studiosuzanne

A Room with a View

One of my all time favorite movies is "A Room with a View".  Based on a turn of the century E.M. Forster novel, "A Room with a View" was released by Merchant Ivory Productions in 1985. This picture is a special feast for the senses, set in both the Italian and the English countryside.  Merchant Ivory films are usually lush, vibrant, period pieces featuring talented actors - not movie stars - actors. "A Room with a View" is no exception.  The film stars Daniel Day Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter, Dame Judy Dench, Julian Sands and Maggie Smith.  

The story revolves around a young English lady who has to choose between the safety of repressed British society and the freedom of passion. The glories of Florence seem to awaken Lucy to the greater possibilities of the world.  She meets a spirited, free-thinking young English gentleman who steals a kiss from her in a field of flowers. Whisked back home by her chaperone, Lucy returns to the old life, becoming engaged to a wealthy, uptight elitist.  When her young admirer moves into the neighborhood, however, Lucy must choose between prudence and passion.

I try not to watch "A Room with a View" too often - perhaps once a year. I tend to overwatch my favorite films and to be honest, I can "kill" a good movie that way. If my brain knows exactly what the screen looks like and the way the dialog is spoken, to the very inflection of the words, my mind will feel free to drift. Soon, I'll be thinking about what to buy at the grocery store and wondering if my book has come in at Borders. "A Room with a View" is too beautiful for that.  Every moment must be watched and savored.  The film is a wonderful escape and I highly recommend it. In fact, I'll be indulging myself with it this evening.

Suzanne

POSTSCRIPT ADDED! I forgot to mention that there is full male nudity in this movie.  I'm not bringing it up as an enticement to watch or anything!  I just didn't want anyone to be surprised.

Lynn Stevens Bracelet

Today I received a special gift from artist Lynn Stevens!  She made a beautiful bracelet for me!  The scrabble tiles spell out "Oxford" and the charms feature many Oxford Impressions images.  What a lovely, thoughtful gift!  Thanks Lynn!

Click here to visit Lynn's blog, Trash to Treasures.

Soldering Practice

I am interested in knowing how to do absolutely everything artistic!  If I haven't tried it, it is just because I haven't gotten to it yet.  Chances are good that I already have all the equipment to do the art or craft - probably about 75 percent. Chances are VERY good that I own at least one book about it, too! (95 percent - I am an art book junkie.) 

My current obsession is metal.  I have been cutting and torching like crazy lately. This week, my focus has been on soldering.  Soldering is fun, but something that definitely requires technique and practice. I'm not as good as I'd like to be, so that's where the practice comes in.  The young women in my life are totally obsessed with the Twilight series so I've been making necklaces for my daughters. (I'm not selling them - I don't have the license to do so - but this is one time my daughters don't mind me using them for practice.) Anyone else a big solder fan?  I'm looking for some on-line groups or resources.

Have a great week!

Suzanne

My first love...

I've been doing quite a bit of thinking lately about my relationship with art. One of the things I've come to realize is that my art isn't truly personal.  It is more of an exercise in composition or color, or an experiment with materials or techniques. I think I approach creating this way because it is relaxing. It is easier to cope with a mistake or unexpected direction if one isn't quite sure what one is trying to say in the first place! Once I figured this out, I vowed to not always take the comfortable path. I challenged myself to make something personal.  

Not ready to jump right into the complex themes of adult angst, I went back to an easier time. I started with a picture of myself holding a huge cake on my fourth Birthday. As I am confessing in this collage, Birthday cake is my favorite food. (Note the heart that says "first love"!) I also used one of my favorite colors - pink! I could have glittered it up and put a party hat on my own head, but that isn't really me. In general, I prefer matte finish to shiny. I am an avid reader and I chose to use a page from an old children's book as the base of the collage. The secondary text is from a vintage birthday cake recipe. 

There is not much to this collage - it is only a personal moment in time.  It was so much fun, however, I expect there will be more snaggle-toothed art in my future.

Suzanne

On Oxford Impressions and Art

I was thrilled to be interviewed by Sharon Briss for the Gingersnap Creations blog.  Sharon is a great interviewer and asked insightful questions that made me focus my thoughts about my relationship with art. Click here to read the interview: Gingersnap Creations .

I reference the above art by D. J. Pettitt in the article and since it is one of my favorite pieces, I want to share it with you.  It is framed floating in glass, so forgive the slight blur and the flash.  I need to learn how to photograph framed art!

When I bought the mixed media piece, I was struggling to change.  I had fallen into the trap that catches those who work from home.  I had been feeling a bit isolated and closed off from the "real world".  I knew I had to change to grow. The interesting thing is that I did not realize at the time that is the reason I was so attracted to this piece.  All I knew is I felt strong emotion when I looked at it. It has been a few years since I hung this art in my studio and in that time, I have "emerged from the house". I still find great pleasure in this art.

Suzanne

It's hot!

Hi friends!  You haven't heard from me in a few days because I'm grouchy.  My air conditioner blew up and I've been without cool air for 3 days now. Remember that I live in the SOUTH and the temperature has been in the 90's! The power was out intermittently today and I couldn't have pressed rubber even if I was brave (or stupid) enough to operate a giant oven in these conditions.  I took the kids on a little road trip, out to dinner (the oven thing, again), and night swimming.  When the pool closed, though, we had to come home. Comfort - I miss it.  It is easy to forget how lucky we are to have a system for cooling air - easy to take it for granted!  I realize many, many people don't have that luxury.  I hope by Wednesday I'll again be spoiled with the ability to alter the temperature. Until then, don't call me. Either I won't be here or I'll be too cranky to carry on a decent conversation!

Suzanne

Summer Monsters

School vacation officially started this week.  For a mother, summer comes as a mixed blessing. No longer do children need to be dragged out of bed; no homework assistance is required, no late night runs for poster board or red t-shirts are necessary. HOWEVER, now there are people home while I'm trying to work - people who require constant feeding and entertaining. (Well, it seems that way!) Every year it gets easier and easier, though. One summer someone is tall enough to reach the bread in the pantry, the next year mature enough to use the toaster.  Before too long I expect them to be making ME breakfast!

Fortunately, both of my children are interested in art. (Wait. They all are, aren't they?) Spending time in the studio together is pleasurable for the most part, if hard on the paint brushes.  This past week, I created a monster... well, actually two. I made a little stuffed critter and I taught my daughter Courtney how to sew.  My floor is now strewn with bits of fabric and thread. Empty bobbins mingle with scattered buttons and stuffing is trailing over the table's edge. I surveyed the damage and announced, "You've got to clean up the mess you've made of my studio."  She paused her stitching and asked, "Don't you mean OUR studio?" I think I'm going to have to invest in another chair.

The monster madness started with a photo in the May/June 09 Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine.  On page 32, Diana Trout's article showcased some adorable stuffed critters made from painted and stitched canvas. The critters were both simple and imaginative - the perfect project for a creative ten-year-old. While I sat around searching for themes and inspiration, Courtney started sewing.  I've made one critter, the "flower monster" above.  Courtney has made half a dozen. I'm either going to have to come up with a new project, or get her an Etsy store.   Below are a few of my favorites.

Kindness...

I believe in Karma.  I really do.  I think "good" attracts "good"; a kind act brings a kind act back to the giver.  That's not the only reason I look for ways to be kind. Performing a simple act of kindness makes me feel really good! I try to practice kindness whenever the opportunity arrises. 

Two weeks ago, I was walking through a parking lot and found a check made out for $100.00.  I picked it up, took it home and looked up the person's phone number on the internet. I called the person and let her know that I had her check and I offered to mail it back to her. She was so pleased and happy that I called and I shared a brief, positive moment with a nice person.  I smiled the whole time I was addressing the envelope and walking it to the mailbox. So, 5 minutes of my time, an envelope and a stamp and I felt so good!  

This week, I go to my mailbox and there is an envelope from a name I do not recognize.  It was a card from my check lady!  It says, "Kindness is a special art... Thank you!" She added a written note, "Thank you for your kindness!  I hope it is returned!" I was so touched by HER kindness in thanking me for mine! I've got the card taped up over my desk and I have to smile when I see it. What a nice experience!

Suzanne

How Charming...

Oxford Impressions has brought back some of my favorite charms!  I have been dabbling with making my own jewelry and I love having interesting dangles. Since I was ordering, I made sure to include a good variety of charms that will compliment our Marie Antoinette Collections.  Look for both gold toned and silver crowns in a variety of sizes.  Quantities are very limited, so if you are interested in a certain set, don't wait! See our charming selection in the "Metal Accents" section of our webstore.

I also have two new collage sheets with an antique sea theme.  See "Colorful Fish" and "Conchology" at the Oxford Impressions website.

BOO!  I know Halloween is a long way away, but I was wondering if any of you submitted art to The Stamper's Sampler for their Halloween theme this year? If you used my stamps and submitted for the 2009 issue, please contact me privately at suzanne@oxfordimpressions.com .

Have a great weekend!

Suzanne

I'm here!

Well, looks like I'm going to live.  My family and I had the flu for almost two weeks! The doctor confirmed it was not of the oinking variety, but it was definitely one of the worst bouts of illness I've ever had.  I think we all lost about 5 lbs.  The worst was going out in public and trying to cough up a lung while paying for soup or something.  I felt sorry for the clerks at Kroger!  You know they didn't want to even touch my money! 

As of today, I'm about caught up with the Oxford Impressions business I had to put on hold. Now I need to catch up on emails and web updates, so if I owe you a note or post, please bear with me.

Now, something arty.  My artist friends and I are going to have a "metal" play date and I bought some toys with which to experiment.  In addition to copper mesh, I ordered some liver of sulphur.  I've always admired the colors one can achieve from oxidizing copper and thought I'd give it a go.  I just read the package, however, and it seems like death in a jar!  I'd appreciate any tips you can give me. I'm going to have to work up some courage before cracking it open!

Suzanne