JoAnn Deck

Simply Strung

2011-12-28T21:00:00.000-06:00

My friend Sara chose this bracelet from my inventory to give her sister for Christmas. Mary and Sara both have very small wrists, so today I resized/restrung it for her. It has a commercially made lobster clasp & ring connection made of rose gold plated copper. I hand formed the little copper spiral dangle.

handcrafted hammered copper closure

2011-12-17T21:40:00.000-06:00

with glass and metal beads . Finished this bracelet today. I did have the bead design all laid out on the bead board last night so I was ready to start stringing first thing this morning. It feels really good to finally be productive in the studio again.

Bracelet 12142011

2011-12-15T20:45:00.001-06:00

Here is the newest bracelet, just finished yesterday.
This is just a quicky documentation photo.
Setting up the photo booth on the dining room table.

Boy have I ever lost track of time

2011-12-11T07:44:00.000-06:00

I just double checked the date I posted the bracelet documentation photos, it's been a year !!! 12/13/2010 is the date on that BLOG entry. In yesterday's post I said that I had made all those bracelets in the spring, then realized two of the gift bracelets and one of the sold ones were Christmas presents !! I did, however make 2 pair of earrings in the spring, again, they were gifts. Let's see, does that mean I need a deadline to produce work? I hope not, that usually stifles my creativity.

This morning, as I walked past my work table on the way to the coffee maker, I was happy to see the work in progress. I am a very visual person and during the day I can think about what to do next. Probably won't be able to work on it today, though. Church first, then lunch out with church friends, then a Christmas Concert at 3. Maybe tonight I'll have enough energy left to sit in my TV watching chair and wire wrap a bead or two. We'll see.

Beading Again

2011-12-10T22:39:00.000-06:00

Finally I am back to work in my home studio. It seems like forever since I've been able to sit and work at my jeweler's bench. I made about 8 or 10 bracelets last spring (two I sold, 2 I gave as gifts to friends) and I now have determined they all need to be remade. I like them all, they have "my voice" from the standpoint of color and composition, but nothing that I feel sets them distinctly apart from what any other bead artist might do. Simple bead stringing isn't enough to make them notable and recognizable as my work. So that's my new challenge to myself. I have spent considerable time in self-study the last 6 months with books and videos and am ready to move forward.

2011-11-19T21:25:00.001-06:00

Creativity group tomorrow. Homework is: bring a piece of work that you think really represents your voice as an artist. Wow, do I have anything that meets that criteria?

Color Progression

2011-10-16T08:24:00.000-05:00

The Really Loud Quilt

2011-10-16T07:53:00.000-05:00

Blue Forest

2011-10-15T06:17:00.000-05:00

Temptation on the Half-Shell

2011-10-14T20:58:00.000-05:00

the voice of the stash

2011-07-25T09:03:00.000-05:00

could no longer be silenced. Some of this was already in progress. Liberated piecing, and sectional quilting and machine assembly are planned. No HAND SEWING!! No pressure from self-imposed deadlines or any others will be tolerated. This is for fun and self satisfaction.Updates will be posted as they become convenient.

Assemblage box reconstruction

2011-05-19T13:03:00.002-05:00

Assemblage #218
After reconstruction

I have been spending a good deal of time contemplating my next step with my 2D assemblage artwork. I have many pieces packed in boxes that came back from various exhibit situations needing attention for a variety of reasons. When work goes out on exhibit at a gallery, to an art fair, or on consignment in a shop, it often returns somewhat different then when it went. In my case, it's generally the metal frames that bear the brunt of handling mishaps or environmental miscalculations. Unexpected bad weather being the greatest tragedy at an outdoor fair.

So now, I have determined it's time to visit these boxes and see what's there and what is needed. Reworking/reconstructing the art is also a concept I am ready and willing to embrace.

My intent in my mixed-media assemblage artwork is to develop abstract compositions. I often work in a series

and choose items one by one from my vast accumulation of elements using an instinctive sense of design. Some of the objects are found; some presented to me by others and some acquired by happenstance. Many, but not all, of these elements are specially treated to alter their origin. Other collage fragments are specifically developed from artist materials with paint and layering techniques.

So here's the results of the first one, it's going to a Midwest Collage Society group exhibit of collage/assemblage artwork. I'm pretty satisfied with the results. What do you all think?

Assemblage #218
8 X 10 X 2
Brass frame

Assemblage #218
Before Reconstruction

it is what it is

2011-05-09T08:03:00.000-05:00

I seem to say this a lot, of late. What do I mean by that? I generally seem to respond that way when people want to rehash a situation that is long past and has no hope of changing. Why dwell on things that have no hope for change? I’m happy to address a project or situation that some action on my part, or others, might bring about a different more satisfactory outcome, but if not, why waste the time?

Black Paintings # 10
24"X36" heavyweight watercolor paper

I am a problem solver by nature, I want to “fix things”. I generally find a great deal of satisfaction in figuring out what’s wrong and take steps to make it better. Particularly if I work it out, or get the necessary info to determine what needs to be done and can save myself money by doing it myself. I seem to have pretty good instincts regarding what the problem might be, maybe being a single Mom and often having to resolve things myself has contributed to that. When I couldn’t fix it myself and had to call in a pro, I would hang around and watch what the solution was, and often served as the tool hander overerer. This gave me the opportunity to not only observe the fixing, but have a communication with the fixit person as to what had caused the failure. Presumably on the premise that the right info would furnish me with the necessary steps needed to avoid a repeat performance of same or similar failures.

When I was young and lived on the farm, my uncle Hank was very patient with his “city girl” niece and let me hang around him in the tool shed whenever he fixed or developed equipment needed on the farm. When my Aunt Nada wanted me to churn the fresh cow’s milk into butter and I complained about the length of time it took to churn it with a hand crank, he figured out a way to attach it to a motor to speed up the job. My aunt didn’t approve of that, mainly because her real purpose for assigning me that task was not just to have fresh churned butter, but also to get me out from underfoot in the house. Or down from my bedroom where I liked to while away the hours with my nose in a book. I loved to read and got an award in 3rd grade for reading aloud. Also, comprehension has always been a facility I’ve happily embraced my entire life.

studio time conflict

2011-04-30T09:07:00.003-05:00

so many things in life seem to pull me away from the time I need to be spending in the studio. I need to reevaluate again. Morning is my most creative time. Physically and mentally refreshed from a good nites sleep opens the creative channels. I’ve often considered bypassing reading email with my first cup of coffee, but haven’t gotten there yet.

Today would have been a perfect day to fire polish the practice hole drilled pieces of fused glass, but, alas, I am required to pick up my art from an exhibit site whose travel time, (not distance) will consume a minimum of three hours. Not to mention the time required to make myself presentable to the outside world.
Which is why this post will be short lived.

Playing with Pearls & Copper

2011-04-08T06:25:00.000-05:00

A little tin to foster big ideas

2011-04-07T21:43:00.001-05:00

Copper Components

2011-03-29T10:12:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the components I've been creating with copper wire lately. Practice makes perfect and I have a way to go. Also, some of the methods that pros use are a challenge for me because of the fibromyalgia. Part of my learning curve here is finding ways to get great results with methods I'm devising as I go that are kinder to my hands and shoulders. After spending many hours creating a few small units, taking frequent breaks, the morning after can be a surprise as to where it hurts !!!

Photo collage

2011-03-22T08:28:00.000-05:00

Inspiration for current collage project.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

2011-03-02T10:36:00.000-06:00

“Saguaro Forms and Cactus Flowers”
Frank Lloyd Wright Stained Glass Detail

architectureplace.com

Frank Lloyd Wright has always been my
Architect for Inspiration.
I plan to write about him in a future post.

But today I suddenly remembered the name of Charles Rennie Mackintosh from the depths of my subconscious. I've never been to Glasgow to see any of this man's work, but years ago a dear friend sent me a postcard with a photo from The WillowTea Rooms on the front. I wonder if I still have it?

Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1893 © Annan Gallery

At any rate, when it suddenly came to me this morning I ran to the computer and did a quick search and came up with all kinds of info about him.

There's a Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, imagine that?

Here's some links to give you an overview of his work. Be sure and click on the ABOUT Mackintosh and scroll down to the Utube video which gives a quick tour of much of his architecture work.

The Flickr link shows even more.

http://www.crmsociety.com/

http://blog.crmsociety.com/post/2009/07/18/Flickr.aspx

http://blog.crmsociety.com/post/2010/09/20/Climbing-Great-Buildings.aspx

Metalwork

2011-02-28T19:06:00.000-06:00

In Saturday's Metal Smith Class,

I made three rings from sterling silver flat wire, and a pendant from sterling silver sheet. Cutting, filing, shaping, and soldering. After the soldering everything goes into a solution called the pickle and emerges looking like this.

The next step is polishing and buffing away that whitish haze with this machine.

Then some more polishing and buffing with my Dremel with it's flexible shaft and smaller cleaning and buffing wheels to reach the inside of the rings and the small design areas.

Wirework

2011-02-25T09:22:00.005-06:00

Today's project is to PRACTICE !!

I made this sterling silver bracelet in a class at TLD Designs and I like it a lot. The link is called FISHING LURE. This simple bracelet is a very different look for me as my design style is usually "more is more". When I wear it I NEED another bracelet with it, but that's just me. I know there are alot of you out there who really prefer this unadorned style, handcrafted from quality materials and simple design.

I hesitated to use that word, until I looked it up in Websters'. He explains it this way;

SIMPLE - "Consisting of one thing; single; uncombined; without embellishment; plain; unadorned."

The great thing, today we can each choose to wear what we like. We reach a point in life when we don't need or even want to wear "what's in today, and out tomorrow".

I'm using copper wire for practice, it costs less, and I have lots of other bracelets it will be just perfect with.

Mixed Metal Mania

2011-01-30T18:41:00.000-06:00

This newly released book, by Kim St. Jean, is on it's way, should be here in the next few days. This should give me plenty to do while the snowstorm they say is coming, rages outside.

I LOVE new books, actually I pretty much LOVE all books, but new technique books are always on the top of my wish list.

I was able to view a good deal of the inside of the book on Amazon's website before I pre-ordered it. There was enough new info and cool ideas to get my fires burning.

I'm so excited !!!

Warm Glass

2011-01-19T11:15:00.001-06:00

Back in the glass studio, finally. What is it about melting glass? Not being sure of the results, the anticipation just before lifting the kiln lid, after knowing the entire day that it might end up either way, good or bad. Hoping it will be at least as good as that seen in my minds' eye, perhaps even better. Learning some of the rules, then trying to break a few, rules that is, not the glass. I gain courage to try new things, inspired by the great artists who so willingly share their success and even failures in books and on-line tutorials. Knowing that experience is the best teacher and knowledge comes with practice. It's a good thing I have only a small tabletop kiln, it keeps me reigned in and focused, and the mistakes don't take up quite so much storage space.

Looking Back

2011-01-13T19:52:00.000-06:00

Sun City
20 X 16 acrylic on canvas
This is not a new painting, in fact it's dated 1979. I found the image on a disk of saved artwork images. I still like it, so thought I would post it. What do you think?

Assemblage

2011-01-04T21:23:00.000-06:00

I have been drawn back to this assemblage piece lately, taking a closer look at how it is constructed and the elements used. It was begun during a spontaneous exercise in a Creativity Continuum session. I've noticed I often do better with a limited selection of elements and a pre-set timed period.
I liked it enough to continue it at home and develop a showcase display and mount it within this framework.

Not sure where this introspection will lead, but I've moved the piece into the studio and set it on my worktable for further evaluation.
I think this is what our Facilitator, Laura, calls the "mulling phase".

Watercolor with Acrylic Inks and more

2010-12-30T09:12:00.000-06:00

GOING UNDER

Watercolor and then some

2010-12-28T17:51:00.000-06:00

EXPLOSION BELOW DECKS

Summer Still Life

2010-12-27T21:13:00.000-06:00

DAYLILY WITH PLATE

Christmas Day Sunrise

2010-12-25T23:54:00.001-06:00

I had to step outside onto the patio to get these this morning.

Getting up early often produces many side benefits.

Out on my patio in my PJ's, a girls' gotta do what a girls' gotta do.

bracelet documentation

2010-12-13T13:15:00.002-06:00

these are quick photos taken inside the Plainfield Art League Gallery with natural lighting

What to do with all those beads?

2010-12-03T15:03:00.000-06:00

I began making art jewelry many years ago and it was fun. When I began to make and sell my collage boxes the wearable art slowly began to take a back seat. I collected beads and most anything metallic for use in those boxes. Recently ready to move on to a new phase in my art, I have learned some metalsmith skills, fused glass techniques, and now some cold connection methods. Since I love to wear bracelets that seemed like a good place to begin using some of the elements in my collection. Making a wearable piece of original art jewelry, supple and easy to fasten, has been my focus the last few months.
Now I need to master the art of photographing this first collection.

Another great frame

2010-11-13T06:26:00.000-06:00

Another great frame found in the garage!! This one didn't need much at all, just a bit of gilt rubbed on the corners and it was ready to compliment this work of art.
"he said to Simon" now on exhibit at the Plainfield Art League gallery. It is a candidate for selection to the Best of the Best exhibit presented by the Alliance of Fine Art. This will be their 19th annual Fine Art Exhibit held at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in the spring.

Track Lighting

2010-11-12T07:46:00.001-06:00

This is the connection to the ceiling controlled by a wall switch. This electric was already there for a pendant light I chose not to have when the house was built. They simply put a cover over it and it’s been patiently waiting all this time.

I purchased all the components from Menard’s, Quantus, Lighting. Distributed by Menards, but made in China. Apparently only available in store.

Let there be LIGHT !!

2010-11-11T08:04:00.001-06:00

Newly installed track lighting in my studio. Thank you, Paul, friend and patron. Three more eyeballs yet to be acquired and installed. I will finally be able to work in there without task lights clamped all over the table !!! The difference it makes is indescribable.

JEWELRY ARTS: WIRE TWISTS / LINKS and CHARM BRACELET

2010-10-26T22:57:00.000-05:00

This class introduces the beginner jewelry student to the basic wire twist link that is a building block for most jewelry art assemblage. Students will learn how to make a collection of links and dangle components using head pins, eye pins and straight wire and then proceed to learn how to connect them for earrings, bracelets and necklaces or choose to make a charm bracelet. Regardless of your choice this class will offer the repetition needed to gain skill at professional looking wire wrapping. Projects may include one-of-a-kind lampwork beads, Bali silver beads, charms and Swarovski crystals (purchased separately). The bead obsessed will enjoy this class since we put a heavy dose of design strategy into our beading classes that will take students beyond the "cookie cutter" approach and challenges each participant to create their own wearable art.

I’ve signed up for 4 classes between now and the end of the year. This is the next one on Friday, Nov. 5th. I need lots of practice to perfect my wire wrapping skills, this seems like a good chance to have some fun at the same time.

TLD Design Center and Gallery

DREAM gets a Merit Award at Naperville Art League

2010-09-08T21:54:00.000-05:00

Today I was scheduled to help prepare exhibitor packets for the upcoming Naperville Riverwalk Art Fair and to pick up FLORA and DREAM and take them to TLD Designs to be included in the upcoming Continuum exhibit. I usually try to stop and see each of the exhibits sometime during the month, but I didn't make this month. I got a big surprise when I took a quick break and went into the gallery to see the exhibit.

A RED RIBBON hanging next to my art !! Earlier this month I got a similar surprise at the Plainfield Art League when INSIGHT got a 3rd place ribbon. This is fun and very reassuring that my collage style is considered award worthy.

Copper Etching Class - September 25 at TLD Designs

2010-09-06T21:21:00.000-05:00

Here's the description of the class I signed up for. I'm very excited about this and was impressed by the student work from the last class.

Your ideas, your designs, etched on copper, using a resist and acid bath. Draw your own designs by hand or bring stamps (ink pad type) to experiment with different images. Fabricate your etched copper pieces into fabulous jewelry. We will also work on making hand made French ear wires, and "s" hook clasps, with no soldering involved. Team up your copper work with semi precious stone or glass beads (bring your stash or purchase from ours). Possibilities for finished work include bracelet & earrings... perhaps even a pendant or two. Be as creative as you like!!!! If you've taken one or more of our metal smith classes, please bring your files and a selection of plier tools (round nose, chain nose, flat nose, cutters) with a band of color to identify your tools at a glance.

I have taken two metalsmith classes at TlD Designs and am ready to incorporate this technique into my jewelry and collage/assemblage making arsenal. While I'm waiting for the class I have been studying and practicing wire wrapping and cold connection techniques. Much reorganizing in the work area is again on the agenda in order to proceed in this direction. I also just learned I can do enamel work on copper in my little glass fusing kiln. I love the warm earthy look of copper and the combination of various metals, beads and found objects. Sounds like jewelry collage, yes?

Glass Fusing

2010-08-31T08:48:00.021-05:00

Here's the latest fusing experiment before firing. So what happened? I now am in the process of rearranging my work area AGAIN so that I can set up all the equipment in one place to proceed to the next step. This is a good thing, I needed that incentive.

Composition Practice

2010-08-20T09:04:00.009-05:00

I have spent this past week refilling my well, because creating the collage for the Alice in Wonderland special exhibit was the final thing that drained all my creative reserves. This has happened before, and I now know what to do about it. Watch any art related TV specials or programs I can find, go through all my sketchbooks and inspirational journals, rest, eat well, and rearrange work spaces. Also, do NOT agree to participate in any new projects until full recovery is in place.Where is this all headed? Not sure yet, but reviewing past practice work can be fun or depressing.
After I had my foot surgery in 2004 and was confined to a wheel chair for 3 months, I spent time working through the Artist’s way manual and with a blank journal and marker pens. Here’s a couple of the practice compositions I find interesting today. No plans for them, except scanning them into Picassa for review on the BIG SCREEN.

Art Journal Club Today

2010-08-10T07:28:00.001-05:00

Ready for the Art Journal Club meeting at TLD Designs today. Lunch with friends first then the meeting. It's great fun to share a big worktable with so many like-minded creatives. The sharing time is so inspirational and Laura always has some new exercise for us.

Here's a quickie scan of two collages that were made within a designated time-frame of 30 minutes each.

What is Art Journaling?

2010-08-07T08:36:00.002-05:00

A question came up yesterday from an Art League member who wants to join the Friday group, as to what is this exactly? So, it occurred to me that others might be wondering about this, also. Here's the content of my answer to her:

In her book, Artists’ journals & sketchbooks, mixed-media artist, Lynne Perrella says it this way, “Journals are something that we create for ourselves alone – not merely a self-indulgent activity, but something worthwhile, important and vastly creative and self-revelatory. There is no pressure to make them “come out right”, and the time we give to creating our personal pages, finding our authentic voice, and letting it sing is time well spent. Silence your inner critic, and begin to think of your art journal as a companion, a muse, a soul mate.”

I say it this way, If this sounds to lofty an endeavor, just think of it as a journal with text & images you want to put somewhere safe before the idea gets away. A memory, a moment, a feeling, an opportunity to play with a new technique or media, safely stored in the pages of your journal. Which, by the way, you do not have to share with anyone unless you so choose. It’s really all about keeping all this important stuff in one place so it doesn’t get forgotten. And if time is limited, you know just where to find it when you want to continue or expand an idea.

Art Journal Fridays

2010-08-05T08:45:00.003-05:00

2-page spread from one of my big Art Journals.

quote seen recently on an artist magazine BLOG

2010-08-01T22:53:00.001-05:00

WITH YOU, LIFE IS IN ALL CAPS.

This really made me chuckle. Do you have people, or a person, in your life that fit this description? Do you wish you didn’t? A child, a spouse, a parent, a friend? What would you do without them? What MUST you do WITH them? Do you wake up in the morning wishing they would go away? return? never be seen or heard from again? This is one of those short little phrases that can start a big research and development opportunity. Or maybe, it’s YOU? or maybe it’s ME.

I see this as a really good journaling prompt. Comments?

in good company

2010-07-29T09:25:00.000-05:00

I got lucky, there was enough battery life left to get this great shot.

Here is IMAGINE in it's refurbished frame on exhibit at the Naperville Art League. Above it, is JAPANESE MAPLE, an innovative fiber piece by award winning artist and friend, Martha Tabis.

I met Martha 2 years ago when she took a class from me at TLD Design Center and Gallery.

Martha's work is quite diverse. She has done impressive large scale banners for her church, but more recently has focused on pet portraits in fiber, and she gladly accepts commissions for these.
She is published in DOG Art Today, and maintains a BLOG where she shares her unique technique for creating these special memories pet portraits.

Playing with my BLOG, again

2010-07-28T10:24:00.001-05:00

I spent the last 2 hours making some changes to the layout and some of the content on my BLOG. Blogger seems to be friendlier now, of course it’s been 2 years since I began this journey. WOW, I was really surprised when I realized I’d passed that landmark. I’m also a little more techno saavy, and more courageous, then I was way back then. One of the things I’ve learned is to invest a good deal of time looking at how other people have done theirs, if nothing else, I learn what I don’t like. I’m not finished yet, but needed to take a break from the computer and go visit the Naperville Art League to see the new exhibit. Hope to get a good photo of my piece in that gallery setting.

The Blank Canvas

2010-07-27T14:45:00.041-05:00

As I move forward in narrowing my focus I am enjoying playing in my art journals, and sorting through the accumulation of stuff from many years of art making. Last evening I rediscovered this little book, THE BLANK CANVAS, published in 1993, authored by Anna Held Audette. It was on the bottom of a little pile on the chest next to my bed. I believe it was assigned reading for a drawing class I took at College of DuPage in 1996. The bookstore price tag has the date 9/03/96 above the $9.50. I’m pretty much a traditional reader, when I get a new book or magazine I begin at the beginning and read through, occasionally skipping a page or two, particularly if it’s a periodical. This time, since I knew I had read the book before, and it was late, and I was sleepy, I looked at the contents page and selected from the list the topic that I was the most interested in knowing what the author had to say about it.
THE STUDIO, page 36. “An artist must have A room of one’s own”, she contends. “A place to work without interruption and not have to clean up and clear out for any reason. Your space must be one that won’t be disturbed, so that you can maintain as much continuity as possible with where you left off”, stresses Audette. I could go on and on with all the things she says that resonate with me, and hopefully with you, but I recommend you get the little book and read it for yourself. It’s well worth the small investment of time and money. Clear, concise, and just what you need if your having any doubts regarding your artistic/creative place in this world. Audette directly addresses the difference between how men and women might react when coming to an impasse in their progress with making their art. Often referred to as being stuck, or blocked, of being at a loss for ideas or unsure of how to proceed on a single piece. A number of creative remedies are presented along with practical suggestions of activities to pursue on a broader scope.
I just checked on-line with Amazon and they list 25 of them available used from $3.18. And they have quite a bit of the book available on they’re website for review.
Go get it, read it, and let me know what you think.

OH, and here's those journal area photos I promised a few weeks ago.

Yes, I have lots of them, this also includes sketch books.

The red chair has been moved from the sewing area, it supports my back really well and rolls easily on the vinyl floor.

Here's the books specific to the painting & collage work area.

Art Journal Fun

2010-07-16T07:26:00.000-05:00

Here's the two page spread I plan to work on today. This is one of my smaller art journal's that I have not worked in lately. It's time has come. Four hours at the Plainfield Art League each Friday has become a fantastic opportunity for me to focus on my personal journals. The majority of my life's work has been created not only because I really do enjoy doing it, but always with the purpose that someone else would love it and want to purchase it.

That scenario presents a number of different challenges. Selections of color, design, style, imagery are all viewed from a perspective that focuses more on marketability than personal expression. Once I made the commitment to allow myself to create work solely for my own pleasure, and that was not an easy mental shift, I'm having more FUN.

Word Art

2010-07-14T06:57:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was the monthly Art Journal meeting. Laura, our facilitator, gave us each a 4 X 6 postcard with one word printed on the back. Then we had 5 minutes to create a visual description of that word. We could select anything from the vast collection of magazines, printed or blank papers, paints & drawing tools, stickers, etc. that she spreads before us at each meeting. The timer chimed and we had to stop and pass our card to the person on our right. 5 minutes more to work on that word. The timer interrupts our focus and we must pass it on again, etc. Continuing in that way until our word returns to us. My word was DISCOVER and here's the result. It will now be archived forever in my journal.

Reuse those frames

2010-07-12T19:16:00.000-05:00

Don't be afraid to put an old frame to a new use.

Finished and ready for the first clear coat spray.

Needing dry brushing of what's collected in the crevices.

First Coat on the Back

My own special thin glaze mixture

Here is the starting point.

Paper, Process, Perception

2010-07-10T17:16:00.000-05:00

These are the three pieces I have in the exhibit at the Norris.

Paper, Process & Perception

2010-07-09T21:52:00.000-05:00

Art Journal Friday

2010-07-09T07:20:00.001-05:00

I will be working on my art journals at the Plainfield Art League today. I’m “on duty” from 12 – 4. We have lots of space and plenty of tables to work on. I’d love it if some of you would come and join me. This is NOT A CLASS, just a casual get together to have fun making art.

Yellow Girls

2010-07-08T07:39:00.004-05:00

I don't know the real name of this particular daylilly so I made one up. I will be printing this photo this morning in several different sizes and configurations to see how it comes out. I'm working on a new large (22 X 28) collage on canvas and plan to use some of these daylilly photos as the subject for this piece.

One of 74 daylily photos

2010-07-07T16:48:00.004-05:00

Here's one of the 74 photos I took in the last 2 days of the daylillys in my garden. I've figured out how to put them on Flicker, now they need to be edited and organized. I really like the composition on this one. learning this stuff!

Art Journals

2010-07-06T10:25:00.001-05:00

yes, I have SEVERAL. I needed to clear a surface to work on my homework for the art journal class on the 13th. You know how one thing always leads to another? Rearranged the entire area to make tools, supplies, ephemera, etc. more convenient. Also, remember that red chair I bought a while back? Well it’s now the collage area chair. I gathered together all the art journals, altered books, sketch books and put them all in easy reach. There’s no rule that says you can only work on one art journal at a time. In fact, several of the artists whose books I’ve been reading lately say they work on several at once. I will take photos and post them in a little while, right now I’m having to keep track of how long the sprinkler is doing each flower bed.

Altered Book page spread

2010-07-02T08:59:00.002-05:00

This is a two page spread from an altered book created when I was teaching myself this NEW creative technique. It has been taken out of the original book because I really like it and think I want to display it in a frame. One of the things I learned during this process is sometimes a really good result can be on the opposite side of another really good result, and you have to make a decision if you are willing to give up the other side. Fortunately, in this case, it wasn't an issue. But there are a few others in this same book that I'm not yet ready to relinquish. Keep the entire book together? That is certainly what many altered book artists do and I hope that some day I will get to the point where I'm happy enough with all the pages and can do that. I'm no where near that yet.
Progress not perfection, right?

Lynne Perrella

2010-06-30T10:00:00.001-05:00

Do you every wonder what the studio of your favorite artist looks like? Well I sure do and it seems I am not alone given the new Studios magazine published by the Cloth Paper Scissors people. I think I’ve only purchased the most recent issue and am reading it over and over. Getting lots of ideas for organizing my work spaces in this new transition phase.

I love book stores and libraries, by the way, so spending several hours at the Barnes & Noble last Sunday was a nurturing time for my muse. I own several books by this artist and author and was thrilled to find this new one on the shelves. The only one of it’s kind, obviously meant for me and just waiting for me to take it home.

Art Making & Studio Spaces by Lynne Perrella

Here’s the link to her Amazon page which shows you all her books. Lynne Perrella, check it out.

between the lines photo draft

2010-06-27T07:14:00.025-05:00

BETWEEN THE LINES, photo draft 1
This is a collage of possible photo candidates for the new art piece. Playing around with them in Picassa gives me ideas for possible placement on the 16 X 20 canvas. I'm viewing the exercise as idea sketches. This is a totally new thing for me to do and a new way of working. So far I have several draft arrangements saved for consideration, but I liked this one enough to print it out on 8 X 10 photo paper and post it here.

between the lines

2010-06-25T10:45:00.004-05:00

BETWEEN THE LINES is the next exhibit theme at Naperville Art League. Here’s a few of my photos that I am considering using for my collage.

positive reinforcement

2010-06-21T05:55:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I took CUT & RUN to the monthly Creativity Continuum meeting and got good advise from the group. The photo I posted on-line is not at all accurate because I had done the “quick-fix” which added a bunch of color to it overall. I was considering an attempt at “fixing” the artwork by reworking it to more closely resemble the photo. The general consensus is they like the artwork as it is and to “unfix” the photo. Another suggestion was to try a different frame. All good and wise recommendations.

We also looked at HE SAID TO SIMON on-line and the overall opinion for me to continue with my mixed-media, photo collage technique was very favorable.

Patty did a presentation on a famous glass artist, Tammy & Barb showed new work, and then we discussed ideas for our upcoming group exhibit. The theme for that is Alice in Wonderland.

My wish for any artist is to have a group like this.

my first landscape

2010-06-20T08:02:00.001-05:00

This new collage is the closest I’ve ever come to something that looks to me as a landscape. It even contains specific subject matter relating to a “theme”. WOW, I like this progress, so far. Using my personal photographs has been my desire for some time, but accomplishing this in a manner that satisfies me has only recently been achieved. These 3 show progress and give me the courage to continue.

FLORA

CUT & RUN

HE SAID TO SIMON

I’ve posted them in order of completion to review the development. I like seeing them together like this. The next theme is “Reflections” for the PAL, hmm.

he said to Simon

2010-06-19T16:46:00.004-05:00

HE SAID TO SIMON, by JoAnn Deck
16 X 20 mixed media collage on canvas
all photo images taken by and are the property of the artist
currently on exhibit at Naperville Art League, Naperville, IL.

Narrow my focus

2010-06-09T08:24:00.001-05:00

How much “stuff” do I need anyway? During this transition period I have begun to take the advice of several people who make their living helping people get organized. Today I am taking some things to the PAQA meeting in the hopes they will find new homes and be an inspiration to other mixed-media artists. I certainly will never use them all myself !!!.

I think I’ve had them at least 20 years. I used to work for a decorating firm selling franchises and willingly accepted these treasured gifts from the decorators when the vendors replaced them with new sample books. One summer I painstakingly ironed & folded them all to fit sweater size storage boxes to sit on my shelves. Over the years I have used some of them, but now recognize it’s time to share the wealth with others.

Carillon Collage

2010-06-04T07:15:00.003-05:00

Here’s what I entered in the Plainfield Art League members exhibit for June/July. I took the photo a few summers ago. CARILLON by JoAnn Deck

Mixed Media with digital photo image developed by a professional lab

12 X 12 gallery wrapped canvas
currently on exhibit at Plainfield Art League, Plainfield, IL

COMPLIMENT

2010-05-31T09:11:00.004-05:00

COMPLIMENT by JoAnn Deck
Mixed Media Collage
24 X 36
Currently on exhibit at Norris Gallery, St. Charles, IL

Dragonfly

2010-05-30T19:12:00.001-05:00

Caught this guy on my fence this morning. I did not realize their wings had all that patterning. Took a bunch of photos but just had to post at least this one for right now.

Friday at the Plainfield Art League

2010-05-28T10:42:00.005-05:00

Making this commitment was a good thing. It seems that if I put it on my calendar as a definite, not a maybe, I’ll do it. So far only a few people drop by each time, but we haven’t been there that long and it’s a pretty new shopping center. I would love to have lots of people pouring in to look at the exhibit and even buy a piece or two, but if not, it’s O.K. I have supplies with me so I can sit and work on my Art Journal, or elements for a new work.
Here’s my portable supply box. This box was a purse that belonged to my Mother and has to be 20 years old. I’m so glad I kept it all these years.

Can you believe how much it holds?

I am amazed at how I had all these items and could just “fit them in”. How cool !!!

BLOG vs FACEBOOK

2010-05-27T09:53:00.001-05:00

I like the fact that my BLOG posts don’t go away so fast. I can go back and review what I’ve written and how I was feeling about my life and my work at a certain point in time. You, dear readers, also get to join me on this journey and hopefully understand why I make art, and also, when I don’t.

I particularly like this new ability with BLOGGER to create stand alone pages, seems like things are more organized this way, and easier to find. We’re all pretty busy these days, and information overload can quickly turn us off, it does me anyway. I hope to make my BLOG a place you can come and find something new, something exciting, and more in depth info on a subject that interests you.

Yesterday I figured out how to do the “follower” thing, now I’m working on moving the fabric painting info to it’s own page.

But here’s a scan of piece for you to see today. It’s just a little larger than the scanner bed, so you see pretty much all of it. Not sure what will happen with it next. Putting it up on the design wall for now.

Noveldom Abatement

2010-05-26T08:51:00.003-05:00

Noveldom is not over yet, but seems to be subsiding. Not sure yet if it’s the current story or the whisper from the studio. Last week sometime I visited the Cloth Paper Scissors on-line group, probably when I was working on that “Running with Scissors” entry, looking for inspiration. But I digress.
Today Judi Hurwitt wrote in her BLOG,“Energized and inspired by last week's interview with Sherrill Kahn and the peek we were given at her new work, Monday morning found me setting up the wet studio for some marathon fabric painting. I used to spend days and days doing this- mostly on paper and wood- and I have missed it a lot, lately.”
Hmmmm, I’m relating to that last line about missing the painting process. So I’ve hauled out some of my collection of collage inspiration and put them next to my reading chair.

What might happen next?

Too much Facebook?

2010-05-25T08:06:00.002-05:00

I’m beginning to feel I am neglecting my BLOG because of Facebook. It’s becoming information overload, a good deal of that information, including much of what I post there, is unnecessary personal trivia. My friends list has continued to grow resulting in TMI, (too much information). In the beginning, it’s been about a year now since I first signed up, it was fun and I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with family and friends. Still like it for connecting with family & friends, but have begun to “unfriend” some people, many of those whose BLOG’s I used to read when I had free time and I get more of a compilation of what’s going on with them and more in depth content. So, if you happen to discover that I have “unfriended” you, please don’t be upset, I’ve probably signed up to follow you on your BLOG.
I’m not leaving FB, just plan to spend more time BLOGGING, and developing my Art Website.

Noveldom

2010-05-18T08:30:00.001-05:00

I am beginning to see how much deadlines can stress me out, rather than energize me, as some creative's describe that it works that way for them. Reviewing my calendar for the last month is very enlightening. I continue to OVERBOOK my life. Obviously I have not yet figured out a way to counteract that. Escaping by immersing into fiction reading works AFTER the fact, but I can only justify that for a few days before I get restless and the need to “clean up the mess” I have created during the “gotta get this done”, process becomes it’s own stress factor.

The satisfaction of finishing the project is helpful, but the stack of “need to do next’s”, far to often overshadows that. Plus, the “I should have done it this way”, hangs out in my psyche. Is this what fuels my creative process, after all? Or something to be beaten down with a “go away you bother me”, stick?

I obviously don’t have answers at this time, only questions. I’ll get back to you on this.

Cut & Run

2010-05-15T10:08:00.001-05:00

Here’s a quick shot of this new collage that’s going to the Naperville Art League for members exhibit with the theme “Running with Scissors'. Gotta go now, more about it in the next post.

BLOG update

2010-05-13T13:36:00.001-05:00

as usual, this is not going as well or as quickly as I had hoped. Part of the problem is not knowing where to find photos when they don’t automatically come up in the pictures folder. Also, some of my photos are on my laptop so I will have to move them to the “bigger, better, faster” computer. In the meantime higher priorities surface, (isn’t that always the way)?. I finished working on mailing out new member materials for the Midwest Collage Society, and now have to work on new art for upcoming exhibits. I need a personal assistant, any volunteers out there? Note the description, VOLUNTEER!!

That’s all for now, have to go apply matte medium to the collage for the Naperville Art League exhibit, the theme is “Running with Scissors”, I couldn’t come up with an idea for the longest time. I even went on-line to see what I could find, guess what there’s a book and a movie with that title. Didn’t like what that was about, so went back to mulling about what to do or to just forget it. I hope I’ll have time to take a photo before I take it on Saturday.

What’s going on?

2010-05-03T19:55:00.001-05:00

I’m working on the BLOG, so not posting as much right now. Resizing photos, making sure all posts have a category or categories, etc. Remove links no longer relevant, add new ones, etc. Then plan to learn about doing the static pages and end up with something that’s more like a webpage, at least, that’s the plan. These things always seem to take me longer than I hope they will.

Have been getting work out there on exhibit, several more scheduled for the next few months. Some framing will be required. That also seems to take me longer than I hope it will.

Stick with me, I’ll keep you posted.

FLORA takes 2nd place

2010-05-03T17:30:00.004-05:00

Currently on Exhibit at Norris Gallery, St.Charles, IL

What’s a Chihuly?

2010-04-23T13:58:00.003-05:00

Sara made this comment, so I guess I should tell you all more. Dale Chihuly is a world famous glass artist who’s work has awed me for years. I first saw it “live” at the Chicago Botanical Garden exhibit in 2002. Previous BLOG posts have addressed my LOVE affair with glass. I’m not exactly sure but I think it began with the Marc Chagall windows at the Art Institute, Chicago, IL.
Marc Chagall, America Windows
Then the Chihuly exhibit at the Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago, IL. fueled it even more.
The Chihuly pieces I saw on Sunday at the Missouri Botanical Garden, St.Louis, MO. need more research to see if there are other pieces now in their collection that will be displayed when the weather warms up more. I’ll bet the guys at Third Degree Glass Factory know the answer to that question.

Chihuly Glass at St.Louis Botanical Garden

2010-04-20T11:19:00.002-05:00

What a surprise I had on Sunday!! An impromptu visit to these lovely gardens while visiting a friend in St.Louis was a plus + plus for me. Fortunately Mary took photos with her camera phone, so I do have something to show you. This trip to visit my friend is a retreat “get out of the studio” time for me so I did not bring my camera. Big mistake, won’t do that again. In my own defense, however, I was planning to concentrate on learning to use the new phone I had to buy just 2 days before hitting the road. The GPS was the higher priority.
So, after church and brunch, we arrive at the Botanical Gardens. I’m looking forward to enjoying tons of lovely flowers, which I love, when I see this glass chandelier hanging in the entrance. WOW, it’s a Chihuly, I announce to my companions, and any one else in close proximity to hear my surprise pronouncement. That turned out to be only the beginning. We decide to take the tram ride around the gardens, as it’s late in the day and as we follow the path that winds through many deliciously beautiful flower beds on our way to the tram station I notice bright yellow glass spires on the tops of 2 white entryways leading into a special garden. OK, now I’m really surprised and impressed, how cool are those? I say.
So we board the tram for a delightful and amusing narrated ride around the gardens. Close to the end of the tour we come around a curve and

LOOK AT THIS !!!! More Chihuly!! Onions, the narrator announces. How cool is that?
Eventually we worked our way to the gift shop and more Chihuly. Books, videos, I wanted them all. I restrained myself, however, knowing I can get them on Amazon for less $$$$. The surprise of it all seems to have made the experience particularly meaningful.

Fabric Collage Bright

2010-04-12T12:53:00.001-05:00

Sometimes really spontaneous is good. I did these with the help of grammar school children several years ago. The school has an ART WEEK and they invite local artists to come for a day and demonstrate their art. This particular activity takes place in the gymnasium/lunchroom and each artist has a table or two to set up a display of finished work and then a demo table. The kids come through with their class and the teacher with 20 minutes to visit all 8 or 10 artists.

These are fused pieces that the children had fun removing the paper on the back and then “directing me” where to place them on the composition.

Later in the day, when the older children came through, I showed them how the free-motion quilting was done. The older boys are always interested in the machine and how that works.

Some time later I finished each one with a satin stitch twice around the edges. I keep them handy to show as samples of my work to people who think “quilt” only means bedcovering.

Hand Dyes

2010-04-10T10:04:00.001-05:00

Since I just posted to the PAQA list that I would be bringing my fabrics to the meeting with a fresh link to my BLOG, I figured I would post some refresher photos of my hand dyed fabrics.

Collage of Quilts

2010-04-10T09:15:00.001-05:00

Here’s the collage piece I created with Walgreens on-line help. I already had the photos uploaded to their site, so playing around with the placement, background and title was all I needed to do. It was really quick and easy. I requested store pick-up and they notified me by email when it was ready. I’ll do this again.

Denise Havlan

2010-04-09T20:25:00.001-05:00

Last night’s visit to the Salt Creek Quilters Guild was even better than expected. This was the first meeting since their quilt show and they had “show & tell” of all the winning quilts held up by the proud makers. A parade of excellence.

the Best of Show award went to UNBRIDLED PASSION created by fellow PAQA member, Denise Havlan. Here’s a link to the quilt. While your there, give yourself a treat and look at all her other award winning works of art.

She was kind enough to bring the quilt to our table after the meeting so Tammy could get a close look. Thanks Denise.

Face Book Entry

2010-04-08T15:32:00.001-05:00

Here’s what was on the agenda for today. I packed up my fabrics and beads to take to the Salt Creek Quilters Guild meeting tonight. I know, I said I wasn’t doing anymore vending gigs, but they specifically asked my daughter, Tammy Deck, and me to do this special one time only, “we’re trying a new thing”, how could we say no? Our creative arts center,TLD Design Center & Gallery, is geographically located close to where they meet, and where many of the members reside. Also, I did one of my final vending gigs for this group and they were VERY NICE to me. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Here’s my Face Book entry about an hour ago. The photo collage thing turned out terrific. I’ll scan it in tomorrow and post it.

JoAnn Spradlin Deck

I went & got my haircut, (had a coupon for that) then my Soy Misto from Starbucks, (I get a discount on my soy 'cause I'm a member) now waiting for my 8 X 10 photo collage print to be ready for pickup from Walgreens for only .86 cents, just in time to take with me to the quilt guild meeting tonight. I love it when a TODAY ONLY special comes along just when I need it !! Life is good.

TRANSITION

2010-04-07T11:45:00.002-05:00

I have chosen this word for my 69th year; TRANSITION. Today's project was to sort and purge two file cabinet drawers of supply resource info materials down to one. They seem to mate in the drawers, kinda like hangers seem to do in my closet. I now have many empty file folders available for the next organizing project. yeah for me !!!
When I review my posts from the past few years, this seems to be a recurring theme. My take on this is that in the life of an artist, particularly a woman artist, there are seasons. Much has been written and published my far more skilled writers than me, and I can only speak directly to my own personal experiences. I won’t bore you with my entire (lengthy) life story, but I seem to have arrived at a point in my timeline where I suddenly recognize how little time I now have left to accomplish BIG goals. Also, so far, most of the literature I’ve come across has been written by much younger people who’s view is longer and broader.
Yesterday, my daughter took me out for a birthday lunch after we visited the MCS exhibit. My comment to her was that, “I don’t want to retire, just narrow my focus”. What does that really mean? What will that look like? I’m not at all sure, just yet. As usual, it’s always easier for me to recognize that which I no longer wish to do, than be sure which direction I wish to go next.
This book, the spirit of getting organized, by Pamela Kristan, is different than other getting organized books. The author address the spiritual and emotional issues that surround the goal of organizing my stuff. So far, so good, it helped me accomplish and give myself credit for the above mentioned resource file drawer purge. Tomorrow will be a new day, with a new project. OR NOT, I’ll know it when it presents itself.

Thematic Art

2010-03-25T22:01:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I received an email from Laura Thoma, that she calls “a creative infusion”. Here is the content/creative challenge.
“Many people struggle when faced with the need to create for a specified theme. This month's exercise is a fun way to practice and hone this skill. First, write a list of commonly used phrases; for example, time is money. Next, you're going to choose your theme by closing your eyes and pointing to a phrase on your list. Then, ask yourself, "how many ways can I express this theme?" Jot down a quick list of what comes to mind. After that, set a doable goal to create 3 to 4 different expressions of this theme such as art pieces, speeches, or presentations. Remember to stretch and strengthen your creative muscles by working in diverse mediums or with technologies that challenge you. Get excited about learning! The more you practice this exercise the more you will build your skills, challenge your brain and increase your confidence. This process is a great way for artists to practice creating a cohesive body of work. Solo Exhibition, anyone?” Laura Thoma.

Of course, I believe this was pointed directly at me!!! I have on more than one occasion, expressed my frustration regarding art exhibits/contests that require a specific theme. My personal artistic expression is rarely informed by such direction. I begin with color and develop the work in an intuitive, spontaneous manner. Mixed media collage being my primary method to develop my art work. Putting something on, taking something off, covering it all up, removing most, is the way I am accustomed to proceed, with the color continuing to lead the way.

Having given this topic much thought and consideration, I now realize it's not so much working with a theme that I have a problem with, BUT SOMEONE else's theme !!! This obviously, to me at least, is an EGO problem of not liking to be told what to do !! This behavior further manifests itself when I procrastinate over filling out forms, hate that, and filing my income taxes !! Very insightful, yes?

Alliance of Fine Art Award Winners Exhibit

2010-03-20T08:19:00.001-05:00

Today is the drop-off day for this award winner to be delivered for “The Best of The Best” exhibit.

To be eligible, a piece must have won an award in a member league’s show within the last two years.

“FOUNDS FOR DOTTIE” 16 x 20 Collage/Assemblage

This has become a very special piece of art for me and is NFS. I created it for a dear friend several years ago and it hung in her bedroom until her untimely death. Her family, an exceedingly gracious group, returned it to me to keep in my personal collection. Having it seen and appreciated by others makes it even more favored.

Alliance of Fine Art

Established in 1962, the Alliance of Fine Art, a non-profit organization, is an alliance of several artists’ leagues in Illinois.

Our mission is to promote fine art awareness and appreciation in our community, support art education in our schools, share resources and provide educational as well as exhibition opportunities for artists. This includes the fine art of painting, watercolor, collage, photography, pastels, colored pencil, drawings, sculptures, acrylics, mixed media, ink and oils, and more.

Mayslake Peabody Estate

The AFA:

comprises thirteen member art leagues

organizes educational and marketing workshops for artists

organizes juried art exhibitions

organizes juried art fairs

funds high school student art scholarships

shares and disseminates information among the member art leagues

2008 Exhibit Winner photos

Collage on the go

2010-03-19T09:04:00.001-05:00

I will be working on my new collage art at the Plainfield Art League today, Friday March 19th . If you are interested in seeing more of this technique, and live in the area, please come by and watch. I can visit with you and work at the same time. If you require further enticement, you can also enjoy the new members exhibit, “Buds & Blossoms”. A link to a slide show of this exhibit is available on the website. I’ll be there from 12 – 4 pm.

how many do I need ?

2010-03-17T10:20:00.001-05:00

When I finished and framed “FLORA” and hung it in the gallery space I realized it needs a much larger frame with a mat. It doesn’t have the presence I believe the work deserves. Based on that conclusion, the next day I cut the rest of that start-up group into 4 sections each. So now I have 24 potential small works of art, 6 X 4.5. These will be easy to transport and work on during my time at the Plainfield Art League on Fridays, an additional bonus.

Here they are coated with Polymer medium and spread out to dry. I have decided to try the Jonathan Talbot technique of coating all the materials on both sides with GLOSS medium and then once assembled, use a tack iron to adhere them to each other and the backing.

Here’s two I worked on yesterday, dimensional elements are yet to be added. This is often a point at which I set the work aside for a time to enable me to come back to it in a day or so with “fresh eyes” and “ears” to know what’s next.

The cool thing about this process is the spontaneity of the design and assembly.

Framed art ready for gallery art exhibition

2010-03-12T08:15:00.002-06:00

“Flora” 10 X 13 Mixed Media Collage
Here’s the framed collage I just finished in time to hang in the upcoming Plainfield Art League Exhibit, Buds and Blossoms. In this art work I met my objective of using my own photo images with many different methods. The photos are of a flowering tree I have in my garden which was a very prolific bloomer last summer. It’s extremely satisfying to use these photos to profile it in this manner.

“Ready For The Dance” 10 X 13 Photo

Here’s an 8 X 10 lab printed enlargement of one of the photos used in the collage. They are presented in matching LIFESTYLES frames.

This one’s finished, or is it?

2010-03-08T11:38:00.008-06:00

This mixed media collage will be included in the Buds and Blossoms members exhibit at The Plainfield Art League, March thru May. I will post a photo of it matted and framed when I return from the PAQA retreat, the end of the week. Working title is FLORA. Lots of transfers of the photos I just posted February 22, 2010.

Photo Paper

2010-03-02T16:20:00.002-06:00

http://www.officemax.com/office-supplies/paper/photo-paper/product-prod2041634

You know, when I talked about this paper the other day I knew I should tell you guys what I used, but then, I forgot, sorry. Here it is. I have not yet used it in my current collage work, but am getting close. I will be sure and let you know the results. Thanks for asking.

Start Ups

2010-02-27T13:20:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I went to the PAL to “gallery sit” and to work. This is such a win-win for me. At the last minute my friend Joy called to say she would not be able to join me as we had planned. OK, so now I needed a new plan. The large space with many tables is a dream come true. Last week I coated “the back side” of 6 sheets of watercolor paper with Golden Matte Medium. FYI, Canson 9X12 120lb, rough surface, heavyweight. I buy this at Michaels in pads of 10 sheets (on-sale or with a 40% off coupon). I Repacked my carry/roller case with collage making essentials and the prepped papers. By noon I was all set up and worked straight through till 3:30. Now these are only the beginning. I like working on several start-ups at once so as not to spend too much time on each one. These will have several more layers added to them.
Now I will work on each one more individually focusing on “the story” as it becomes revealed to me. Here they are.

View Full Album

Can a chair make a difference?

2010-02-25T23:49:00.002-06:00

This new chair will give my back better support, raise and lower more easily, and brighten the room. The plastic wheels don’t roll very well on the carpet, so next I will get a mat for that area of the floor.

I began the day by rearranging the sewing table and moving some stackable drawers. I won’t really know if this is a good solution or not until I actually begin working on a project. I’ve learned to organize as I go. I need things easy to reach and convenient for staying on track with the project. Not sure what that will be yet. Something small, as I have not used my machine in several months.
I like this layout better.

When I walk past the doorway it’s more inviting. That’s a good thing.

Photography

2010-02-23T11:04:00.001-06:00

I’m having way too much fun playing with my new photo paper discovery !!! I find I can while away many hours going through my digital photos, playing with the different techniques the software offers for changing the look and feel of the photo. Not to mention the colors, as in the example shown here. This original photo is one I took out the window from the hospital waiting room on a gray day last winter. An addition was being built on the hospital grounds and I took quite a few experimental shots. Mostly my intention was to get texture and line to transfer to cloth. Right after a class last summer with Barbara Sneider, I did the colorizing of this one in Photoshop Elements.

Today I downloaded it to my new computer and WOW!!! The print- out is really bright and cheerful. What a difference a little color can make!!!

Particularly on this gray snowy day in the Midwest.

Buds & Blossoms

2010-02-22T15:48:00.001-06:00

Working on my entry/or entries for the next Plainfield Art League Exhibit has become an interesting creative challenge. The majority of my work being non-objective/abstract, call it what you will, has caused finding or creating a work for this theme, to put me in a state of unrest for several weeks. So today I’ve spent a good deal of time poring over my photography inventory. I LOVE flowers, and realize that one of the things I enjoy most about the work of Georgia O’Keefe, is the manner in which she brings us up close and personal to the individual flower so we can take the time to see and get to know it, much the same as being a friend takes time. Ever since I got my digital camera with the real close-up zoom I have embraced the opportunity to take a zillion pictures and only need to pay for and keep the good ones. But, I really wanted them printed huge, well no smaller that 8.5 X 11, and that gets a tad costly.

Well, the breakthrough for me is this new photo paper for my ink-jet printer. Really good results and the colors, I think, are permanent. For quite sometime I’ve wanted to use my own photos in my collage work, but when I applied matte medium to the surface the inks always ran, so that needed more research and got put aside. I just printed a small test and coated it with medium. So far it looks good, no moving ink, yeah !!!

Well I got a little off track here, didn’t I? These are some photos from last summer that I just printed and will now have to decide which ones I want to dry mount and frame for the exhibit. Whew, some days it just all works, doesn't it?

READY TO BLOOM OPENING ACT

READY FOR THE DANCE

OPEN TO THE SUN

FINAL BOW

Artist Inspiration

2010-02-17T12:24:00.001-06:00

After making the list of artist’s that inspire me, I searched for elements I knew were here somewhere regarding these three artists and created a quick collage for each one.

Not sure if I will do the same for the rest of the list, but I am happy with these and will keep them with my art journal. They were fun to do and the fact that these are for my personal enjoyment was something new and different for me. WOW, art for my personal pleasure, without concern for acceptance from a potential collector, that FEELS really different. These are on 9 X 12 watercolor paper and I’m quite pleased with the way they scanned.

Art Journaling

2010-02-09T22:49:00.001-06:00

when suffering from creative BLOCK, and we all do from time to time. What do you do? Or, more importantly what do I do? Last month I joined an art journaling club that meets the second Sunday afternoon every month. It was great fun and I met some new artist friends and was surprised to see some familiar faces from The Continuum group. The facilitator for the Continuum is Laura Thoma and she happens to lead this group as well. All I needed to do was show up with a journal and my $10. She provides everything we need to work on the project that day !! When she assigned homework I dutifully entered it in my little book and totally forgot about it until today.

The one of 4 suggested homework tasks I began today, is choosing 8-10 people that inspire me creatively. Easy, peasy, right? Not so easy. Three come to mind right off, Georgia O’Keefe, Louise Nevelson, and Dale Chihuly. Then who? OK, Kurt Schwitters, I told you readers about him last week sometime after I watched the video. That’s 4. OK, I got another one, glass artist Laura Donefer and Collage/assemblage artist Dale Copeland, that makes 6. Next, these two incredible colorists: Jane Dunnewold and Mickey Lawler, both whose current concentrations are surface design for art cloth and art quilts, respectively. My own art quilt journey was first inspired by Melody Johnson, one of the co-founders of a Midwest group made up of members who are or want to be Professional Art Quilters. That group has since morphed into a much broader interpretation of the members artistic focus. The monthly meeting show and tell is an inspiration all by itself.

Whew, that was way easier than I thought it would be. Sometimes it’s good to just sit down and do it and write what comes as quickly as it bubbles to the surface. There are way more people that I could list here, but that would become a list that could on and on for days. Well enjoy these fabulous artists websites and I’ll let you know what Laura has us do with our list. The next session is this Sunday, Feb.14th, 1-3 PM, at the Blick Art Supplies, Danada Square, in Wheaton, IL. Grab a blank journal and come join us.

have to show you all this great piece of art clothing

2010-02-06T18:51:00.002-06:00

OK, I’m bragging. This beautiful wrap was created by my daughter Tammy Deck. It’s made with a unique combination of silk, wool and metallic fibers. You can learn more about the technique and how to make one for yourself at TLDdesigns.
Of course, you can purchase this one ready to wear if you hurry over to her location in Westmont. Maybe you know someone that needs a suggestion for a special Valentine present?

flowers to brighten my day

2010-02-02T15:37:00.001-06:00

sometimes I just need a little color to brighten my day, and maybe yours. And they smell so wonderful. I absolutely love flowers and yellow particularly. I’ve noticed the last few years I use much more yellow in my work. Whenever I have a coupon to buy Setacolor paints I never have to worry about what I might need, any yellow will do. Buttercup #13 is my absolute favorite, however. It’s a lovely warm yellow and reliably pops next to #29 Violet. Then just add #49 Fuchsia. WOW, It doesn’t get any better than that. It really helps lift my spirits when the sky’s so overcast. Tomorrow will be brighter.

fighting with the needle

2010-01-30T22:11:00.009-06:00

While working on embellishing one of my mini-quilts and “minding the gallery” at the Plainfield Art League, my friend Darcy came by to see the exhibit and took this somewhat telling photo. Since this is a new situation for me I didn’t have all my necessary tools with me.

Next week I’ll make sure I bring the pliers for pulling the needle through. These mini-quilts are many layers whose construction is fashioned with glue, fusible web, and even paint. Some of the beads I use have little tiny holes requiring considerable effort to push/pull a thin beading needle through without having it snap in two.
Here’s my table set up in the front gallery space.
That doorway in the corner leads to the classroom. I can sit here working and visit with patrons as well as explain my art making process, just like at an art fair. Only the weather is much better in here and there’s “facilities” behind the classroom. All and all a pretty warm deal. I think it’s 19 or 20 degrees outside.

New Digs for Plainfield Art League

2010-01-27T16:06:00.002-06:00

Well the computer stuff is really giving me the fits!!! So I figured I’d take a ride even though the snow is causing less than perfect driving conditions. Of course I live in the Chicago area, so what do I expect?
I’ve signed up to “mind the gallery”, this is a volunteer organization after all, beginning this Friday afternoon, the 29th., and every Friday thereafter. This new place is so spacious and wonderfully bright. I’ll take interior photos while I’m there on Friday, also will be there this Sat. afternoon.
I will bring work to do, and work to show and tell you about and even sell to you when you come by to visit.
I feel it’s a good thing for those of us who have home studios to get out and into other working environments occasionally. Particularly those of us without a family around to distract us from intensivity. That’s a word I just made up, but I think it fits the situation.
I can get way to tangled up in trying to resolve a computer problem that I make myself a bit crazy!! Actually, having this BLOG helps, someone to talk to, you are out there reading, right?
I feel as thou my left brain/right brain are battling one another for attention sometimes. It’s gets all conflicted in there. All too intense!! OK, I’m going to post this now and go make a nice hot cup of tea.