Happy Valentine's Day

We were in Portland last weekend and this silly window display caught my eye. It's amazing how expressive the mannequins are!

 

And... while we were there this is the treasure I acquired. It's a 1970's Smith-Corona ELECTRIC typewriter in mint condition. It is very heavy and oh so beautiful. I thought I was in love with our rice cooker, but I have fickley (is that even a word?) gone to the typewriter side. It makes a very loud typing sound and the nicest hum from the electric. I have already written a couple letters and they are on their way. Are you drooling anyone? Do you want a letter from me? Maybe a bad poem? If you do leave your address  and a comment and I'll send you some snail mail.

Shirley questions her life...

This is Shirley Partridge questioning her life...

on another note, I'm going to teach a class this spring on artist process. It's for anyone who has ever said, "oh I wish I could make art" or "I want to, but I just have no -------(fill in the blank)". I'm thinking a 4 week class, 2 hours each week. I know I can get most anyone motivated and on track. It's a talent I have!

A slideshow of my cardboard/recycled pieces for the MECCA show. Sorry, doesn't seem to work on IPads, but ok on my regular Mac!

Finished!

This may not look like much but here are 29 pieces on cardboard, 4 on paper and 2 on large lids. 

This equals my show for MECCA which opens on Friday, Feb. 1st.

This is the first time I have created work specifically to populate an area/space. 

I'm pretty pleased with myself.

What I have learned from this adventure:

1. Experimenting with different materials pushed me into trying new things.

2. The space the work hangs in matters. As much as I love MECCA the gallery space is less than ideal. The cardboard pieces look best with some space between them. 

3. I cannot live without a glue gun.

4. With the images of persons from yearbooks I didn't stop with one piece. I was drawn to use the image over and over to tell a more detailed story. I could have a whole exhibit just devoted to Isabel Weisner...

Getting ready

Getting ready for my show at MECCA in February has been really satisfying. 

Using recycled materials has made me experiment. 

I really like working on cardboard, the texture and the color. 

These container lids are about 12" in diameter. 

I think they are done, but there might be a little more. 

I feel tired with all these grey, foggy days, but love the sanctuary of my studio.

How do you measure up?

I love her. She reminds me of a ruler. 

I'm not sure how I measure up. This day to day studio practice while satisfying and wonderful provides very little if no feedback. (Hint, hint, leave comments)

One minute I'm all excited about something and the next I think maybe I have an overinflated ego.

One minute I think my pieces are crispy and fresh and the next they are stale and old. 

So, it all comes back to the practice and the moment. 

I think she has one white are for purity and one arm with an "f" on it for a profane remark. 

Viewed this documentary last night. I thought it was really good. I got it from Netflix.

This made me very happy...

I have never heard of this group, but apparently they have put out 3 albums and are well known to persons. oh, i love being cheered up!