More New Small Works

Here's a preview of some of the pieces I just finished for Arts On Douglas Gallery for the Small Things Considered show.  Show opens December 7, 2013 from 4 pm to 7 pm and hangs for the month of December.

Needing a Stop for Soft Sand

As an artist, I can say that the only thing better than a fabulous gallery, is a fabulous gallery at the beach! After dropping off a bunch of new work at Arts on Douglas Gallery, I stopped and took some time for myself with a walk with the birds, the breeze and the waves. I got filled up with new ideas and inspirations from the textures and sounds. I got energized by the bliss of the kids playing in the water and the patience of the surfers waiting for the next great ride. I love the ocean. And I am so grateful for the people at Arts on Douglas.

Being an artist can be so exquisitely blissful. I've always said, “Any day in the studio is a great day.” But it’s not always easy having a career as an artist. When you're used to making a nice living with your work and a “bad economy” hangs on for over 5 years and counting, the ugly face of doubt starts appearing in the strangest of corners. Galleries are facing the same problems as artists, yet the rejection letters from them are stinging a little more than usual.  I need to find new ways to get my work out in the world.

I try to remember the many reasons I admire Georgia O'Keeffe including that fact that she sold a big commission to Elizabeth Arden (the cosmetic queen) in the 1930's for $10,000. In 1932, the average salary for a textile worker was $423! I believe that anything is possible. By definition that includes complete catastrophe and outright miracles. I’m choosing miracles. So I'll continue my search for representation in new galleries, I’m looking forward to the next check in the mail and I will always practice gratitude for the wonderful things I do have- like the great galleries that I am in and stopping for soft sand.

Renewed

Every now and then, I have to go back and re-work a painting. Here's the latest! 

Renewed, 24" x 24", acrylics, charcoal, fabric and paper on wood panel

Don't Forget

Don't Forget, 24" x 30", Arts on Douglas Gallery this weekend. 

Isn't it amazing how fast a sunset or sunrise changes? Sometimes I wish I could burn the images of how it changes into my memory so that I wouldn't forget. Like watching you kids grow up! Simultaneously, so slow and so fast.

Like Clearwater, that I did a few years ago, I did Don't Forget with hardly any paint. It reminds me of the fabric bowls that I did with my son a few weeks ago.

I've been doing a lot of research about pattern design and pattern design artists. I just adore my collection of fabrics and I'm entertaining the idea of training myself to make my own. I started sewing when I was 5, so as a child of the 70's, patterns are in my upbringing. My ancestors, on both sides of my family, were French Canadians that moved to Rhode Island to work in the textile mills during the Textile Revolution, so textiles are in my DNA. I've created with them for years; sewing them, painting on them, painting with them. I think I'm ready to design them!