:00.001-08:00

Here are some more fun mini paintings that I have been working on for the holiday season. Fun 4" squares of color and texture! I have so much fun making these and just had to share them. They are all currently listed on my Etsy store as well.
I was super busy this weekend with two super fun-filled Beeswax Collage classes I taught. We had 7 women in my studio making beautiful pieces of art using molten beeswax, paper and fabric. And, as usual, I forgot to take pictures! oh well.

just some good silly fun

2008-11-19T16:13:00.001-08:00

So I just had to share again. This silly little photo is taken on my couch with my new macbook built-in camera. I had no idea this thing even had a camera in it. How cool is that? So, yeah, a silly grainy bad photo. YAY for silliness!

I am hosting our monthly IEA Encaustic meeting this week and I am teaching two classes this weekend; one special one just for a group of friends that booked my studio for the class. I'm gonna be busy busy and having a blast. Can't wait! And hopefully I can get some play time in the studio as well.

When the Planets Align

2008-11-18T15:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true I have no photo to include today. That is because I am currently updating my blog on my spanking new macbook that I have coveted for oh so long. The REALLY cool part of this is that I am currently online WIRELESSLY in my dining room at home. This was after spending the past two hours on the phone and off trying to install a wireless router for our house. Can I tell you how NOT tech savvy I am, but thanks to two kindly gentlemen on the helpline and a lot of trying, we got it done! huzza! I am running into the new century with open arms...only 8 years late!

And the complete icing on the wireless cake? My darling Hazel has slept through the entire ordeal on one of her longest naps in a while. I cannot believe my good fortune with all of this. I only hope this streak lasts!

Look for a post soon WITH a photo included (once I get all my old computer stuff loaded onto this new beauty.)

Lewis Elementary Holiday Sale

2008-11-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Nov. 8th, I will be selling at the Lewis Elementary School Bazaar from 10am-3pm. I will have a variety of new original Encaustic paintings and collages on wood and paper, as well as a clearance sale on some artsy handmade earrings and reproduction art prints! Come down and check it out!

Here are a couple small pieces of original art that I am selling for the holidays. These mini original paintings (4x4") are only $35 a piece and are perfect for holiday gifts or a little splurge for yourself. These are two of the many I have made recently.
I can't wait to the holiday sales to begin as they really get me in the mood for festive fun! I can almost taste the pumpkin pie and holiday cookies!

Missing my baby

2008-10-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

My sweet little thing is out on an adventure with her daddy, my other sweet thing. They are going to the coast to visit family while I enjoy all things artsy with Portland Open Studios. I finally have a morning to take a leisurely shower, walk down the street for really good coffee, enjoy some alone time in my studio before the art walk....so why am I so bummed out over missing my little babe today? Ah, the bane of all mothers - wishing for some time alone and then wishing for our babies when we have it.

By the way, this is Hazel enjoying the spoils of sweet potato for the very first time. She has since moved up to carrots and pear...but she does enjoy the tater!

Another Fine Weekend of Art

2008-10-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is the second (and final) weekend for Portland Open Studios. Last weekend's opening was a great experience and I really enjoyed meeting fellow art fans, as well as showing many the wonders of encaustic painting through the free live demos I was giving. This piece above (as well as the one below) were two of the mini's I made over the weekend...wee 2" x 2" pieces of art to enjoy in little nooks of your house - or studio, office, whatever!
I spent this weekend trying to take care of a bunch of "regular life" duties as well as gearing up for this weekend. Please stop by and say hi if you can! Hours are 10am-5pm both days.

My studio is located at 7411 N Huron Ave. Portland, OR 97203

Portland Open Studios

2008-10-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

Life at the studio has been all about wax and wood in anticipation for this weekend's (and next weekend too!) 2008 Portland Open Studios event! I've been painting and hanging and lighting and cleaning and prepping to show Portlandia what's new in the world of Amy Stoner Fine Art! I wanted to share with everyone a sneak peek of what they'll find within my studio. Let's start!

This shot is the main "gallery wall" of my studio, where I usually have something displayed for students at one of my classes. I have six new pieces on the wall and you can see part of my largest piece ever made on the right hand side.
I am lovingly calling this the "wall of wax". I have over SIXTY (yes, sixty) pieces of original encaustic art on wood for everyone to enjoy. Can you say I'm a tad obsessed with making art? These pieces have been the result of months of hard work, days and late nights layering wax while my baby sleeps or enjoys some special time with family.
That's a lot of wax! Here's another angle. I am a huge fan of color in my work and so I grouped all my pieces according to color progression. The fiery reds and deep maroons are closest to the camera!
This is the last piece I made before Portland Open Studios, and I'm really enjoying it. It was one of those paintings that was supposed to be one thing, and came out completely different. But I'm just fine with that.

Finally, here is the big one....48" of waxy wonder. Much of my new work focuses on life transitions and growth...and how one puts all the many facets of life together into a cohesive whole. This piece is like a patchwork of life and the many shades and textures of it...all while giving bloom to something new and wonderful!

Please do plan on stopping by and enoying all of these pieces in person if you get the chance! I am open 10am-5pm this weekend (Oct. 11-12) and next weekend (Oct. 18-19). My studio is located at 7411 N Huron Ave. Portland, OR, 97203. Hope to see you there!

The Self and Art

2008-09-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

Today I got the opportunity to hear a wonderful man speak about the "self" and the topic of who we really are as people. It was based on the psychological idea of who we THINK we are, or should be. It really resonated with me as I have often been upset with any feeling of doubt, anger or sadness because I feel I SHOULD always be happy. and content. Oh, and perfect. Yeah, that's a laugh!
So, last week I took some time for myself and ventured outdoors to one of my favorite urban parks - Cathedral Park under the St. John's Bridge. It was warm and green and sun-drenched. Just what I needed. I grabbed a spot under some trees and got down to some serious thinking. It was a great day. And listening to the talk this morning brought it all back so vividly to me.

We ARE who we are right NOW. We need to enjoy that and not worry so much about the "shoulds" in our life, or "going it alone." And we need to honor our feelings we have in life; good and bad. I've often felt the need to be "perfect" at things or at least feel successful to a certain degree so that I would not feel like a failure or a waste. I'm really working on getting rid of these thoughts.

The humorous bit about this is that it really doesn't factor into my art making too much. Yes, I do have feelings of doubt and fear of acceptance. But when I am knee deep in art making, the joy is too much and the heart too full to worry about the future beyond the making. And that is what I love in seeing finished art (and probably why I am driven to make so much of it). It rekindles the joy I had in the making of it, and the joy it will hopefully spark in others.
Because, we all need to sit back, take a deep breath and ENJOY life a bit more. I may never have the perfectly kept garden, the solo art show at the Whitney, or even the completed to-do list...but I have a wonderful rich and full life! And I wouldn't want it any other way!

Dirty Little Art

2008-09-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

I am fast and furious in my preparations for Portland Open Studios this October. I locked myself away in the studio a few days ago for some much needed wax time. I had several pieces in different stages of completion to tidy up. I thought about colors, pondered placement, concentrated on composition. And then I grabbed this little 4"x4" board, slathered on some wax, made some marks...and voila. One of my favorite things from the whole session. Completely unplanned, and - in my personal opinion - absolutely wonderful.

This is how it works SO MANY TIMES for myself. I have a piece I think and plan and sweat over, and then I throw something together at the end just to see where it goes, and that is ALWAYS my favorite. Maybe it is the freedom and the swagger with which I put those together. Maybe it's all hot air. What I do know is that I just had to share this little squirt of art with the world. Enjoy!

A Fine Balancing Act

2008-09-14T18:49:00.001-07:00

Who am I kidding, writing those words in the title - A Fine Balancing Act? It is more an act of watching a lone clown try to keep seventy plates spinning amidst gasps from the crowd...that is what my life has been so far.

Thanks to the amazing little bundle of energy I call my daughter, I have days (and many many long nights) filled with her amazing laugh, cute crinkled nose, and furtive attempts at forward momentum. I enjoy these days with her, all the while making lists in the back of head for the times when I HAVE some "time" and can get to the rest of this adventure called "life". And I'm not talking about grocery shopping and gardening - I'm talking about an art career!

I've learned quite a few things in these 5 short months, and that is time is at a precious premium, and I must get out of it all I can, in the short spurts I do get. My fabulously supportive husband is downstairs while I get a few brief moments to update my Etsy store, send business email replies that I need, seek out a few inspirational moments online, and update this blog! Then, I will get to actually go down into the studio to work on finishing up some paintings for sales and then back to the "real world" of baby bedtime!

All the while, I have such a hard time saying "no" to other commitments - future shows, projects I want to work on for myself and others, classes I want to teach as well as take, all the while trying to maintain some semblance of balance and sanity. I don't know if I'm winning, losing, or just getting through it. I have some fabulous highs, and some horrendous lows...but I honestly wouldn't give it up for the world.

Of Babes and Boards

2008-09-08T17:36:00.001-07:00

Yes, shameless self promotion of what I think is the world's cutest baby girl! So, I'm a little biased. I just had to break the art mood with something else wonderful that I created, with a lot of help from my hubby!

Hazel turns 5 months on Tuesday, and my what a fabulous little person she is becoming. She laughs and coos and is trying very hard to master the ability to crawl...which is really early at her age...but ever since she learned to roll over she has been furiously working towards forward movement. When she does figure it out...WATCH OUT WORLD!

This is one of those pics that I grabbed while spending copious hours on the floor playing with her. The blanket underneath her? That seems to be the only place on the floor she DOESN'T want to be!

And just so you thought I wasn't completely out of art bounds....here is another encaustic collage I created last week. I'm scanning in others I've finished up for Open Studios so I'll share those with you later. Have a great week!

Studio Sneak Peek

2008-09-04T15:41:00.001-07:00

So, I never usually post pics of myself online. But I felt I had to in order to get the full effect of my newest LARGE cradled painting board. Yes, that's 48" of fabulous birch panel glory, soon to be painted and waxed upon. I made it myself along with the help of my fabulous father (who actually did all the cutting) and my mother who helped me glue and clamp. whoo hoo!

I am busy making art for Portland Open Studios Tour in October, but I figured I would share some images of my currently VERY messy studio so you can see what chaos looks like. You can also be impressed if you come to the studio tour and see it clean and tidy in person...knowing what it REALLY looks like! This is my wax workspace complete with wax-covered table and a myriad of tools. I also roll out my ink for printmaking on this table which is SUCH a pain since I have to scrape all the wax off first. fun fun.

I re-organized my wood area a bit...and voila! The wall of wood! All of the lumber I use for my art is reclaimed and recycled wood. I cut it myself (or bribe my father to do it for me) and I liked to have a variety of cuts, sizes and types of wood available to suit my fancy. It blame my wood fetish on my father...I can swoon over a piece of black walnut of the silvery tight grain of birch...aaah.

This is my wax palette...yes, I like the bright colors. I'm getting to the point where I should really have two palettes going at once, but my electrician wouldn't like that too much. I may have to upgrade to a larger palette soon!

And this last pic is of clean, virgin brushes waiting to be encased in sweet smelling beeswax. One of my favorite woodblock prints is behind them.

So, that's it for this part of the tour. I'm off to do some more work before baby Hazel awakes. Have a great weekend and stay crafty!

Inspirations from a Pearl of Creativity

2008-09-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Portland's annual Art in the Pearl show....a must-see for myself each year. Someday I will be good enough and ballsy enough to apply...but for now I just go and enjoy.

I went down there with my uberhubby, Hazel the baby, and we met up with my artist pal Natasia Chan and her newborn baby, Franka. We walked the aisles and saw some familiar art, some new...all inspiring and unique. I discovered another encaustic artist that I love...Cheryl Toh. I also saw artsy friend and amazing gal about town, Judy Wise, who has been doing wonders with encaustic paintings and collages as well. Yum.

Basically, I was so inspired and fired up after the show, that I just HAD to go home and play in my studio as well. The piece shown here wasn't from that...but one I had just finished, but I still wanted to share with you!

I just got back from my parents' house (where my father has a woodworking shop) where I just finished building my largest braced frame ever for an encaustic I have done. It is 24" tall and 48" long and I can't WAIT to get started on it. It is going to be the signature piece for Portland Open Studios next month....which means, I better get crackin' on it! I will also have several 24"x24" pieces and others around that size too. I'm gonna be a busy gal!

Two of a Kind...in the Southwest

2008-08-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

As part of the International Encaustic Association's (IEA) Diptych Project, I will have two of my pieces in the upcoming show at Conrad Wilde Gallery in Tuscon Arizona. The show, entitled "Two of a Kind" will be up through the month of September...and I am very upset that I will be unable to attend the opening. But I'm not going to Arizona with a 5 month old right now!

The show info is at the link below. They chose Lindsay Bentis' (my diptych partner) and my work for the postcard and webpage. I was simply honored and so excited!

http://www.conradwildegallery.com/upExhibit.html

In other news, I am furiously trying to balance motherhood and art....while getting ready for Portland Open Studios in October. I've been experimenting with some new techniques and I will definitely give you previews to the new work in the coming weeks!

That feeling of uneasiness

2008-08-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

I get this way sometimes...when art is changing or about to...when I can sense things shifting around me, but can't see them yet. I let myself go from some obligations that were weighing me down...too much. Needed some time to breathe. To enjoy the delight that is my daughter. But I also always still feel the pull, the lure of the studio and reckless abandon for hours in there in the life that was. Now, I am planning, scheduling, sucking every last drop out of the time alotted. It's not bad...it's just new. And shifting. And different.

It's amazing how full my days can get just parenting and not having a "day job" anymore. I dreamt of going to the park and lying under the bridge with Hazel on a big blanket, maybe doing some doodles or journaling. Never even got the chance. I will make that a reality next week... I hope.

A New Flight of Fancy

2008-08-07T09:48:00.001-07:00

So, as many out there know, free time is a precious thing when you have a child. As a mother to a now 4 month old, I am learning this all too dearly. My husband and I have worked out a weeknight "studio night" for mom, where I get a couple glorious interruption-free hours in the studio, and he gets some one-on-one bonding time with Hazel.

Last night I was just not "feeling it" when I went down there. It had been a long, action-packed day and I didn't think I had it in me to do anything creative. But I definitely knew I did not want to clean the studio...as if I would EVER want to do that!

So, I started just jotting down some notes on what I want to focus on and accomplish by Portland Open Studios in October...all while the wax slowly melted next to me. By the time it was ready, so was I. I started finishing up a few pieces lying around and then grabbed some blank boards and just started to play...try different things I had thought about. I forgot how FUN it could be just to play around without a lot of thought.

This little gem is the creation from last night's play session. I thought about the wax more as "regular" paint, from back in my acrylic days, and I had a blast. I just wanted to share this with you, and let you know that there will be more of this in my future...of that I am sure. It was great fun!

Now, back to the joys of motherhood!

Happy 10th Anniversary....a month late

2008-08-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

This past July, Jason and I celebrated 10 years of marriage. We enjoyed the day very much, but with a barely three month old baby, it was not in the cards to do much in the way of "getting away from it all". However, this past Friday evening Jason and I finally got to spend a night for just the two of us playing tourist in our hometown of Portland, Oregon. It was wonderful!

We spend the night at the Benson Hotel, ate dinner overlooking the city at Portland's City Grill Restaurant, had cocktails and dessert at Huber's, and then awoke in the morning to breakfast at Jake's. Yes, we enjoyed "old school" Portlandia...and it was wonderful.

And you know the best part? (besides 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep)
Going to my parents' house rested and refreshed and seeing my beautiful baby girl again! Now I've got a bit of pep in my step to devote to her again!

I know I've been away from this blog for far too long, and I'm going to try and make a bit more time for it soon....but I just had to share about the wonderful evening.

Wax on Wax off

2008-05-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

I had my first Beeswax Collage class since having the baby in April...and it went great! I was really nervous about leaving poor Hazel for all that time, teaching the first class, forgetting something or some supplies...but it all went smoothly, the students had fun, I had fun, and Hazel enjoyed some good bonding time with her daddy...so yay!

I've actually been getting a few hours hear and there to MAKE art as well, and this is just a small one I recently finished during one of my "art hours". I will be back to selling my art at local events in June, but for right now...it's going to be just some more classes and baby time!

Speaking of baby...she's cooing to me from the bedroom....gotta go!

An Early Mother's Day Present

2008-05-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

THIS is actual art that I made while being the mother of a two week old baby....she is currently 3 weeks old now though. She slept in my sling while I got to finish carving a woodblock, and then even slept through me printing a few test runs!!! I was amazed.
Of course, she hasn't let me do it since. I tried yesterday and had to enjoy her screaming as I stopped walked and tried to get something done. So, we went on a walk instead. We're beginning to think we have been blessed with either colic or a food allergy, so quiet time is at a premium right now in the afternoons/evenings. But this was a joyous afternoon getting this done...lemme tell you!

Here's the sleeping beauty during our adventures!

We finally meet our angel

2008-04-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple pictures of our baby, Hazel. She was born by c-section on April 9th at 4:03pm. she weighed 8lbs 9oz and was 22" long...and she was 42weeks and 3 days gestation. She unfortunately had some respiratory issues when she was born and so she spent the first week of her life at Emmanuel hospital's intensive care unit for babies. But, thankfully, we finally got to bring her home this past friday and we are all adjusting to our new life together.

Her first pic was taken at a few days old while at the NICU...notice the lovely little bandaids on her face to hold her oxygen mask in place (which was taken off thank goodness!)

Her second pic is of her on her trip home!!! She looked like an adorable little elf!

I will be very absent on this blog for awhile as we all get to enjoy our new bundle of joy and start being a family. But I just had to share a bit of our hazel with all of you!

Breaking the Silence

2008-03-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Still no baby, though the due date is not until this Sunday, March 23rd. however, it is getting closer and I am getting inpatient. However, I did want to post something to show that I am, yes, still alive! This was a small encaustic piece I created for the SE Area Artwalk.

I personally want to thank everyone that came down and saw my work, visited with me, or purchased something. It was an amazing experience, I had a wonderful time (though it was a little chilly out on that porch!) and I can't wait to do it all again next year! thank you so much for making this girl feel that her art is loved and appreciated in portland. It really makes my heart smile!

I am part of a group show in april at Brian Marki Gallery, highlighting Encaustic Diyptich projects which I am anxiously looking forward to (and hoping I can make it to the opening reception!) Besides that and continual baby nesting, I am working on my upcoming wax classes in late May and early June...as well as a summer full of art walks, sales, and sun!

New Encaustics for the SE Area Artwalk

2008-02-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist sharing another two NEW pieces that will be at the SE Area Artwalk this weekend. I created these to highlight my continued love of botanical illustrations; especially those of poppies! I grew up in California, surrounded by those bright orange ethereal beauties around the landscape. And I even have them growing in my current garden in Oregon - quite by accident, too! They were there when I moved in - and I love them every year!

Many times I create pieces that are "one of a kind" that stand alone, but I've been enjoying making these "sets" of work that blend together. They are all a bit different still (can I tell you how much I love doing new things?!) but they tie together well.

I have a laundry list a MILE long of items to do before the artwalk this weekend, so I will be quiet on here until then. But, enjoy these pieces as a little bit of early summer sun!

Gearing Up for a Show

2008-02-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

First of all, I need to admit something. And that is the fact that I have been OBSESSED with making art over the past week and a half. Not just into making art, or enjoying it, or even letting it "rip"...but full-fledged obsession. I wanted to make sure that I had a wide selection of new pieces for the SE Artwalk this weekend, and well...let's just say that spurred me into an art-making frenzy.

I've been creating art like crazy and boy, do I have a lot to show for it. These three little pieces (5.5" x 5.5") are some of my favorites as they show off the beautiful almost golden luster of the wood behind them (mahoghany plywood), while utilizing one of my favorite images of nature - the wise old tree. I even made a larger piece in this same theme to go with them...but you'll just have to come to the Artwalk if you want to see that one!

Speaking of that, the SE PORTLAND AREA ARTWALK is THIS WEEKEND - March 1-2nd, from 10am-5pm, with over 90 artists at 52 locations showing their art to the world (well, portland!) I will be at spot #36, 3412 SE Division St., at the Hedge House Restaurant. It's in a beautiful old cottage home and I will have large pieces up on the walls, smaller pieces adorning their front porch and LIVE FREE Encaustic painting demos. How bout that!? I will also have reproduction prints and relief printmaking pieces for sale...and did I mention that the restaurant has fabulous food...and beer? I mean, how could you not stop by?!

I'm really excited about this show because it will be my last show before I am a mother! I will be taking all of March, April, and most of May off to enjoy my brand new baby...and so I think this is why I have been working so feverishly on art for this. I have so much creative juice that I need to "get out there" before those sleepless nights of new-motherhood! So, wish me luck and sunshine for this weekend. And if you do get a chance, stop by and say hi!

Some might call me "slow"

2008-02-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is a post that fully shows the world how "slow" I really am to grab and embrace new technology. I have had the same dial-up internet service at home since I first joined the WWW way back when. But now....I am sitting here writing this entry on my new DSL service. Oh my, you say. Way to break out in front of the pack Amy.

Well, you are completely correct. I can't believe I waited this long. But I am overjoyed and just loving the fact that this is now so much easier. Yep, that's me...blazing trails in the world of communications! ;) Hey, I don't even do cable or satellite either, so this is big for me! Us wacky artists...lol

Wax Groupies

2008-02-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

Here is another petite little encaustic collage I created earlier this week. I am SO in love with that asian print paper....I swoon over it every time I see it. And it's funny since I am not really into soft, delicate colors at all. Go figure.

Tomorrow night is the monthly meeting for the Portland Chapter of the International Encaustic Assoc...and it's at my house/studio. I'm all aflutter with excitement to host it and get to share our ideas with this fabulous group of wax fanatics. Plus, we will get to enjoy a demo by the fabulous Judy Wise (www.judywise.blogspot.com). I can't wait. I will really really try to take a few photos and actually share them with the world. Well, I'll try.

A date with the studio

2008-02-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

What with the fun of teaching classes and my "day job", going to baby classes, and attempting (but failing) to keep a clean house, I had severely neglected art making for myself. Well, I remedied that on Monday afternoon, spending hours down in the "craft cave", melting wax and slinging color around with abandon. Here is one of the pieces I finished that day. It is a small little beauty measuring just 5" 5.5". I've been playing around with different techniques of "drawing" on the wax, and I really was pleased with how this one came out...from the smudginess of the image to the green and orange playing with each other (mmm....green.) I plan on making a small series of these botanical study pieces for the SE Artwalk in March. So, you can see them in person and all their waxy glory!

I'm wrapping up my Spring Wax classes since I will be taking several months off for the birth of my baby. I've gotten a wonderful response and have been having the time of my life sharing my love of art (and wax!) with others. It's bittersweet that Feb. 20th will be my last class until late May. Hopefully, the baby will allow me a FEW hours of play time for myself during this time so I'm not completely without art making. I can't wait till she's old enough to join me in my art play!

Gearing Up for New Things

2008-02-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

Whoa, is that title ever a loaded statement.

First off, here is my very latest Encaustic painting. It all started with the one on my most recent last post, which was a painting done in response to another artist's work that I was trying to "mingle" with. It is a diptych project and I wanted my half of it to go with hers as much as possible, while still I having my own unique look. I really enjoyed making that one and kind of liked this new direction, though it is so different and organic for me. I mean, no collage in it, a very muted design, but still round organic shapes and lines, which I do love. I made the one pictured above the following day and just fell in love with it. It's different and I don't know how well they will be received, but I can't wait to make more of them and see where it takes me. Huzzah for hot wax.

New Things are all around me, besides just on the painting front.

I am officially 33 weeks pregnant. For those not in the "preggo zone", the average pregnancy lasts somewhere between 37-41 weeks. First pregnancies are at 40-41 weeks usually. That means...even is she comes out on the late side of things, I only have about 7 weeks left before I become a mom.

Exciting? oh yes.
Dreadfully frightening? Yes, a bit of that too.

It's always been a struggle balancing work, art, house, life without going crazy from it all. Now, I will add a wee little one to the mix and see how it goes. I know it will be fine in the end, and wonderful and crazy and joy...but right now it is still so close and yet so abstract.

I will be VERY busy in the next couple of weeks gearing up for the annual SE Area Artwalk which takes place in Portland on March 1st & 2nd. So, bear with me if my posts are sparse...but know that I will share my new work I make! And, if you are in the area that weekend, stop by to see it in LIVE and in person!