What You See Depends On What You’re Looking For

I’ve been told again recently that in essence ‘real’ art work should not need words. Even though I don’t believe that for a second, I do believe that’s a thought worth exploring. Why would someone say that? What preconceived ideas about art have created this definition in their mind? What is this person looking for?

With a true rebellious spirit, I decided that day that I must paint a quote. I found this quote and immediately loved the truth that rang through it. I googled it to give tribute to the brilliant author’s insight and I discovered that is credited to anonymous. So thank you anonymous!

I find it so interesting how the human mind bounces between the glass half full and half empty. Of course Lennon was brilliant in telling us that there’s “nothing you can see that isn’t shown”, that all is there for us to truly understand if we pay attention long enough. But when you practice awareness, you also realize that what you believe really dictates what your reality is. If you believe there is abundance, you are right. If you believe there is scarcity, you are also right.  So why not question that belief? Byron Katie says that if you have a stressful thought, then that is your cue to question it.

So I paint this as a reminder, watch your thoughts. And you will see amazing things happen.

What You See

Mount Dora Center for the Arts Opening

Last night was my opening for show Deliberately Uncertain at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. I wanted to thank all my friends for coming. Your love and support means the world to me! I met many new people and I'm really looking forward to having some of you in my classes at MDCA. We're going to have fun! 

The Nate, Nick and friends also had fun last night...coloring away. I just love the idea of showing children that they can create their way into an adult life that they love...whether its in the arts or not. Trust in the power of doing what's in your heart and the Universe will honor that. Even in bad economic times. I swear it.

Workshops and Classes

For years I've been asked, "When are you going to do some classes!" I can finally answer that!! If you live in the Central Florida area and would like to take a class or would like to visit the area to do a 3 day workshop, I've got both going on at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. The information is hot off the presses and will be on their web site soon. In the meantime, here are the juicy details:


Mixed Media Collage at Mount Dora Center for the Arts


Tuesdays


Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm


Offered twice;
Session III: 9.4.2012 - 10.9.2012
Session IV: 10.23.2012 - 12.4.2012


Mount Dora Center for the Arts’ featured artist in August-Sept 2012 will share the joys of mixed media collage. Students are encouraged to incorporate some of their own prior art work into new pieces. The materials used will be the choice of each student.  The workshop will address working with collage with papers, fabrics, found objects, and that past art work.  The objective of the work shop is to explore new mixed media techniques, entertain the idea of repurposing prior work and excavate each student’s authentic voice in their art.


Contact the art center or Christine for a list of recommended supplies.


Members $195                        Non-members $225





3 Day Workshop at Mount Dora Center for the Arts
Painting and Drawing with Mixed Media Collage


October 18-20, 2012


Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (One hour lunch)


Mount Dora Center for the Arts’ featured artist in August-Sept 2012 will share the joys of combining mixed media collage, drawing and painting.  Students are encouraged to incorporate some of their own prior art work into new pieces. The materials used will be the choice of each student.  The workshop will address working with collage with papers, fabrics, found objects, and that past art work, pencil and charcoal drawing, and acrylic painting.  The objective of the work shop is to explore new mixed media techniques, entertain the idea of 
re-purposing prior work and excavate each student’s authentic voice in their art.


Contact the art center or Christine for a list of recommended supplies.


Members $195                        Non-members $225


christinepeloquin.com

The Old Work

Inspired by Cori Dantini's blog post The Old Me and a clean out session involving old art work photos, I thought I would comment about my 20 plus years as an artist. 

I graduated from Rollins College painting thick textured oil paintings....

...and did many commercial paintings and murals....

I got a job at Universal Studios Orlando as a scenic artist...

 ...and then started my own company painting large scale murals.

(this one was 10' x 20')

I fell in love with  acrylic painting on strange textures like burlap...

..and started drawing and putting figures back into my work (like in college).

From there I discovered the joys of working on fabric and paper collage and got closer to my subjects...

...and starting dividing the pieces into many panels.

It's amazing how fast 20 years can progress when you love what your doing.

Duncan McClellan Gallery

Saturday night, May 12th, I left my family camping at Disney to trek down the I-4 corridor to attend the opening Cast of Characters at the Duncan McClellan Gallery in St Pete. I am really grateful to be invited to show at this amazing space. Duncan has turned a warehouse into an awesome studio/gallery/home complete with glass fixtures abound, fruit tree gardens that could rival Eden, and two cool cats that know how to find loving at an opening. I want a place like this for myself! In the meantime, I so enjoyed the scene at the Warehouse Arts District of St Petersburg and I applaud St Pete and Duncan for creating such a successful venue for the arts. 

The Plan

I am declaring Mommy Mental Health Morning and officially taking the morning off. I devised this plan at 5:30 am when I realized my brain was swimming in needless debates about everything insignificant detail of my life as a mother. Why this running mental commentary on what to bring for snack for baseball? Because I clearly need the morning off. The plan is to deliver the kids safely to the school system that I so trust and depend on and to return home to maternal anarchy. I will get a second cup of coffee, a good book and carefully navigate my way through the mine field of tinkertoys, dinosaurs, and green army men strewn across the floor to the couch. There I will move the angry birds, legos, and green army men to one side and find a corner for myself.... barricading myself with pillows if need be. I want to read and maybe play in the studio after that in ways that my inner task-maker would consider unproductive. And I plan on enjoying it.


To Do List

Reflecting My Place In This World

Elaine Gray and Sara Segal did this video of me and my work back in 2005. I thought it was high time I post it where it could be seen! Many thanks again to Elaine and Sara for all their hard work. I still love it and am filled with gratitude!!


Thank you again to the class that came to Arts on Douglas Gallery for my artist's talk. Maybe this video can provide you with more information for your papers. Thanks again to Trish for teaching such a great class! The world needs more Art Appreciation!!

anOther women- Christine Peloquin by franca fiorellino

Thanks again Franca Fiorellino!!

Welcome to Spring

After a week of serious computer time, I have finally finished a massive spring cleaning of my web site!! I have organized it better, dusted off the cob webs, installed a search bar and of course put some new work on it like this piece, As You Go. 

I also posted photos of my show at Arts on Douglas Gallery, Part of the Process: Paintings by Christine Peloquin. Thanks to all those who came to the opening! Join me March 23rd for an Artist's Talk at the Gallery at 11am.

Miracles

Miracles, 8" x 16"

Healthy, 8" x 16"

Presents Given, 8" x 16"

Quote of the Day:

"When we say; 'You are creators, you think we are talking about creating furniture, or creating houses, or creating empires, or creating relationships. That isn't what we talk about when we talk about creating. We are talking about the creating of your state of being.

And when you have understood that, and are giving that your dominant attention, than all of the physical trappings of this Universe will fall into alignment in such glorious fashion that you will amaze even yourself. You cannot do it with action. It is through focusing upon how you want to feel."   --Esther Hicks/Abraham