Just playing

I haven't done any wood blocks in awhile, so I started 5 simultaneously using a couple out-of-the-box ground colors for me. Usually, I've got the vivid blues, reds and magentas going on, but this week I wanted to create some moody pieces that have more subtle undercoats of colors. I found some pressed rose petals in a heavy book that I forgot about, and I was experimenting with stamps and abstract shapes. I like how the petals kind of look like wings. Any thoughts for titles? I'm drawing a blank for some reason!

Confetti

Tiny works (4"x6") studying negative space, minimalist composition and a little whimsy, of course.

a little study

Just doing some 4" x 6" quick studies using cut paper and watercolor. I'll be starting a "woodland dreams" series based on a painting a did awhile back with the same name. These little pieces will use simple compositions while investigating some color theories and will also act as prelimaries to some larger works.

The Museum School Mission Statement Project

In the past few weeks, I've been busy finding and organizing artists to participate in a community art project for The Museum School. Katherine Kelbaugh, the principal, had the idea to have artists come up with creative interpretations of The Museum School's mission statement. The vision is to have an original work of art that would hang in each classroom. There are a total of 7 classrooms at the school and the artists that have agreed to participate range in style from polymer clay artisans, photographers to mixed media artists. The deadline is October 5, just before The Museum School's first exhibition night on October 7.

I've created a series of 3 mixed media works on canvas that basically illustrate the words in a whimsical style (of course!) It's going to be really exciting to see all the artist's final pieces. I let them have free reign in that I didn't require to see sketches or see anything in progress.

One of the photographers, Sara Speert, will be documenting the progress of her piece, so check it out and see her journey!

Cusp of Leo mural

Saturday's show was really fun, and a little bizarre, but in a good way! Everything from the art that was created for art's sake to the music and spoken word performances definitely made the experience truly unique. Sylvia's space at Sycamore Gallery is kind of like going on a treasure hunt. You walk in the purple door and pass several working artist's studios down a long corridor that takes you to her gallery and outdoor courtyard where art is always introduced in a creative and spontaneous way. A couple of us painted murals on the wall and used it as a backdrop for our work. Asian effigy papers were strung from the ceiling and creative video imagery was shown on the outdoor wall behind the band. And Holle Black's amazing cranes and Chinese women (below) were absolutely stunning! There will be another short afternoon reception the second weekend in September, date and time TBA.

Cusp of Leo show this weekend

Sylvia Cross, owner of Sycamore Gallery and studios will be hosting an opening this Saturday themed the Cusp of Leo. All the artists exhibiting are Leos (and so is Sylvia!) She traditionally has an art party on her birthday which was the beginning of this month, but the 1st annual Citywide Art Walk is going on and she decided to move the show to coincide with the tour. A few of the artist (including myself) have created painted backdrops in the gallery to showcase their work. The show will be like a temporary installation-the experience of the works of art against the murals will be doubly fun to see! Sylvia has lined up storytellers, musicians and even Johnny Coffee's Female Weightlifters, I have no idea who they are, but can't wait to find out! Hope you can stop be and support us, there's a $10 suggested donation at the door. Ya'll come!

Here is a detail of one of my new pieces.

The new studio

I'm moved in and getting settled in to my new studio space-yay!! Everything has a spot and I finally have everything in one place! It's amazing, actually, I don't have too much space to spare. But summer is winding down and I've got some projects that will be getting into gear, so it will quickly become a messy space, but in good way, of course! Here are a few pics to give you an idea, it's a quirky space, with a pole here, and a soffit there...but it all works! I can't wait to really get grooving and working on some large scale pieces, it's going to be so fun! Enjoy the tour.

Observe under your feet

It's very hot today. The kind of hot that sears bare feet on concrete. So these were taken very quickly late this afternoon.

3 studies illustrate violet undertones against white hot and mottled grays, moss and rust.

Spur of the moment project

Trying to organize tubs of stuff and randomness all over this house, and remembered that I've been meaning to recover this very traditional chair with some fabric I found just over a year ago. Really, can it be that long? I was scrolling through some blogs and saw some amazing before and afters on Design Sponge today and was inspired to run down into storage and search for this piece of decorative mod fabric that is kind of a cool juxtaposition on a queen anne styled chair. (And yes, those are Zsu Zsu pets on the desk.)

Studio renovation

For the last few weeks, the renovation of our basement has finally come together! After many trips to IKEA, agonizing over carpet swatches and waiting patiently for electricians, plumbers, sheetrockers and painters to finish-we are on the edge of being finished! The carpet goes in the end of this week and the final punch list will knock out those last hanging details. But one of the most exciting parts of all this is getting to finally see the finished stained floor in my studio. I chose a color called marina blue and hoped that the 50+ years of accumulated stains, paint, rust and whatever else that took place on the floor would come through in a most amazing spontaneous finish. The sealer went on this morning, which creates depth of color and shine, and it looks so AMAZING! I've included photos, but they really don't do justice to seeing the real thing in person. Every inch of this floor is so beautiful!

Summertime

I took this pic a few weeks ago, right when my hydrangea started to bloom. Right now, with 90 degree plus days and no rain, it's not looking as lovely, but hanging in there none the less. When I planted it, we had just put in the retaining wall, so there was quite a bit of masonry grout and some crumbled stone mixed in the soil. I had meant to clean it up more, but ended up amending with some good soil and just threw in a transplanted hydrangea and gardenia. Now these two shrubs are huge and thriving and are my favorite things to see when I walk past them each morning on the way to the car. A little tidbit, I found out that we don't normally grow pink hydrangeas in the south because of our very acidic soil, depending on the acidity is how you get blue or pink hydrangeas. The soil in my retaining wall is very alkaline because of the stone and cement that was mixed in years ago. So now I know why I get pink hydrangeas!

Michelle Armas-Art in the Afternoon feature

I'm off and running in sec, but wanted to post one last artist for you to preview before today's Art in the Afternoon event (3-7 pm) I discovered Michelle from Sarah Watts blog, and discover that Jessica Swift, Sarah and Michelle all know each other! I decided to have them exhibit together over at the Blanchard residence, 70 Lakeshore Dr., Avondale Estates, GA 30002. They all have distinctive styles, but compliment each other really well. I'm super excited to see how it all looks once they're set up.

I was drawn to Michelle's sense of color and detail. Her works are abstract, and you can also see how her work stems from deep love of design, and as a matter of fact, she is a designer too! I could stand in front of her works for a very. long. time. They are really distinctively different than anything I've seen in a while! Make sure you check out her blog too.

Michelle Armas, www.marmas.etsy.com and www.michellearmas.bigcartel.com

Trained as a graphic designer, Armas began painting as an antidote to the rigid, strategic work of a corporate branding environment. Drawing on instinct and fantasy, she creates another world as it might have been imagined by early scientists discovering microbes and bacteria and the environments they thrived in. Armas lives in Atlanta and works in graphic and textile design as well as fine art.

Pat Berryhill-Art in the Afternoon feature

Pat Berryhill is back! She exhibited her altered jewelry at the first Art in the Afternoon in April and was wildly popular! Now she's back showing us her beautiful altered vintage clothing. She will be showing at the Blanchard residence, 70 Lakeshore. And yes, you can can try on her creations and see for yourself her amazing and unique work.

Pat Berryhill, www.magpiedreams.net

She is an unapologetic collector of crap...a junk junky...a human magpie. Berryhill uses recycled junk, which is environmentally friendly, to create beautiful clothes and jewelry. Her work comes from life experiences, good or bad. Every piece tells a different story.

Shawn Brasfield-Art in the Afternoon feature

A former Avondale Estates resident, Shawn Brasfield, returns for a visit to exhibit at Art in the Afternoon, June 5, 3-7 pm at the Lass & Zimny residence, 803 Stratford Rd. His work is distinctively whimsical, with a graphic design and illustration background, you can certainly see the lighthearted stories emerging from his work. He paints with oils and acrylics to create spontaneous, translucent backgrounds. Using sandpaper and his grandfather's ice pick to get just the right texture, he then adds his whimsical characters. I bet you can't wait to see his work in person, right?

Shawn Brasfield, www.brasfieldstudio.com

Conceived in the decade of flower power, moon dust, and the Polaroid camera, Shawn Brasfield's art might seem to be inspired from the age of experimentation. Born in 1968 in a small southern town, Shawn began drawing at age two and has never stopped. Upon graduating Auburn University in 1992, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue a career in graphic design. After ten years of moving pixels around a screen, Shawn felt the need to channel his drawings into a more lively and tactile medium - painting. Bold, fun, and filled with color, his art is inspired by today's contemporary culture, interpreting common themes into a unique and whimsical vision. Shawn's work lives in the homes of numerous collectors who are addicted to art that makes them feel good.In Shawn's own words- "The collectors of my paintings have told me they are drawn to my work because it reflects a lighthearted and whimsical view of life. This is my whole purpose in what I do - to paint a creative smile in the mind and warm feeling in the belly."

Eva Magill-Art in the Afternoon feature

Yes, I am doubling up so I can get as many artists featured before Saturday as I can! I got a little behind over the holiday weekend along with several deadlines this week, blah, blah, blah.

ANYHOW, on to the good stuff. Eva Magill's work has this wonderful, ethereal quality in her work that I was drawn to right away, it may also have been that she had just returned from living in France which made me dream about how she may have come up with these collage compositions using wonderful lines and subtle color. The works she will be showing at the Pyles residence, 107 Dartmouth Ave., Avondale Estates, GA 30002 for Art in the Afternoon on Saturday, June 5 3-7 pm, are small original works that would be lovely paired in groups. I'm truly enchanted by her work and I hope you come by to have a glass of wine and enjoy the show!

Eva Magill, http://eva-sincere@blogspot.com

Magill’s current work is a literal and metaphysical documentation of her past two years living in France. Through the use of photographs, sketches and mental imagery she recaptures the essence and charm of her vision of France. In conjuction with her factual recordings, she has created more conceptual works—drawings and collages based on emotions, her mental struggles, and triumphs involved with learning a new language and assimulating to a new culture.

Rachel Herzog-Art in the Afternoon feature

Rachel lives in the Avondale "hood" and we are very proud to have her participate as one of the featured artists in the Art in the Afternoon event this Saturday, June 5, 3-7 pm! She makes one-of-a-kind felted pouches, both upcycled and new, using cute, vintage buttons to adorn her pieces. She's also expanded her line by collaborating with Lillibands, another locally owned business, to create adorable appliqués on fun and colorful headbands for girls and women. Look for them to be unveiled this fall, but for now here's a sneak peek, as well as sample of one her snazzy pouches. She will be exhibiting at the Blanchard residence, 70 Lakeshore Dr., Avondale Estates, GA 30002, so come on out and check out some of her newest creations!

Tickleworm by Rachel Herzog, www.tickleworm.com

I scour thrift stores for vintage buttons, wool and cashmere sweaters, I then felt the sweaters in my home. I LOVE to reuse and repurpose fabrics and buttons and, well, a lot of other items too. the items get turned into coffee cozies, cell phone pouches, checkbook covers, among other items. Tickleworm has only one of a kind items!

Jessica Swift-Art in the Afternoon feature

I just had the pleasure of finally meeting Jessica Swift at the Art in the Afternoon orientation last weekend, and I'm telling you folks, you will just die when you see her amazing most beautiful work. First off, she is one of these super talented people that wears many hats; she's an illustrator, surface designer, painter, graphic designer, ok now my fingers are getting tired. Really, people, you have go to check out her work, and then come to the Blanchard Residence at 70 Lakeshore Drive, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 and buy something on Saturday, June 5, 3-7 pm. And by the way, she has super cool new website too! Pluggity-plug

AND she has an Etsy shop too if you can't make it to the event, buy something there!

Jessica Swift, www.jessicaswift.com

Swift is interested in color and the way images speak and capture truths and feelings that words simply can't. She is interested in connecting our eyes to our hearts through images. A full-time artist and graphic/surface pattern designer, Swift is truly living a life she loves.

Flora Rosefsky-Art in the Afternoon feature

A long time friend of mine, Flora Rosefsky, is one of these artists that is so very humble about her work, and of course she is phenomenally talented! She creates wonderful cut-paper collages, but is also an art quilter and a stained glass artist! Her work is so colorful and folksy, yet has beautiful emotional connections. She is going to show samples of cut paper portraits she has been doing as well as selling some matted prints of her work. She will be taking commissions at the Pyles residence, 107 Dartmouth Ave. for Art in the Afternoon this Saturday, June 7, 3-7 pm

Flora Rosefsky, www.florageart.com

Rosefsky loves to cut. She directs her favorite long-pointed scissors as they glide through painted paper, fabric, or ephemera. With an intuitive sense of color and composition, like Henri Matisse, she thrives on the freedom to “draw with scissors,” in a spirit of spontaneity that is so much a part of each new work. Her collages reflect a personal and eloquent spirituality, with a common thread—her work is irrepressibly joyful. Rosefsky began her career as a self-taught folk artist while living in Upstate New York and later studied art in a Syracuse University graduate extension program and at Binghamton University. Her work can be found in several public collections as well as private collections in New York and Georgia.

Art in the Afternoon-Kilroy and Maw

I can hardly stand it, I love these prints so much. AND I happen to love me some fine swine too. Really, really longing for these super cool gig posters and art prints. Can you dig it? Sarah Watts has a super cool website and blog that you MUST check out. A recent Ringling School of the Arts grad, she is one talented illustrator people! Kilroy and Maw have been cranking out screenprints for a year now, and check out their Etsy shop too. She will be hanging out at the Blanchard residence at Art in the Afternoon on June 5.

Kilroy and Maw, www.kilroyandmaw.com

Kilroy and Maw are an energetic and fresh-thinking Atlanta team who create gig posters and art prints. Just getting started, the duo has a lot of new art in store. They are working with other artists for an ongoing project based around craft beers! Kilroy and Maw like to create art that is affordable and handmade so more people can enjoy it.

Art in the Afternoon-Helen Ferguson Crawford

Ok, one last time, the countdown to the June 5 Art in the Afternoon event! This is the last date in the series (phew!) and just so you know, I saved the best for last! These artists are the cream of the crop in my opinion. I cannot WAIT to see some of these works in person. So here's the first featured artist, Helen Ferguson Crawford, who happens to be on the postcard that is distributed all over town too. Her work is certainly a feast for the eyes, and her use of color is so rich and full of complex layers, absolutely delicious!

Helen Ferguson Crawford, www.helenfergusoncrawford.com

Crawford is an artist, registered architect, mother and avid postpartum depression advocate. Featured as one of “30 Artists: 30 and Under” by The New York Times Magazine in 1994, Crawford has contributed art work and architectural work to exhibits at The Urban Center, The Van Alen Institute, The Municipal Arts Society of New York, L’Institut Francais d’Architecture, The Wexner Center, and the Museum of Modern Art. She has provided commentary for NPR, Metropolis Magazine, and The New York Times. She received her fine art and architecture degrees at Parsons School of Design in New York, and Princeton University.