studiosuzanne

Recharging the Soul

Creative slumps are the worst.  Creating art is always uplifting to me, so why is it that when I need it the most, it doesn't come naturally?  If I am not happy, there is just no point in going to the table. I can't force it. If the slump is extended however, I start taking art classes.

It doesn't matter the subject, if I commit the time and money my body will be there.  With a class, I don't have to do all the work. I show up. There is a set project, a set schedule.  There is someone able to direct my efforts and give suggestions and encouragement. Most of the time inspiration will strike. Usually it will come in the form of rebellion.  

I never want to do a project exactly as directed. I want to make it "mine".  I try to take the experience and push the limits. I want to experiment. What exactly can I do to the project to bring it one step from the brink of failure? (Sometimes I don't recognize that line until I've crossed it!)

Today, I was stretching. I attended an encaustic workshop with a dozen local artists. Painting is not my strong suit and the majority of the other students had impressive art backgrounds. I am used to being one of the more experienced participants in a group, but I was totally out-gunned. Those talented women were turning out painterly masterpieces - I went out into the parking lot and picked up trash. Collage is my comfort zone and so I fell back to what makes me happy.  And I was happy, all day long.  I came home with new skills and a renewed interest that I hope will carry over into my own studio play. My encaustic collage is above.

Suzanne

Debrina Pratt Original for Sale

 

Hi all!  Remember I pledged to do better about cluttering up my studio?  I said that if I brought something in, something had to go out.  This is MUCH harder than I thought!  I love all my stuff or I wouldn't have dragged it home in the first place! Since I bought my cool new Dog mixed media piece from Dean Russo,(see post from Dec.), I thought I should let go of a piece of art. I have a couple of Debrina Pratt's little fairy creations so I though I could pare down with the least amount of trauma by letting go of one. This little jewel is only about 6 inches tall and is free standing. (Yes, it is much smaller than my dog painting, but I'm still counting it!)

Debrina Pratt DollHouse listing on Ebay.

Suzanne

Original Art

I am a collector of contemporary art.  I started buying original pieces only about 3 years ago, but I will most likely continue for the rest of my life. There is something undefinably special about an original piece of art.  A bond is forged between the art and its creator. The creative spirit exists somehow bound into the raw materials.  One can almost feel it when holding or viewing the work.  The piece "speaks" to you. That, to me, is art.  It doesn't matter if the work is a photograph, a mixed media piece, or painting. It speaks - it's art. That awareness, that feeling of connectedness, is what makes me want to take certain pieces home to experience again and again. 

My personal collection is eclectic.  I am attracted to many different types and styles of art.  The piece I am sharing today is quite whimsical and it makes me smile every time I look at it.  I bought "Cookie Girl" at a street art festival last summer. The striking color combinations captured my attention first.  The lush, red, feminine lips and the mysterious hooded eyes drew me across the street to the booth of artist Emily Allison. I was intrigued by the composition of wood, metal, and paper. The eyes are bottle caps and the clothing a beautiful collage of vintage cookie tins!  The chocolate chip recipe collaged to the distressed, painted background cinched the deal. I love everything about this piece.  I love the colors, the composition, the materials, the subject matter, everything!  Cookie Girl "spoke" to me and now she lives in my studio. You can see more of Emily Allison's art on her website gallery . 

Optical Lens necklace

Make time for art!  That is often hard to do.  Today I had to squeeze that time out of a full schedule. Oxford Impressions just released a new collage sheet, Halloween inchie circles , so I made some fun bottle cap samples to show how they can be used. The collage sheet has primarily cutesy vintage images, but look closely and you'll see I squeezed in a small selection of dark elements. Edgar Allan Poe and Vlad the Impaler (the original Dracula) share space with a raven, a skull and a creepy spider.  Poe seems to go well with my recent interest in steampunk, and I created this necklace for the Halloween season.  I really like the way it turned out!  I have been experimenting with the glue/paper/glass equation and I'm still not sure about what type of glue works best with paper and glass.  I'd love to hear any recommendations, so post a comment and let me know what you think.

Junque?

If I am asked what I enjoy doing the most, antique shopping is always near the top of the list. However, the term "antiquing" is not quite right.  I really do not like antique stores - I like junk shops. I don't want aisles of pretty, polished furniture or delicate glassware.  I want the old paper lining that came out of the drawers of that old dresser, the rusted drawer pulls. I want the broken lamp parts - you know, the stuff the store owner most likely threw away.  Finding the stash is only half the battle -the stuff I want is never priced.

The lack of a price tag can be a good thing, or a bad one.  I like to take my time considering the value and potential of each item, but that is often not possible when approaching a store owner with a fist full of odd bits.  The savvy store owner will do a subtle, personal inventory.  The accessing glance slides smoothly from the actual items to your hands.  Any jewelry? Any calluses? Is there a manicure evident? The sharp look will take in your purse and shoes as the seller quickly accesses your desire and ability to pay.  It doesn't seem fair, but it is good business.  I am not a haggler, but I do understand the game and work the rules in my favor.  I leave the house wearing my worst jeans and sneakers. I choose my most worn out purse with a long comfortable strap. Jewelry is definitely not allowed!

Today I found myself in the Cooper-Young district of Memphis where antique and junk stores intermingle, serving both the artistically inclined and the sophisticated collector. I had a short time to play, so I went to the most run down shop on the strip.  Scarred and broken tables were stacked outside along the sidewalk.  A recent rain had not prompted any act of protection and water pooled on the uneven surfaces. This was definitely the place to find rusty stuff! I dug through chipped plastic sand pails and moldy crumbling boxes, selecting the most interesting bits of metal from around the shop.  When I dumped my little heap at the register, the store owner gave me a grin.  "You're an artist." he pronounced.  "I'm right, aren't I"?  I looked sheepish and gave a little shrug. "Well, I try to be."  He looked over the pile of elegant drawer pulls and tarnished crystals and quoted me a great price.  His fellow clerk looked astounded.  He snatched up one of the crystals and held it to the light. "Are you kidding me?!" he demanded. "This is great stuff!"  The store owner snorted, "Buddy, she's an artist.  She's gotta be broke!" I guess it pays to leave a little paint under your fingernails.

Art Play

 

My good friend Shelly Hickox came over today for some art play.  Shelly is a wonderful artist and I love to see how she combines dissimilar objects and styles to make a cohesive work of art.  She recently introduced me to Steampunk - a quirky melding of vintage elements with futuristic undertones.  Think tattered petticoats paired with black leather.  Steampunk art is often dark and commonly includes metal objects. My extensive collection of objects and ephemera yielded quite a number of potential steampunk elements for our amusement.  Visit Oxford Impressions to see our steampunk inspired projects.