Next up and currently on the “ponder table”, Carla’s stuff! Some very cool textiles including dyed cheesecloth, cowhide and lace edging. The glasses I might snarf for myself.

Only four more days of the Tour and then I’ll be back in the saddle again … the training [...]]]>

Check out the coolio glasses!

Next up and currently on the “ponder table”, Carla’s stuff! Some very cool textiles including dyed cheesecloth, cowhide and lace edging. The glasses I might snarf for myself.

Only four more days of the Tour and then I’ll be back in the saddle again … the training saddle that is, as my knee feels ready to start tackling something other than walking. The last set of shots has taken longer to get over so I’m hoping those ligaments are finally tightened up for good.

Have a bunch of new projects to whet my appetite … an altered shoe show courtesy of Tricia’s Ten Women Gallery and my interest in canvas work has been peaked too. Took this photo of Granddog Figs & Stella hanging out watching the world go by and I can just see it as one of my scenics. Time to haul out the Epson to the studio!

Dog Days of Summer

Anyway. On to Teri’s stuff!

A few years ago [...]]]> … apparently. As the days start to heat up, I head to the studio which provides a bit of respite until 4 o’clock or so when EVERYWHERE just pulsates. Been hearing the tree frogs whine earlier and earlier each day. Dog days of summer indeed!

Anyway. On to Teri’s stuff!

A few years ago I did a collaboration with Deryn Mentock. She asked me to create an assemblage that would hold a necklace she’d created based on the theme Valley of the Bones. I loved the idea and indeed, enjoyed the finished product (you can see it here).  As I kept pondering Teri’s objects, I was divided. I definitely wanted to incorporate that glass rod … swoon… but my initial idea of a piece of jewelry couldn’t fathom its weight. Then it occurred to me … assemblage AND jewelry. In doing so, I had to use a few key pieces of my own, but I’m pretty pleased how they both turned out. You be the judge!

Boxed angel

Necklace

Assemblage & Necklace

Judah and Teri, these will be sent out this week sometime! On to Carla’s stuff…

Assemblage Challenge - Teri's Stuff

Teri’s stuff came so lovingly wrapped …

Teri's stuff lovingly wrapped

… and is a very interesting mixture of things she’s picked up on the streets, in the parking lot, on the beach (I think because one of the pieces was filled [...]]]> Currently on my “ponder” table:

Assemblage Challenge - Teri's Stuff

Teri’s stuff came so lovingly wrapped …

Teri's stuff lovingly wrapped

… and is a very interesting mixture of things she’s picked up on the streets, in the parking lot, on the beach (I think because one of the pieces was filled w/sand!) … concrete marked w/cross hatching, rubber circles, smooth pebbles, wee toys … the detritus that we overlook as we make our way through our days.

It’s going to be an interesting challenge to create something cohesive, something to honour … commemorate … these treasures. I’m waffling between standard assemblage and a piece of jewelry. Teri, do you have a preference??

In case you’re interested I’m also posting a better photo of Cynjon/Judah’s finished piece below.

Some of the unsold work that has been at The Flying Pig was returned to me, so I’m adding them to etsy. I figured, Why Not?!? But if you see [...]]]> So there have been earthquakes in Ottawa, tornadoes in Midland and Jen is in the studio. Yes dear readers, the end IS nigh!!

Some of the unsold work that has been at The Flying Pig was returned to me, so I’m adding them to etsy. I figured, Why Not?!? But if you see something you like and for whatever reason don’t want to go through etsy but want that piece, lemme know and we can work out a deal!

Long-timers may recognize some of the mixed media pieces from artsomofo way  back when – 2007? 2008? Ack! Can’t remember. A favourite of mine, if for no other reason than its title makes me smile “Sometimes A Frog Prince Is Just A Frog”, with the central metal piece dating back to when I did Stephanie Lee’s book project by project.

Sometimes a frog prince is just a frog - detail

And. AND! I finished Cynjon … Judah mea culpa Mr. Man! …’s assemblage challenge (hide your eyes if you want to stay surprised). I know. I can’t quite believe it either. Here’s the finished piece … a rather HORRIBLE photo but ’twill have to suffice for the time being.

Assemblage Challenge - Cynjon/Judah

Teri, your “parts” are being pondered on the table … can you BELIEVE it?!? I know. Me either!!

ETA: A MUCH better photo of Cynjon/Judah’s finished piece:

Assemblage Challenge - Cynjon/Judah's Finished

And here’s the finished piece:

Now on to work on Cynjon’s:

Here it is laying [...]]]> After a big push yesterday … thanks Tom for puppy-wrangling! … the necklace is DONE! I’m glad to have it finished. I hate deadlines hanging over my head and frankly, there were a few times there that I despaired whether I would ever get past the clasp and hinge!

Here it is laying and on a black background.

Light background and hanging. Clearly if I go into jewelry making I have to resolve my pitiful photo taking skills! For what it’s worth, the beads in the dangle are actually silver metal that have been tarnished so aren’t quite as black in real life. They look like magnetic beads. But they aren’t! The drop bead is vintage.

Detail of the handmade clasp, chain and added washer/bead combo (there’s got to be a name for this, yes?)

Blurry dangle detail. You can see the more silvery colour of the beads in this one.

Overall, I’m pretty pleased with the result of this experiment. Would I do it again? Likely I wouldn’t. Not this way at any rate. I have some other ideas for containment lockets but they don’t involve hearts! I think the shape is too ubiquitous to do poorly. (read: we all know what a heart locket is supposed to look like!) Perhaps reshaping the heart would work better? I don’t know. But I loved creating something small, something wearable, pushing my own limits and all the problem solving that needed to take place. A success in anyone’s estimation, I would think!

Thanks for visiting. Thanks for the comments and Good Luck to all those of you in the draw!

Check back on Monday for the randomly drawn winning name!

Initially I was going to do the entire thing in metal but after going through some options, I think a bit of red is in order. [...]]]> I have entered the embellishment stage of the necklace. The locket and surrounding “cage” being done. I still may age parts of this but the construction? DONE!

Initially I was going to do the entire thing in metal but after going through some options, I think a bit of red is in order. After all, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

Onward…

I can’t believe I posted the wrong address to Nourish & Sustain. What a doof! Anyway, you can still check out the works and even bid on them online, if you’re so inclined. The correct address is: marylouzeekgallery.com and here’s the  direct link while the show is on.

Below is a shot of some of the works. And if you direct your view to just above the word “comfort” you’ll see my piece “Teach a Man to Fish” (which is still available, I might add!).

Oh. I know. It LOOKS innocent enough. All sweetness and bright coppery goodness. But don’t be fooled. As a quick glance at my work area can attest:

THAT is the mayhem that the so-called “innocent” locket [...]]]> Or how a simple necklace/locket turns into a multi-day extravaganza on how NOT to make closures!

Oh. I know. It LOOKS innocent enough. All sweetness and bright coppery goodness. But don’t be fooled. As a quick glance at my work area can attest:

THAT is the mayhem that the so-called “innocent” locket created. And that’s just today’s flotsam and jetsam. Part of the problem is not having a soldering area in the house. Because frankly, I would’ve simplified the design with some well chosen joints had they been at my disposal. Still. I’ve learned TONS!

For example, when creating something that has to move, think about how it moves. Sounds like a no-brainer but there IS a reason there is a certain amount of play in things like hinges and doors.  And if you need to keep something closed, figure out HOW before cutting, filing, sanding, attaching said something. (I’m still working on it!) And expect for the f*&(&#?!!ing thing to break when you really really REALLY don’t need it to. (like when you’ve FINALLY figured out how the hinge is going to work and it’s…almost…done. Yep. That’s when.) And though copper is really easy to manipulate, it might be just a bit TOO easy with this application.

After all is said and done though, I’m thrilled beyond reason with how this is turning out. And I can see some more jewelry making in my future. Maybe not lockets!

Artist: “Nourish & Sustain” – 100 Artists Show

Show Date: Tuesday, February 2nd – Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Opening reception: First Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 5-7pm.

SALEM, ORE — For the 7th consecutive year, during the month of February, the Mary [...]]]> It’s that time again … 100 Artists Show at Mary Lou Zeek Gallery.

Artist: “Nourish & Sustain” – 100 Artists Show

Show Date: Tuesday, February 2^nd – Saturday, February 27^th, 2010

Opening reception: First Wednesday, February 3^rd, 2010 5-7pm.

SALEM, ORE — For the 7^th consecutive year, during the month of February, the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery will be presenting their annual 100 Artists Show.  Benefiting the Marion-Polk Food Share, the theme of this year’s show is “Nourish & Sustain” and appropriately, the 100 participating artists were each sent a large empty food can through the mail and were asked to use this as their starting point for their piece of art.  Each can was sent “as is”, and was not packaged or boxed, but rather processed directly by the postal service firsthand.  The stamps and addresses on the cans remain a part of the artwork for identification and for evidence of the actual mailing. Each artist, starting with the exact same object, has had over three months to transform, build, infuse, reduce, paint or reinvent the can into their own unique work of art.

The exhibit will open on Tuesday, February 2^nd at 10:00 am pacific time.  The public will be invited to bid on their favorite artwork via a silent auction that will run through Friday, February 26^th at 5:30 pm pacific time.  Beginning bids are $50.00 with minimum increments of $5.00 and a maximum purchase price of $300.  The entire show will be posted online at www.marylouzeekgallery.com.  Bids can be made in person at the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery or by calling 503-581-3229.

You really need to head over to the website and check out some of the amazing pieces that have been created with a tin can. I find it interesting that so many artists this year went with a folk art vibe. Does the raw material affect the end result? Seems so!