Messy Studio Part 2

Got everything pretty much put back where it belongs. The problem is that where it belongs is not anywhere in particular. So, some overarching organizational structure is in order. Okay, I can do that. However (as though I needed another roadblock to avoid doing this), I can't really see what's needed by way of organization until I sort through what I have. Enter Phase 2 - my least favorite part I might add.

Phase 2 is where I weed through all the sh*% in my studio. Of course, as a mixed media artist, everything everywhere is considered potential material for the next project (which of course is how it got so messy in the first place). In the next week or so I intend to sort through old canvases, old projects, materials and decide what gets kept and what gets tossed. Hopefully this will prime me for Phase 3, which is organizing what's left.

I suspect this will lead to art supply give aways. Potentially old art give aways as well if I can't bear to paint over something, but won't ever realistically look at it again. Please let me know by way of comment if you are interested in being informed of discards and what you are looking for. Be forewarned, I've collected lots of junk over the years.

Messy Studio Part 1

So with all the upcoming opportunities in both jewelry and painting coming up, I decided I better get my work space in order. I have been doing most of my work in the house lately, so the studio has, well, slide a little bit into what can only be described as chaos. To the point that I just pretty much avoid it now. But, since I think my family would revolt if I did all the upcoming projects in the living room, I am charged with spiffying up the place on this lovely Sunday afternoon. I decided pictures of the tragic state of the place would be in order, if only to point out what an amazing accomplishment I will have achieved once it is done. So at the risk of embarrassing myself, here is what I am facing. Hopefully this will also be incentive to redeem myself with pictures of a neat and tidy studio in the near future.

Wish me luck. I could use a good cheering section. And with that, I'm going in...

New Works

The new light box has been working hard lately. Its been housing all manner of bracelets and necklaces and flowers and decorative papers. It has been so much easier getting acceptable photos with this thing. If I don't say so, I've actually had a bit of fun. So here's a sample. If you'd like to see more, check out the Etsy shop for all the various angles.

The Stage Is Set

Just build this way cool light box for taking pics of jewelry.

I found the free plans for the box here. It was pretty easy and inexpensive. Just a few sheets of foam core, a cutting blade, some parchment paper and about an hour total - including interruptions from kids and life in general. I already had the flood lights and mannequin.

I've known for a long time that if I want to have stuff primarily on-line instead of at craft fairs and such, then photography is essential. I'm not very good at it, but I'm learning. I hope this little devise helps along the way. It sure does make the lighting better. I've also started staging the pics with various items. It's actually kind of fun to create a little "scene" - like playing with a doll house.

Next step, tweaking the photos in Photoshop - yikes...

Everyone, meet Lola...

Lola, meet everyone. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the newest member of my team. Lola is here to assist me in photographing some of my jewelry. Not the actually taking of pictures mind you (you all know how much I like to do that myself). No, Lola is here to help me model my latest line of necklaces. She has a long history of modeling, but has primarily worked in the hair industry. This is her first foray into the world of jewelery modeling. As such, she required a bit of prepping in order to be fully prepared. As you can see from the photo below, she was a bit, as my kids noted, freaky looking.

Lola's transformation began with deciding what her new skin tone should be. So many options are available in spray paint these days it was hard to choose. Luckily I found the perfect one at Micheal's. It was this very groovy faux stone finish called Misty Manhattan. I was stoked, but also skeptical. How would a substance with tiny little rocks in it spray from an aerosol can? Well, turns out the answer is not well at all. In fact, not at all period. Back to Micheal's for an exchange.

Unfortunately I have no pictures of Lola with the little bit of rock spray paint I did manage to get out of the can. Suffice to say it was just enough to make having to re-sand her a pain in the tukas.

Lesson learned. Keep it simple. Glossy white it is. Lola took to her new look swimmingly. See how beautiful she is now.

... and what a beautiful neckline she has

So join me in welcoming Lola. I hope to be working with her for a very long time. New pics with Lola and the new necklaces will be coming soon. Stay tuned.

My latest addiction

Uh oh. Not that I needed one more thing to fall in love with, but do we ever go looking for an addiction? I have inadvertently (okay, so I had to go out and find all the supplies, buy new tools, read massive amounts of instructional books from the library and the coffee shop at Barnes and Nobel) found a new medium that I am totally addicted to. Wire wrapping.

It all started when I happened upon a gorgeous piece on Etsy's front page (curse you Etsy!). The pairing of metal and shiny beads is right up my ally esthetically. I suppose it was inevitable. So, after much research and tracking down of materials, here is a sneak peak at the final result. I haven't strung the pendant yet, but will post on Etsy (and here) when it's finally done.

I already have designs for four more necklaces and one bracelet that I plan to get started on just as soon as my thumbs recover from this one.

Pow. Zap. Bam

As promised here are some pics of the polymer clay stuff I was playing with. I used to work with this stuff a ton in college. I would sit at home on Thursday nights after studying - beer, clay and LA Law. Aw, those were the days. Come to think of it, not much has changed :-)

These necklaces were inspired by, you guessed it, Batman. I have always loved these old school graphics and polymer clay is the perfect medium to create such things. Hope you like them.

Three More Done

Slow and steady wins the race, right? Well I've got three more paintings completed for the upcoming show in June. The first two are 20"x24" and the last is 24"x36". Four more "minis" (12"x12") are in the works and I think that'll be it. Then it's onto framing. Good times, good times.

Still hating photographing my work (hint, hint, hint). The colors aren't exactly true and they are never square in the frame either. Oh well. Please forgive me my inadequacies. The painting is the fun part anyway. God bless those of you who dig the other stuff.


Daisy Chain
20" x 24"
Acrylic and mixed media on canvas


Whisteria
20" x 24"
Acrylic and mixed media on canvas


Flower Burst
24" x 36"
Acrylic and mixed media on canvas

Edging Closer

Have I mentioned how much I hate photographing my work? Well, maybe once or twice. It is absolutely a unique art form quite distinct and all it's own. Alas, while I have the utmost respect for those with this skill, I am sad to admit I lack it myself.

Nonetheless, I have attempted this great feat and spent yesterday taking pictures of the pieces I have for the upcoming show. These have been particularly challenging to photograph because they are filled with a ton of texture and (because I can never resist) a bit of metallic, interferences and various assorted shiny things. All of which make the photographic capture tricky. At any rate, I thought I would post them here as many of you have voiced curiosity as to what I've been up to in the studio. So, here they are. I hope you can forgive the photography, but enjoy the sneak peak.

I'm not gonna wait any longer

I've been waiting. Waiting and waiting and waiting to get everything in order before I invite everyone to join. I needed to get twitter up, facebook up, the website up, etc, etc, etc. Well it's not all done, but I am done waiting. There are things about my art process I want to blog about, so I'm gonna do it. Even if everything is not in perfect order yet. So there.

For instance, when I came home today and headed to the studio. It was a tough day all around. Just normal stresses that, when they happen all at once, can make a day simply lousy. First coping mechanism, made myself a strong cocktail (I know, but there you have it). Second coping mechanism, headed out to the studio. Normally I don't paint when I'm stressed, but it seemed like a good idea so I went with it. I wasn't sure if painting while stressed would lead to darker, more melancholy paintings. You know the kind - the one's that are gut wrenching to look at and seem like a perfect reflection of the artist's inner turmoil. It's like getting it out on canvas exorcised the demons from the creator.

Well, not for me as it turns out. Apparently, when I'm having a hard time, my creative process leads to brighter and happier paintings. I just can't stay pissy when surrounded by sunshine yellow and sky blue. So instead of singing the blues until they're all out, I shine the light until the clouds burn off. Hopefully the paintings shine a light for those who see them as well. Happy happy, joy joy. Guess that's my motto.