Artsy Pictures from Portland Trip

Layla and I took a lovely trip to Portland this spring to celebrate Layla’s Birthday.  I had been to Portland several times to work, but they had always been quick trips mostly spent in hotels and convention centers.  So I had never really got to enjoy the quaintness of Portland.  Of course the quaintness of Portland has been artificially enhanced throw layers and textures on Photoshop.

This was a light fixture in an Anthropologie store made of plastic bottles that had been cut and painted. Brilliant use of recycling trash into art. 

 

Architectural details on an unknown building

The disco version of the same details…  Its too bright and weird for me, but thought  the contrast was amusing.

 

More Anthropologie store decorations.. You know I really am not that crazy about the stuff they sell but they have brilliant store designers.

Portland love and a great use for a lot of wine bottles.

ARTFEST 2012

 

The WEBSITE IS UP!    The classes and teachers  have been announced.   I am honored to be teaching two classes

STEAMPUNK SALLY  and  WILD THINGS.    Oh and the best part, I scheduled it so I GET TO TAKE A CLASS ONE DAY!  In the beginning, I was questioning myself about not submitting more classes and teaching more days than two. You know being more responsible… more financially minded… But it was such the RIGHT decision for me.  I need that recharge of taking classes, and that is what Artfest has been for me for years.  It was SO exciting to get to teach for the first time last year, but I did really miss taking classes.   So in 2012 I get to have the best of both worlds!

Class Samples for STEAMPUNK SALLY

 

Class samples for WILD THINGS

Artfest is such an amazing experience for the seasoned artist or the just beginning.  

Registration begins on Sept. 1, 2011

and classes fill up fast so register early!

Saint Serene Art Doll

I want to share with you part of the process of creating

Saint Serene the Circus Goddess Art Doll

She started with some very humble beginning. If you have been paying attention to my blog and ramblings, then you know I have an affection for reclaiming terribly tacky commercial objects and turning them into works of art rich with texture, soul , and a good dose of STRANGE.

Saint Serene’s humble beginnings… Check out that dress!

 

Next stop completely deconstructing the doll down to the bare bones.  I then use my pyromaniac technique that involves lots of paint and a blow torch to create a cratered cracked surface that is completely unique and ancient looking.

Then my favorite part, painting the face. I was experimenting with a different approach to this face. I used a Picasso painting as inspiration and then played around till I was happy.

 

Then her cloth body is stained with diluted paint and walnut ink.  I created her “clothes” out of a vintage doily  and some well loved silk flowers. I don’t get too concerned with creating a costume as just embellishing and suggesting clothing.   I found a piece of old maribou  that became her collar.

Serene on the work table  trying out clothing options 

 

Completed Doll

 

The only left from her origins is the shape and stance of her body.   Also that quaint tip of her head.

 

 

 

She became a saint when the nativity Virgin Mary decided to be the perfect accessory for Serene’s hat. Of course after a good coat of pint paint.

 

 

 

Saint Serene Circus Goddess is STILL AVAILABLE

to add to your

Strange and Wonderful Collection!

ArT CaRs FrEMoNt fAiR

So I was a vendor at the Fremont Solstice Fair this past month. As a vending experience not so fun or profitable…boo!   But the ART CARS were amazing as always.  So I wanted to take you on a little visual tour.  Now as a photographer I am not very good at documenting the the subject in its entirety.   I tend to be much more attracted to small snippets of color and pattern or close ups of texture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have had a certain affection for false teeth in my assemblages but WOW this is a lot of dental detritus  attached to a car…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and what would Art Cars be without pink flamingos!!

       

This was by far my favorite car!  Bones and Rust!  You can’t go wrong in my book! 

 

Then a Steam punk Car that has been to Black Rock City

 

 

Liked the blue and gold! Very Classy

 

 

And everyone needs an ATTACK SQUIRREL!!!!

 

This car was amazing the entire thing covered with a yarn patterns held in velcro backing … 

 

Geometric designs to make your eyes cross!!

 

READY TO START ON YOUR OWN ART CAR NOW?