studiosuzanne

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