Angry Birds

 Here are some photos of recent projects.  I haven't heard from OPAL to which I submitted "Big Bed Painting" among others.  I'm assuming this is a rejection since it has been two weeks.  I'm glad that I tried, and maybe I will again in the spring. It would be nice to have feedback, though.  Applying was on my list of goals for the year.  There's satisfaction in crossing it off. 

I've completed 3 of 4 angry bird paintings.  I've based this series on the newest batch of bird ornaments which I've forgotten to photo (oops).  For some reason the whimsy that I feel in making the birds was lost in painting these feather fellows.  I think the darkness I'm feeling inside has crept onto the canvas.  At any rate as my friend and I were saying today "it is what it is".  I have one more to complete and then on to some soft sculptures and block printing/stamping.  Can it all be done in a week?

PS:  Show info again---

Saturday December 8th
9:00 - 1:00
Washington Irving School
1125 S. Cuyler Ave
Oak Park, IL 60304

Sunday December 9th 10:00-4:00

Nido Art Studio

514 Terry Ave.

Aurora, IL 60506

more info here

PPS I like my new camera :)

Upcoming Show Info

I have a new camera!  I decided to post-pone getting a smart phone for now and opted for a better than a point and shoot camera.  I took the photos above in low light with no flash.  I can't wait to see what day light reveals!

I'm working busily on stock for upcoming shows:  9-1 Dec. 8th at Irving Elementary School in Oak Park and 11-4 Dec. 9th at Nido Studio in Aurora.  Let me know if you need more specifics.

I'll have bird ornaments, paintings, prints, paper goods, and new softies!  More pics and details to come. . .

Bird Brained

I've been slipping on making my quilt squares, and I have two made that I haven't shown you since my camera died.  Also, I finished and submitted the "Big Bed Painting" along with two others to OPAL.  Sadly, I don't have a picture of it either.  I've also been slowly drawing and painting a preliminary sketch of Grandma dying.  I have a plan for a large painting of her.  The watercolor/ink is too big to scan in the computer.  So, it will remain a secret, too, until I resolve my camera problem.  I have two craft fairs in December for which I need to prepare.  I want to make a lot of fun items for gifting and hope to collaborate with my sister.  I've decided to begin with making a new batch of bird ornaments.  Above are all the elements I used to make them. 

Do we ever change?

Many loyal neighbors came to honor my Grandma at her wake.  We'd talk about her close-knit community on Superior St. and inevitably recall the extensive garage sales they hosted every fall.  These yard sales really left an impression on me, and in fact, I have written about them in an early  post about my Grandma.  I have a lot of fond memories of her bustling about and being the queen of her block.  Anyway, one of her neighbors remembered my selling homemade scrunchies at one of the sales.  It took me awhile to remember that I had in fact made hand sewn hair accessories to sell.  In light of my recent struggles with coming to terms with craft fairs and my Etsy shop, I had to laugh at my younger self in realization that not much has changed for me.  They say we often find careers related to things that we loved doing at kids.  So, maybe I need to reexamine (AGAIN) my interest in craft fairs.  I have two scheduled for December.  I'm hoping to have inspiration strike with some fantastic ideas.  I better get started-----hmmm are scrunchies making a come back?  In the meantime, I plan on submitting my application for the Oak Park Art League (OPAL).  Wish me luck!

PS  My back-up camera broke!  So, I am without clever pictures to post in my blog.  Any thoughts on whether I should get a new camera or just a smart phone?  What's your vote?

Stuck!

Quilt # 16

Quilt #17

 It's been awhile since I've blogged, and I feel strange about it.  I know it's cliche to say it, but some things feel trivial in light of what has been happening with our families.  We lost two great souls in one week, and I am still reeling.  Well, actually, I feel like sticking my head in the stand.  I know that I have not yet processed everything and probably will take lots of time to do so.  What I have realized is that creating is my constant companion and best resource when it comes to coping.  While gazing at my Grandma and holding her hand I realized that she has always been my muse.  I have foolishly thought that she wasn't able to understand my art making, but in reality she has been my creative source.  I am certain that she will continue to be so inspirational.  I have plans for several pieces that will help me digest her death.  I have started one watercolor/ink piece that is pictured below.  I'm still in the ink stage.  Also, I drew her hands which I don't have pictured, but want to develop them into some finished pieces as well, and finally, I have some other ideas involving story telling and movie making.  Abe is like me in that he is compelled to create.  He drew a picture of Grandma as she looked at her wake.  I can only guess as to how he is coping with our recent losses.

Also pictured are the last two quilt squares.  I've really slowed on their production. 

I'm working on "The Big Bed Painting" for my Oak Park Art League application.  I have another week to finish.  I am a little hesitant to resolve it.  I'm at that point of uncertainty which might lead you in a direction you didn't want to go, but I know it isn't resolved. 

Finally, there are some illustrations from children's books that I have found inspiring and find them working their way into my own work. 

"Big Bed Painting" Not Quite Finished

Pen and Watercolor (not yet done) of Great-Ma dying

illustration from "The Story Blanket"

illustration from "The Story Blanket" by Ferida Wolff, Harriet May Savitz and Elena Odriozola

illustration from "The Gift" By Carol Ann Duffy, Rob Ryan

"Great-Ma at her wake" drawn at her funeral mass by Abraham