As Seen Through My Eyes.....

New Online Class...Creating The Art of Balance!

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am offering a new online series at A for Artistic online site. The first class in the series, beginning Feb 14th, will be on sculpting and painting a character head, face and hands.


The next part of the series, beginning March 13th will be creating a character that I call "The Art of Balance". Take both classes and earn a discount!

Click on these links to find out more on these classes and to sign up. Let's Create!
http://www.aforartistic.com/character-heads-hands.html
http://www.aforartistic.com/art-of-balance.html

Faerie chairs......

2011-12-23T08:45:00.000-08:00

3 daughters...7 grand daughters = 10 little faeries chairs under the Christmas tree.

2011-12-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

I have fallen through the rabbit hole.....

2011-12-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

It is called Pinterest. http://www:pinterest.com. It took me a while to understand it...but once you begin to play, it's an endless journey through inspirations that make YOUR heart sing. These are some of mine:

Then you can move whatever images delight you to your own board and you can share that or keep it to go back to for inspiration. It's very fun...but very addicting. :)

A lesson on creating a paper Christmas tree......

2011-12-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

I was out shopping at my most favorite store, Anthropologie, and I saw a wonderful Christmas tree created out of cut papers. I left inspired with the thought..."I can do that!" And so I did....and it's easy! Here are photos of how I did it so you can make one too! Wishing a Merry Christmas to all who read my blog!


First find a base. I went to the hardware store and picked up some furniture sliders. But now that I think of it, you could just form a base with foil, then cover the foil with apoxie sculpt and stick your dowel into it. Glue to secure.

The tree at Anthropologie was made with French papers and I happened to have an old French dictionary, so I used those pages...but you could use any paper. Old magazines, wrapping paper, old letters....any paper.

At the hardware store I picked up some thin wooden sticks. I guess you could use a pencil too.

Get some scissors that will cut with a patterned edge. Any craft store will have these.

Anyone whose taken my online classes knows that I LOVE apoxie sculpt! I used this to cover my base...both top and bottom and sides. Mix the two parts together really well and remember to add water to your fingers so it doesn't get too sticky. If you don't have apoxie sculpt, you could add a bead in between each page as long as the hole was large enough to thread onto the stick. Or....you could even make a bead of foil and secure it around the stick, between the papers with some instant glue.

I then dusted the apoxie covered base with some gold metallic powders.....and then I stamped in a pattern. You can find rubber stamps in any craft store, or use something around your home.

Here are photos of the pages I used. I took about 5 pages from my dictionary and then folded those in half, making ten pages, and then cut them into a square shape. Keep in mind that larger squares will be on the bottom and they will get smaller as they go up the tree.

Make a hole in the middle of your stack of paper and thread those onto the stick that you have glued onto your base. In between each piece of paper I made a small ball of apoxie and pressed that around the stick. This gives space between each paper and branch of the tree.

Keep cutting your squares of paper, smaller as you go up the tree, and thread onto the dowel and then add your separating ball. Twist the paper so they each are in a different angle.

Go up the dowel as far as you wish and then leave about an inch more of the wood before you cut the rest of the dowel off. Make it as high as you wish it to be.

When I decided it was high enough, I glued a star on top and pressed some apoxie sculpt to cover around the top of the stick and then I pressed micro beads into the apoxie. You could use anything you wanted on top...even making a ball or star out of the apoxie sculpt.

I got out some glitter and matte medium ( you could use glue also). I painted the matte medium on some edges of the paper and then sprinkled the glitter on to the glue.

I ran out of glitter but found some irridescent confetti in my supplies, so I painted on more matte medium and sprinkled that onto the edges of the tree and onto the top point. When the glue was all dry, I sprayed a sealer on to make sure the confetti stuck.

And there you have a really cool tree! I love this Christmas tree! Now I'm going to gather the grandgirls together and they can each make one for their mom. Our Christmas project!

Happy Creating!
Marilyn :)

Yum....fresh apple juice!

2011-12-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

back to the quiet ....a blank canvas......creation....

2011-12-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

A burst of faerie wishes .....

2011-12-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

My daughter said...."Oh No! The cat tails I put in your studio burst open and it's a mess in there...!"


I said...."Oh Yes!! Faerie wishes everywhere!!" And I immediately scooped them up and put them in a box!

Making Memories....

2011-11-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

When I became a grandmother, a motivating force took hold.....and that was to create memories for my GRAND an wonderful children. Each holiday, birthday, & gathering became an opportunity to gently place, within their memory and within their hearts, moments of magic. My wish is that these moments form the foundations and building blocks of the way they will remember their childhood.

This year we gathered for Thanksgiving in a large barn.....taking down my studio space and creating a wonderland......

No one was allowed to even peak into our Thanksgiving space until we all opened the door, together, to begin our meal.......the candles were lit, the music was playing. The adults gathered around the fire pit, waiting for the door to open, while quietly, the 7 grand girls arranged themselves before the barn door and softly began their serenade. A song sung in rounds to prepare us for the unveiling. Angel voices called to our hearts to open.

Wine glasses raised in toasts, gratitudes shared, laughter and joy rose up to the heavens.....

Dog's everywhere.....barking, leaping, stealing food.....

cousin moments shared ....

laughter on a trampoline......

the soothing of the fire flames at the end of the day......

moments of memories......encased in gratitude.

Gratitude

2011-11-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

One of the many things that I am so grateful for is the practice of sharing my life...my art...what is meaningful to me on this little blog. And for each one of you who take your precious time to stop by. The gift of realizing that when I speak, I am heard, is a gift that fills my heart and a gratitude that connects us to one another. May your day fill your heart with the experience of love. And may your threads of connection be rich and plentiful.

New Online class....Leaf Pod Baby!

2011-11-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let you know of a simple and really fun ( and inexpensive ) class that I am offering through A is for Artistic.

Come join the fun....beginning on Dec 1st. A short class . Wouldn't they be darling as hanging ornaments from a holiday tree branch?

Setting up the space for thankful sharing.....

2011-11-21T20:39:00.000-08:00

This year we will host our Thanksgiving gathering in my studio space in our barn, in Northern California.....

Putting up twinkle lights.....

setting up sitting areas......

Creating the space......

A peek inside the barn.....

and as nite falls.....magic happens....

stay tuned for updates as it unfolds......such fun creating a special space!!!

Saying goodbye to Kawela Bay.....aloha nui loha....until we meet again...

2011-11-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

aloha shadow......

aloha little birds at the bird feeder.....

aloha amazing red, green and yellow leaves.....

aloha avocados picked from the tree in front of the kitchen window...for breakfast, lunch & dinner....

aloha "Pele's hair"...so beautifully hanging on the avocado tree.....

aloha Hibiscus flower in all your glory....

aloha Kitty....basking in the sun.....

aloha beautiful bay....

aloha moments of bliss.....

aloha old steps to the beach......a welcoming path for a hundred years of skipping toes....

aloha little cottage, so happy in the sun....

aloha kitchen door....in and out...in and .....one last time.....out .......did you know we rent this bit of paradise out, now and then....? check out our listing at VRBO

As Above, So Below

2011-11-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

Finished a new Reiki Wall piece today. As I look at it, it makes me think of the night time sky with the constellations of stars....the path of the milky way....and yet the stars are star fish and the the clouds are Nautilus shells so it is as if the skies are a reflection of the deep deep sea.....as above, so below.

Under the tempered glass are images of butterflies, rising with the path of star shine. Antique french letters and sheet music complete the piece, with a hidden Reiki Blessing symbol.

Until I decide to send it to the Chalk Farm Gallery, I have hung it in my studio, above my Buddha head .

My thoughts now turn to our departure next week and the return to the mainland. It's always a little hard to let go....

Paris on my mind.....

2011-11-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

Where do your wings of imagination take you today?

I shouldn't share this......but.....

2011-11-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

This is a coolest site...but let me warn you....it is addictive and you will be on it for hours! It is full of inspirations for the home, for crafts, for art...with tutorials and "how tos" from the simple little turkey treats to fabulous interiors. It's such a fun site! http://craftgawker.com/

Enjoy....but remember....I warned you! :)

"It's all in the Balance...."

2011-11-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

7th Angel....

2011-10-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

"Kenley's Angel" I don't think this is completely done yet, but it helps me to see a photo of it. I really like the butterfly effect....

Falling in love....

2011-10-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

"The Spirit Within" 32" x 17"
I have said this before...but I'm always in wonder of the process of creating art....For me, it feels like falling in love. That is understandable because the energy used in creating, and in falling in love comes through a completely opened heart chakra and when you're open and the energy flows so easily, one just feels blissful. :) This piece completely has taken my heart. I place the piece in front of me, when I'm done working on it and I listen to what it tells me. This piece speaks to me of opening the door to the sacred space of our spirit. The door is always there to enter and the key to entering is our willingness. I love the mystery of this piece. It looks very old like it has been in some ancient castle, hidden from the world until now.

There is a small antique box that opens to reveal an antique key with little Swaroski rhinestones. Under the box is a opened hand....open and beckoning with trust and promise.

Here is the box closed. I love when one has to participate with art. The photo doesn't show it well, but there is a triangle shape of iridescent glass in a beautiful shimmering blue bordering the top and bottom of the glass.

Here is a closeup of the door handle...a beautiful filigree metal piece that I discovered in an antique store.

This is my favorite part! I have created what looks like drips from a candle on the piece and I attached in the upper left hand corner a wonderful really old melted candle that was in an antique candelabra that I have and it looks like it is dripping all over the piece.

Here you can see the iridescent glass triangle a bit better. The piece is in colors of deep black brown, ivory and gold and so the iridescent blue glass is the only spot of color....and also the cathar cross above the box that has a tiny petrified nautilus shell in the middle.

The focal point of the piece is an image of a Shrine that I created. It is covered with a sheet of the wonderful bronze colored mineral mica.....around the mica is tempered glass and all of this is in a art nouveau frame. Antique French journal pages 1882, hand written vintage music sheets, handmade paper, tempered glass, antique box, antique key, metal hand, image of artist created Shrine, antique art nouveau frame, cobalt blue crystal orb, very old melted candle, dark grout, Swarovski rhinestones.
Reiki Blessing: Dai Ko Myo My intention is that the energy of this symbol radiate from this piece to bless those around it.This is the most powerful symbol in the Reiki group. This symbol is used to heal the soul. It is defined as "the treasure house of the great beaming light” and is considered a Zen expression for one's own true nature or Buddha-nature. This symbol helps to provide enlightenment and peace. With practice this symbol brings profound life changes. $1500.

2011-10-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost."
~Martha Graham

"The Soul of Sunrise"

2011-10-25T20:55:00.000-07:00


"The Soul of Sunrise" A new Reiki piece. I love the colors inspired by a beautiful sea shell which Nature paints just as it is shown. The hand carved wooden pieces on both ends are sunflowers and are antique pieces that I collected years ago. They seemed just right for this piece. Available for sale: $ 1200.

Hidden within...The Reiki Blessing "Dai Ko Myo": This is the most powerful symbol in the Reiki group.
This symbol is used to heal the soul. It helps to provide enlightenment and peace.

Sixth Angel Painting....

2011-10-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

"Bella's Angel"

I've completed "Bella's Angel" which is #6. I'm so thrilled with this idea. I could just pinch myself! Each granddaughter will get a necklace with a photo of their angel within, and a t-shirt with the same angel photo, to sleep in...but they won't see their paintings till they arrive for their traditional Easter week, here in Kawela Bay...where their Angel painting will be waiting for them on their bed. I'm just tickled with excitement of that meeting. "Bella's Angel" turned out very fairie like...which is definitely Bella's energy. What I have loved about this process is that I don't intend to paint in any style or with any color...the angel just shows up as it does. When I am done, I step back to see the painting with fresh eyes, and I can see each of the girl's particular energies showing up in the piece. I love that! Bella is our fairie child, as is her angel. Bella walked on her toes for the first many years of her life, hesitating to land on earth.....she is light and girlie and she is our fashion princess.


"Kobain's Angel" Kobain's angel is strong and confident. Kobain just turned 11 yr. old and she is a beautiful and very capable young girl. She carries confidence and leadership in her very being. I think she will be a great teacher like her mother and aunt.

"Presley's Angel" Presley is in love with horses and she has no fear. She is a dynamic horsewoman, even at only 8 years old. Her feet are firmly planted on the earth and she is a very powerful child. When I look at her Angel, I see that power, but I see compassion too.

"Blaize's Angel" Blaize is turning 14 yr old this early November. She is our athlete. A gifted soccer player.....and a force to be reckoned on the playing field. Blaize bears a quiet glow and the most tender of hearts and is growing into a stunningly beautiful young woman.

"Ava's Angel" Ava is an artist from the depths of her soul. She is our one who hears a different drummer. She is in tune with the song that most of us can't hear...and I love that her Angel is communicating with the bird on her wing. That is so Ava! Ava is 8 years old.

"Aidan's Angel" Aidan.....our oldest grand daughter at 17 years and the one who brought forth this inspiration as she flew by herself to Greece for a month. I told her I would paint her angel everyday that she was gone, and I did...and it turned into a process of painting 7 angels. What a gift to me! "Aidan's Angel" shows her maturity....very strong...very wise....I see her as a protector and a muse. Aidan is interested in becoming a Quantum Physicist. Aidan carries a magnificence that will be exciting to watch unfold.

This will be "Kenley's Angel" #7 and the youngest of our grandchildren, at 3 years old. I paint the background first...which really means throwing on the colors. It's fun and easy because I know the colors will change as it develops and I will just follow it's lead into the spirit and face of "Kenley's Angel."

"Butterfly Minuet"

2011-10-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with creating these wall pieces. In a good way. :) I think this is my favorite, so far. I was able to come across some hand written sheet music with the word "Minuet by Beethoven" created for the mandolin.... delicately written on the top. I believe that this paper holds the high vibration, not only of the music but of the intention of the composer. When writing, composing, dwelling in the place of creating music, as with art, I believe one has to be in a place of inspiration and I believe that inspiration is contained and held in this piece of music....I placed this sheet music, along with my French journal pages onto the wood board, and placed images of butterflies over that. The Reiki blessing symbols were added and then hidden under the tempered glass. The shell is a 1/2 Nauitilus shell and the butterfly on it is created with pieces of glass that I found in my treasure stash. The round circles are abalone disks.

"Butterfly Minuet" Available for purchase: $1200.

"Portal Within" I love this one too. I love how her face beckons one to enter a secret realm. I painted a face on canvas and then mounted it on the wooden background. Onto the face I laid a beautiful thick glass disk and around that I placed antique gold metallic lace. The Reiki Blessing is secure under her image and the wood has been painted in beautiful colors of greens and blues and reds and golds and collaged with my handwritten French letters from 1880...all muted with an antique crackle glaze. Abalone shard points surround the face highlighted with Swarovski rhinestones. Available for purchase: $800.

"Portal Within"

Doll Artistry Magazine

2011-10-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to share that one of my art dolls is on the cover of the premiere edition of Doll Artistry Magazine. This is a brand new magazine out of the UK. I'm not sure if it's available in stores or just through order on their website. There's a nice three page article on my work with lots of photos too.

Aidan's Angel brings her home.....

2011-10-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Aidan flew home one day before Greece went on strike and closed the airports. Thank you, Angel

"Greece came to a standstill on Wednesday as the nation’s public sector called for a 24-hour strike, the first since June. Airports have closed, hospitals are being run by emergency staff, and lawyers and teachers did not show up for work. Instead, thousands of people took to the streets to protest the deep austerity measures that the Greek government has enacted in its ongoing quest to stem a sovereign debt crisis. In Athens, riot police fired tear gas at protesters and clashes broke out between the civil servants and security forces."

Angels...

2011-09-30T18:30:00.000-07:00


Finished Kobain's Angel today. I'm going to have a necklace made for each grandchild with a photo of their Angel so they can keep their angel with them. And then I'm going to have a big T shirt made with the photo of their Angel so they can sleep with their Angel over their heart. I'm excited about this Birthday and Christmas present idea! :)

Kobain's Angel

Blaize's Angel

Adian's Angel

3 new Reiki Blessing pieces......

2011-09-26T20:58:00.000-07:00


Reiki Blessing symbol hidden under tempered glass mosaic, French journal pages, old screen pieces, with antique rusted key....

"Blessing Key"

Reiki Blessing symbol hidden under tempered glass mosaic, French journal pages, rusted iron leaves, nautilus shell, red lucky seed, pieces of antique metallic netting

"Within the Heart"

Reiki Blessing symbols hidden beneath tempered glass, antique French journal pages, metal icon holder, coconut shell, iron fence post top, found in Paris flea market, amethyst crystal points

"The Offering"

still painting Angels.........

2011-09-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

maybe I'm done.....I'm not sure....Blaize's Angel

started a new angel....Kobain's Angel

Mudding.......

2011-09-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Now to dry and then to glaze.....stay tuned..... :)

Details before the mud........

2011-09-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

More pieces....ready to add grout tomorrow. It's a risk, covering everything with mud, but I usually love the results.....we shall see tomorrow.....then it sits for a couple of days and then I will had a tinted glaze, which makes a big difference too. At this stage the handwritten French journal pages, & the music sheets have been applied, a crackle glaze has been added....antiquing has been done, the reiki symbols have been placed.....the nautilas shell and rusted metal leaves have been attached and finally the tempered glass has been applied. And the Reiki blessing has been done. Then...it gets covered in mud.

Here's another one in the same stage...pre-mud. This one has a large Reiki symbol under the tempered glass and over the beautiful French journal pages from 1881

And also this one.....there is a shell of a coconut holding a metal piece framing an iron top from an old iron fence probably. Found in a Paris flea market....I've added some tarnished silver antique metallic netting to this piece and I'm interested to see how that will show up with the grout added.

Studio table....cleaned up and ready for tomorrow's grouting session.

2011-09-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

New Reiki piece........"The Key"

"Nest"

close up of "Nest"....found bird nest wrapped in vintage netting with Hawaiian seeds as eggs.

"Alter"

worked on my second Angel painting....

close up of "Blaize's Angel"

angels watching over me.....

2011-09-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

Studio.....

new reiki piece.....face painted on canvas with hidden reiki symbols under tempered glass mosaic....with hawaiian blessings. Rusted metal leaves, red good luck seeds, fan coral around her face.

just started a new angel painting. I've decided to do an angel painting for each grand daughter. This one is for Blaize. So there will be 7 angel paintings.

I think I'm finished with Aidan's Angel. I think....maybe.....

Adding blue and tatoo....

2011-09-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

Decided to add some clear blue skies.....some vines of growth from the heart.....

then added some Reiki Blessing Symbols on her face....

and started an Hawaiian face......

Loosening up.......

2011-09-08T21:20:00.000-07:00


I realized.... in looking at the last work on my painting..... that I was being too tight....too controlling with my brush strokes. I thought about Aidan and how tight I was holding her, in my mind, and I thanked this angel for reminding me that you can't control or hold on too tight to artistic expression and certainly you can't hold on to to teenager. Give them wings....let them fly!

Day Four....the symbol of the octopus....

2011-09-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

Aidan had an experience swimming with an octopus so that is the symbol that I've added today, in the circle around her head. In ancient times, the octopus was thought to be a sign of good luck and protection. I have added strips of tissue paper with words on them onto her wings....words to live by..... and dots over the bees that look to me like their hives...the bees are safe in their homes. Her eyes have opened more....

Aidan's Angel ....Day Three

2011-09-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

Aidan is safe and the uncertain emotion of blue which had moved into a rosey hopefulness, has today, opened up to optimism and hopefulness and the space of white full wings....a blank slate for experience to be written upon. And her eyes have begun to open......

Angel landing......

2011-09-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Aidan has arrived....safely....and is with her family for the month. Her adventure continues....and life will never be the same.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers.....

Aidan's Angel....

2011-09-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Day Two....the colors have changed a bit...less blue and more a rosey glow of anticipation. I've added the symbols of bees as my Meaning of Symbols books says they are the "birds of Our Lady". Seemed a perfect symbol to add as Aidan boards her flight to Athens after a 12 hour lay over in Canada.

Flying with Angels......

2011-09-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

Aidan, our oldest grand daughter...17 yr....is on her way to the airport to fly to Greece for a month. She will be an au pair for a family there. She has promised to text me at every step of her journey. Her first text came in while I was in my studio painting an angel. I told her it was her guardian angel and that I will be painting her each and every day while she is in Greece....and while we were texting the song "Flying with Angels" started playing on my ipod.

.

"Where are you going, inside your mind
I guess were always livin'
on borrowed time
Yes I will be here, to hold your hand
just close your eyes and sleep
I understand
Chorus:
You're flying with angels
above us all and I'll be here
to catch you if you fall
If others leave you, you know I'll stay
My dreams will whisper to you
and guide you way
so sleep my darlin' (sleep my darlin')
one kiss goodnight (one kiss goodnight)
another song awaits you
with rising eyes
Chorus 2x
Oh I'll be here to catch if you fall"

Ahhhhhh......................loha nui loha.....

2011-08-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

"To us, our house was not unsentient matter -- it had a heart, and a soul, and eyes to see us with; and approvals and solicitudes and deep sympathies; it was of us, and we were in its confidence, and lived in its grace and in the peace of its benediction."
Mark Twain

A drive up the coast of California....

2011-08-22T08:01:00.000-07:00


We have had a cold and foggy summer here on the coast of Northern California, but doesn't it make for beautiful lighting?

Blues and greys that bring quiet thoughts......

Kayaks waiting to be taken for a ride....

A lone traveler....solitude....

A chair calling for reflection....

aloneness......


A beautiful contrast for where we will be next week.......

Back to a turquoise world of Hawaii.....

Baby steps in learning to dance.....

2011-08-17T18:41:00.000-07:00


As the face in my painting seems to express...learning a new dance ( or in my case, learning to paint ) can be painful. Just when I think I'm "getting it"....I look at the photo of my progress for the day and I see how far I have to go. I know that I have to loosen up...free myself...express myself....dance! But right now I can only go through the motions. I tell my sculpting students all the time to be kind and loving to yourself when you are learning something new. I need to take my own advice. :) But I do see progress. I am learning and loosening ....and I do enjoy the process.

The class and the technique I am studying is by Shiloh Sofia McCloud. She teaches a specific way to paint and so at least that gives me a bit of a road map. I love her paintings!

Marie Howell is another student of Shiloh's and she's only been painting for a year. I'm very impressed! The painting style is full of symbols and is visionary, and is a perfect match for me. Marie had seen my art at the Chalk Farm Gallery and had sent me an email. She mentioned that she was learning to paint with Shiloh and so I went to the website and immediately signed up for a class. Marie then asked me if she could interview me for the Cosmic Cowgirl's website. Marie just posted the interview on her own blog, "A Rite of Passage in Paint" and next Thursday it will be on the Cosmic Cowgirls website. My point is......it's a small world and we all need to learn to dance!

Parakeets, it is!

2011-08-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

Each granddaughter got to choose her own parakeet that now resides in the aviary in my studio.....preening their presence and singing their song.....

An evening of contented bliss......

2011-08-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky to have this bit of paradise right near our home in California. Once a month they host a themed event of music, food, wine and an enzyeme foot bath. http://www.osmosis.com/

Their gardens of bamboo are so beautiful.....mysterious.....enchanting......

Their gardens of Zinnia dance in the breeze.......

They even have a Hammock Garden! What a great idea!

I totally indulged and dream of creating my own hammock garden......with Hemi-synk Music to balance your left and right brain.

Then on to the Japanese garden to listen to beautiful harp music......

and finally to immerse our feet in healing enzymes .....

An evening of peaceful bliss.......

discovering new sights and sounds ......then heading home, content.

Painting, mosaic work, tempered glass, sculpting...oh my!

2011-08-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

I opened her eyes today.....not loving this, but it is improving.....maybe it's time to stop and start another one.....

Grouted my latest Reiki wall piece....

Here's a close up of the key and wings....

Working on a new piece....metal vintage lantern piece...painted chinese red with gold leaf, put netting in window openings, tempered glass mosaic on the interior walls....

This will be the back piece...French letter from 1870, gold leaf with antique metallic netting over it....

and now I'm sculpting ceramic hands with a Reiki Blessing symbol carved into the palms and these will be placed inside of the wall lantern...somehow.......

Treasure hunting....

2011-08-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the Alameda Swap Meet!! It's HUGE and fabulous!! A fun fun! day of treasure hunting!

Found this darling bird aviary for my new studio. Something that I had no idea that I needed...but had to have! Photo is of my daughter, Ashley.....

My new favorite color...Geige!

This swap meet is a great place to find inspiration. Love this cement wing!!

The best part of the day is coming home to lay out and share the eclectic groups of finds....

Wonderful rusted metal leaves, clock faces, French letters, icons....

A Madonna picture made with bamboo strips....

Beautiful lace and beaded sleeves from an antique gown, Buddhist icons, metal drawer pulls....

My first two finds of the day...and my favorites....a gold glass orb and a funky hand carved wooden rabbit...

Ohhh...and I LOVE the color and shape of this glass hand!

Fun torso that I will cover with French letters...and a beautiful beaded top that will end up being used for a artdoll costume.

This was a cool idea...it is the back of a refrigerator and will look great on the wall to display photos, using magnets.


Ahhhhh....and my new aviary.....in my studio ....repainted Greige!...and soon to hold seven finches or parakeets ( does anyone have any thoughts on which birds are best to choose??)....each one chosen by a granddaugther.....so their songs will fill my heart while I create :) Life is good!

layer upon layer....

2011-08-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

She is slowly evolving and I'm beginning to understand how layering works and how you can't really mess up with painting cause it's so easy to add another layer. She's come a far way from the first little blue alien strokes.

A reminder that my "Sculpting the Head" class is open for another week before we move on to Sculpting the Hands and Arms. You will be able to download the lesson files and work at your own pace. And I'm always available to help you in anyway that I can. Join me for the whole series or just for a class or two. This series culminates with a piece that I call "My Lady of Guadaloupe" where I demonstrate how to create one of my Hardscape costumes using apoxie sculpt and abalone shards.
Taking classes online is so fun and so easy. I think I've taken at least 4 classes this summer and I always learn some new technique that I can then apply and interpret into my own artwork. It's good to keep learning, I think. It's fun and it does make a difference in the aliveness of my art, and certainly my spirit. Gotta learn some new dance steps every now and then. :)

New Reiki wall pieces.....

2011-08-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

"Heart Blessings"

"The Ebb and Flow of Time"

close up of large scarb on clock face, surrounded by shells and tempered glass

Evolution of an intention...

2011-08-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to paint BIG bold painting for years but I haven't known how or where to start. I received an email from a woman who had seen my art work in The Chalk Farm Gallery and she mentioned Shiloh Sofia McCloud and how much she was learning about painting from her. I did a search and found out that she gave classes just 30 from me. So, of course, as serendipity took over...she was giving a one day class the next week. I signed up and now I am on my pathway of paint. She teaches a method of painting that is easy to follow. In class we were to write down one or two words which were our intention for the day and my words were REBIRTH and EXPANSION.
And so I began my painting......with no idea of what I was doing...but when I stepped back and looked, it appeared that I had painted a tiny blue alien coming out of a vagina! LOL Poor little scared thing! So I thanked her for appearing to honor the birthing of this desire and then I painted her out and this Lady showed up. Still quite hesitant, though.

....so I kept painting.....

and today this Lady showed up. Still far from my vision, but I feel like I am moving forward. Those are hummingbirds represented in the painting to honor the little hummingbird that flew into my studio to visit me today. Tomorrow I will paint more and we will see how this evolves. Meanwhile check out Shiloh Sofia McCloud's artwork.

Tea and inspiration....

2011-07-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was invited for tea at Carol Whatanabe's studio.

Carol is a woman who leads an inspired life and because of that, she is so interesting and fun to be with. We connect on a level that has nothing to do with time spent together. It is more a recognition of spirit and the play that life can be.

How could you not love strawberry shortcake with whip cream at 11 AM!

Her art speaks her spirit. Loud, joyful and full of life.

I loved her freehand painted checkerboard floor.

Be sure to take a look at her website and check out her houses in France and Mexico.
I found her book so inspiring that I bought copies for all of my friends. This is a woman who talks the talk and walks the walk of an artist, not just in her art, but in her life.
http://www.artfully.com/

Looking back.....

2011-07-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

I was recently interviewed for an article. I really enjoy the process of answering questions about my artwork and my career, over the past 35 years because all those years offer me a perspective on my journey. Looking back I see how my inspirations came in cycles. I put together some collages of some of those cycles. The first collage of photos shows my 'Relationship" pieces.
Faeries and tiny faes.

The "Goddess" series showed up with "hardscape" costumes created with shards of abalone or mosaic pieces. The faces of these pieces were always painted a soft white and were very theatrical.

My first pieces stood between 3 - 5 ft. tall. Deer Prince, Mythical figures, Father Christmas and Angels. These pieces had sculpted heads, hands and feet and the bodies were wire and cloth.

Rabbits have played a large part in my artwork. Rabbit Princes created with gourds, fabric, paint, wire and clay.

The use of antique silk velvets was replaced by sea glass mosaics when we moved to Hawaii.

Autumn, Winter, Summer and Spring Trees created from gourds, with little faes within.

And lately my passion lies with the wall pieces of tempered glass over hidden Reiki symbols.
I wonder what lies next.................

Fabulous friends, food and birthday wishes....

2011-07-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you have some friends that have such a wonderful sense of style that when you step into their home you feel transported. Yesterday, we were invited to such a home to celebrate an upcoming shared birthday and I wanted to share that sense of style with you.

The birthday cake had their pictures transferred onto sugar sheets....one half in Greg's favorite white cake with butter cream frosting and Gary's half, chocolate with cream cheese frosting. Yum!! I had one of each!

The following photos are vignettes of their home .......words surely aren't needed. Enjoy this nest of creativity, style and soul. And you might enjoy Pat's blog here.

Working on new pieces....

2011-07-21T07:43:00.000-07:00


After much time setting up the studio.....getting supplies....settling into my new space...I'm back to creating. These are three small wood pieces from a cut up old door that I have painted on Reiki symbols and then hidden them beneath the tempered glass mosaic and images of the madonna's face and hands. I"ve grouted the glass and am waiting to put the colored sealer on.

A magical evening.....as seen through my eyes..

2011-07-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

An early piece .. 1990....The Fawn Child, who now presides over the magical green house where we dined.....

The vineyards as the fog rolls in.....

....the garden....

Happy lanterns against the greenhouse glass sky....

we gather for our meal inside the greenhouse glass....

and are lost in wonderland...

as darkness settles us in....and fairy lights reflect....

gathering around the firepit....

as the full moon rises.....

Fun, Frolic and Falling up and down on a trampoline.....

2011-07-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hydrangeas as high as an elephants eye.....

2011-07-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

........And a rose bush that's reaching right up to the sky....
Oh what a beautiful morning....oh what a beautiful day....
I've got a beautiful feeling....
Everything's going my way......

A walk around Balboa Island....

2011-07-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

These past two weeks we have been finishing up our home on Balboa Island after it had a terrible flood last December. Here is it below ( first house, with black door ) all ready for those who wish to vacation on this charming little island. This was the house that my husband grew up in, during the summers and where we had our first date when I was 15 years old. And now we've been married 44 years!

One of the great things to do when you stay here is an evening walk around the island. It has kept it's eclectic charm and the flowers are all competing with themselves for our attention. And then, at the end of the walk, you have to indulge in a frozen banana, dipped in chocolate and sprinkles!

Balboa Island was first created around 1899 and has held it's charm every since.
Each house is different and that makes the evening walk such fun.

Come along with me..........on this Happy Fourth of July!!

My new favorite blog.....

2011-06-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled upon this blog this morning.
Aren't these women inspiring?!
The fabulous lady in the pink/red hat and dress is 95 yr!
Fantastic!
Check out the blog "Advanced Style"
The videos are quite charming.

The Thrill of a door knob....

2011-06-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

My move is complete....all is placed and put away. New lighting has been ordered and the kiln might be up and ready by tomorrow. Got a new (used) chair with wheels so I can zip around the concrete floors from one station to another.....got some plates and silverware and apples, cheese and oranges and wine....this weekend I'm off to garage sales, on the hunt for an outdoor furniture set and in my mind I am in the south of France, eating bread and cheese, grapes and drinking wine, at the end of a creative day. My vision. :)

Today I embedded antique glass door knobs into an old door, which up until using my trusted apoxie sculpt, just dangled in the hole. Now, it is a work of art, welcoming you to enter.

Life is good!

An homage to a creative space....

2011-06-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

I finished taking the last load of stuff to my new studio....finished dusting, rearranging, and cleaning the space I have outgrown in our little cottage.... and I feel strangely sad. How odd.
I have left treasures on my shelves, polymer clay to sculpt with, and while it looks in these photos that the space is quite full to the brim, it has been "lightened up" immensely, and as a result so have I.
I feel like I'm stepping into something new. I haven't worked with ceramic clay for 30 years and yesterday I bought two bags of clay and today, hopefully the kiln will be hooked up and this is the best part.....I have no idea where this will lead me, but I feel ready, willing...and we'll see how able. :)

A day of moving my studio

2011-06-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how much stuff I had crammed into my little closet of a studio space!
3 car loads...of course one of the cars was my little VW....but still it was fun to pull out stuff that I had stuffed into corners.

bags and bags of stuff that to me is called "treasures"!

I'll use this little studio space for the sculpting of polymer clay figures.....and writing out bills.....

It's very little, but very sweet with funky old windows looking out to the forest....and my leopard chair.

The new studio is now all set up....except to add some lighting and kiln hook up.

There's so much space and it's so.....neat. Oh my.....

but the little ones got right into creating....

I'll be expecting you........ :)

Heaven is a new studio space!

2011-06-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

We had built a barn thinking that our daughter and her family might live in it, but that was not to be.....so I have claimed the space and today I began to move my stuff in. I had a space about the size of a closet in our cottage here in Northern California, so I am feeling ecstatic to have all of this room to create in! I just need to get some good lighting. The kiln gets put in tomorrow.
I think I might offer classes........anyone interested ? :)

A Sunny Sunday following my Shadow......

2011-06-14T08:10:00.001-07:00

The process of creating a painting....

2011-06-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make my granddaughter, Ava, a birthday painting. I began by using the technique of a photo transfer where you take a photo and transfer the image into a gel and transfer it onto canvas.

Well, I have to admit.....it is starting out just awful. This isn't working. I'm taking a photo now to show you this "not working at all" stage. It would be easy to quit now and I am okay with throwing this away.
But I'm thinking.....in the area outside of the criticism of my mind..maybe if I can add enough layers of interest to this piece, I will then be able to distract the viewer from the fact that I can not paint. :) What I'm thinking is that the essence of Ava is her creative energy. Energy. I'm not really only wanting a picture of her. So it's not about painting well...it's about capturing my experience of Ava.
I think I'll keep taking another step and stay open to the possibility that, if I just stick with this,
it might work itself out.

I love Ava's art and her stylized way of drawing. I did a photo transfer of some of her pictures so they could be included on this painting.....
Adding the red doesn't do much........adding the white makes me feel a little better because I think I will add a verse that Ava was given to recite for her 7th birthday. At Waldorf school each child is given a verse on their birthday and each week they recite it in front of the class. I want to add Ava's verse on the white of this painting. But still......I don't really care for primary colors of red, white and blue. Hmmmm.....

Okay, here's my strategy....divert the eye from the painting technique by giving it other design elements to study.
The whole is better than the individual parts.
And it seems that by adding dots and stripes and more color, I am adding energy and movement which is the intention of this piece.
This just may work out......I'm kind of liking it now. :)

Now I think I'll add off white circles in the white area.... More is better :)

and more little dots on the green lines....

Now to add her Birthday verse in black felt tip pen.....

and now some paper leaves and a couple of flowers and a couple of rhinestones.....

Yea! I like it and I hope she does too.

Do you remember when you turned 8 yr. old?

Creating photo collages....

2011-06-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

I've been fooling around making collages with my photos for my online classes.
Have you played around at Picnik?
It's fun and easy. :)

New online classes!

2011-05-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that I will be offering a new series of online classes, beginning in July at the "A is for Artistic site".

Each class is offered individually or ...at a savings...as a series. The classes begin with my technique of sculpting and painting a head and face. Each class of the series has about 4 to 6 lessons with full instruction and colored photos, showing each and every step, and in every class there is an online forum where we can talk...critic if you want....share tips...share photos and just get to know each other.

The next class will be on to sculpting and painting the hands and arms, then on to sculpting and painting the legs and feet. The next class will show you how I create a torso, how I attach the previously sculpted arms and legs and how to make a stand. The whole series then culminates with the class on Creating a Hardscape. When I moved to Hawaii I found, because of the heat and humidity, velvets and antique laces did not work so well.

From walking the beaches and discovering sea glass, and found objects, to incorporating abalone shards and mosaic class, I developed a costume that I call a Hardscape.
This is the way I created the piece that I have been posting about here on my blog...
"My Lady of Guadalupe".
So the last class will be on how to create her costume!

I'm excited about these classes and I do think taking classes online is a brilliant idea!
I know I have taken many classes from felting to jewelry making, and I very much enjoy being able to create my own studio, at my own time, and yet learn something new.

I hope I see you in class..... in cyberspace......creating, creating, creating! :)

My Lady of Guadalupe

2011-05-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it might not be THE lady of Guadalope but it's MY lady of Guadalope.

Blue mosaic cape.....

2011-05-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

I finished my blue mosaic cape for my online "Hardscape Class".
This has been a fun piece to make and, not be one who can let things alone, I have an inspiration to make her into my version of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Stay tuned for more developments! :)

Working on her hood.....

2011-05-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday creating the hood of her cape. Blue mirror tiles and micro beads.....
Today the rest of the cape. ..... Off to the studio ......

Hardscaping......

2011-05-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

I'm putting together a new class called "Creating a Hardscape".
Years ago, after moving to Hawaii where silk velvets and lace just don't do well, I began creating costumes with apoxie clay and embellishments and no fabric.
I call these "Hardscapes" and they are great fun to create.

I have a series of classes now offered at That Creative Place that begin with how I sculpt and paint a face, how I sculpt and paint hands and arms, legs and feet, how I create a torso and put together the arms and legs and build a stand. ( not up on site yet ) And now the culmination of those classes will be "Creating a Hardscape." Since I've been so lost in my Blessing wall pieces, it's been a while since I did a Hardscape and I am loving this process!

Here's a few photos of some parts of the class....the undergown, the hood and today will bring a glorious cape!

If there is any class you would like me to offer, please let me know.

Hide and Seek class

2011-05-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

My husband and I took a watercolor painting class this weekend.
I knew nothing about water color and he knew even less, but as of today, I'll never look at a hibiscus in the same way. It's amazing how gaining new knowledge shifts and expands one's perspective. What a great thing!

Patrice Federspiel has lived here in Hawaii for about 10 years now. I met her when she first moved here and was just learning the art of watercolor, having mastered oil painting. She was part of the group of women who, not knowing each other initially, gathered together in my studio once a week, because of the love of creating.....and the beauty of Kawela Bay. We met each week, over many many years, and while the group has since disbanded, it's fun to stay in touch and relish in the new directions that we have found ourselves. And the love of creating still holds us together, at least in our spirit.
She has a lovely web page and a great eZine that I highly recommend.
The Art of Aloha.

In these past 10 years, Patrice has become a master in the art of watercolor. Her style and technique are thrilling and inspiring, and her use of bold color is exciting and fresh.
The technique she taught this weekend was called "Hide n Seek" in which one lays gauze, string and such down on the paper, adds paints, lets it dry and then discovers the painting within. Right up my alley! It keeps one in their heart and out of their head and adds such a fun element of mystery.

This is what I found hiding in my painting!

Here's my husband's hibiscus..... very cool, I think . :)

Patrice Federspiel The Art of Aloha

Blue Madonna.......

2011-05-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

New Reiki wall pieces are ready to ship to Santa Fe.
This first one is called "Blue Madonna"

This is called "Grasshopper Guidance"

And this one is called "Buddah Blessings"

Jumping for joy...in praise of mothers...

2011-05-08T12:16:00.001-07:00

‎"Mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to 'jump at de sun.'
We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground."

The passion and possession of inspiration....

2011-05-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can feel utterly possessed by the energy of inspiration.
It's my favorite state of mind. "I" disappear and there is only the intense focus of creation.

I can't stop making these "Blessing Art" pieces. They are calling to be created!
I run across to my studio in the morning and I'm there all day with so much energy flowing through me that today I had to put the Dalai Lama's healing mantra just to ground me.

I love that I get to share the treasures that I have collected over the years....and saved...like rusted keys, Buddha heads, glass bubbles, and bones. And it is important to me that these pieces contain Reiki healing symbols and that these symbols are mysteriously...and respectively... hidden, although the energy remains.

Here are a couple new pieces.
I have to figure out how to photograph them better......
Since they are selling so well in Santa Fe, I now want to find a gallery in Sedona and perhaps one more....somewhere else.
Any recommendations or suggestions would be much appreciated!

These next photos are of pieces that will have grout added to them tomorrow.
The grout will tone down the colors and add a look of age.
It offers a real transformation. And of course, in the process, I could ruin them....

For this image, I took a photo of a piece I had created years ago and did color xerox of it...
and then placed it under glass.
The result was kind of haunting, I think.

This is another piece, in blues, that will change quite a bit when grouted.
This one has bubbles of glass, a metal grasshopper, an antique mirror alter thing and a rusted antique key. I have no idea, right now, what this piece is about, but when it is done and I place it before me, a story or meaning usually presents itself.

Moments of a tropical storm.....

2011-05-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

I tried to capture the glory of the storm.....it's 6:30 AM....the air is 74 degrees...the windows and doors are wide open....thunder and lightning declare themselves Masters of the moment.
The trade winds will quickly drive it forth, but for now....it's a glorious moment!

Sharing the studio.....

2011-05-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

I always love sharing my studio with friends. I am convinced that given the space to create, the supplies to use, and permission to express ourselves, magic happens and true art shows up.

Back in the studio.....

2011-04-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

Laundry is done. Chaos has disappeared. Replaced by order.
The rhythmic and consistent sounds of the waves fill the space that just a day or so ago vibrated with giggles and laughter . I am back in the studio.

Reiki wall pieces are calling out to be created.
I am thrilled that these have been selling as soon as they arrive at The Chalk Farm Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico! I'm setting my prices low because nothing feels as good as a piece of one's artwork selling and being placed in someone's home. I love making these pieces!
Each piece has a hidden Reiki symbol under a tempered glass mosaic. My intention is that these pieces bring healing energy into the space where they are hung.

The first piece is created on a palm frond with a bone that I found on the beach and old rusted pieces, highlighted with rhinestones.

The next piece is done on an old Chinese board. I used a skull that I had found, embellished with rare red coral and rhinestones.

I include a write up with each piece that explains the power of the piece.

"Having studied the several thousand year old energy healing system known as Reiki and having become a Reiki Master teacher, I have experienced the power of the Reiki symbols. By creating artwork that contains these symbols, respectively hidden but energetically present, my intention is that their inherent power become available through these art pieces.

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation which also promotes healing. It is based on the idea that "life force energy" flows through us. If one's "life force energy" is low then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

The word "Reiki" is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy".
Thus Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy". Reiki Healing Energy provides a means to balance the human energy fields and energy centers to create conditions needed for the bodies healing system to function.

There are several different Reiki symbols that focus and empower different energies.
The symbols that I use are:

Cho Ku Ray: "The Power Symbol". It's meaning is "I have the key".
The primary use of this Symbol is to increase Reiki power. This symbol is nicknamed "the light switch" as it connects us to the flowing of energy, like a light switch being turned on. It opens us as channels for Reiki energy. It cleans out negative energies. It is used for Spiritual protection and to aid manifestation. It is used to empower.

Sei Hei Ki: The Mental/Emotional Symbol. Meaning: "Key to the Universe".
It is used primary for mental/emotional healing and calming the mind. It is known as the harmony symbol and is used to heal mental and emotional energies that no longer work for us, and to heal emotional and mental distress. It offers psychic protection. Cleansing. It is used to balance the right and left brain and as an aid for removing addictions. It is used for healing past trauma and clearing emotional blockages. Removes negative energies and bad vibrations. Restores emotional balance and harmony.

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen: The Distance Symbol. Meaning: "The God ( The Buddha, the Christ,..) in Me Greets the God in You to Promote Enlightenment and Peace". This is used to send Reiki over distance and time (past,present, future), to anyone and anything. "Correct Thought (/Correct Mindfulness) is the essence of being". True consciousness is attained when our little universe (our mind) unites with the great universe. Grounds and balances energy. Helps to unblock the energy chakra centres allowing the energy to flow. Helps to remove karma and trauma. Makes contact with the essence of every substance and situation.

Dai Ko Myo: The Master Symbol. This is the most powerful symbol in the Reiki group.
This symbol is used to heal the soul. The "Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion" lists a definition for this symbol as "Treasure house of the great beaming light" and states that it is a Zen expression for one's own true nature or Buddha-nature, of which one becomes cognizant in the experience of enlightenment. The meaning literally translates to "Great Being of the Universe, shine on me." It helps to provide enlightenment and peace. This symbol brings profound life changes.
It is used to Light the Awakened Heart

Whispers of memories.......

2011-04-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

The first morning after everyone has gone is always the strangest.
I wander around and through the rooms and find only memories scattered and left behind. Memories..... and piles of laundry. :)
I think that tears are nature's release valve for a love and gratitude that just is so immense that it can't be contained within one small human heart.

Ava and the honu.....

2011-04-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all.....

2011-04-24T12:27:00.000-07:00