"One Little Life"

"One Little Life"●
A few months ago, I was one of 18 artists invited to participate in a self-portrait show. Each artist was given a 20"x20" white frame to work within, in any media.  We were told we could use the frame "in any way you want" "as a box, or as a frame." We could "dismantle it or break it or use small parts of it." We could " enlarge it or compartmentalize it" we could "jump out of it" or "use it as a stand for a bronze statue . . ."  see where I'm going with this?
   The only criteria was that it needed to be a self portrait. YIKES! Since I had never done a self portrait piece, I felt quite challenged.  I don't paint, I don't draw, and I clearly am not a photographer. So after weeks of 'sleepless' nights and days of hand-wringing, I decided to just let myself do what I do . . . and this is what I came up with.
   The show has been up for only 2 weeks. I had decided I was not going to put a price on the piece since it contains various pictures of ME so I indicated NFS on the tag . . . but today, the gallery called to say a couple wanted to know if I would consider selling the piece . . . .  
   Ah, what to do? What to do?  I was thrilled, and of course said yes.  I do hope the folks that bought the piece enjoy having it as much as I enjoyed making it. (click on the image to enlarge)

"Mr. Lucky"

"Mr. Lucky" the bobble-head dog appears to be discussing the finer points of his religious convictions with his pal Pablo, who is standing on one-half of the new Testament (Roman Catholic Version), as La Virgen de Guadalupe looks on. On the back side, is an image of a Roman statue and a 45 vinyl record bearing Mary Ann Morgan's rendition of  'Vaya Con Dios". A vintage rosary hangs on the side, and on top is a vintage bakelite drawer pull. (click on any image to enlarge)

"House of Spirits"

"House of Spirits"
A brightly painted blue box incorporates religious imagery from several continents. I do not consider myself particularly 'religious', but the images associated with religion, more specifically the christian religions, are powerful, and always bring on overwhelming feelings left over from childhood experiences. Visit any church in any country, and the "spirits" can be felt or seen or perceived no matter what your own inclinations may be.
On the back is a black and white image depicting a church in the background, embellished with a hand made and welded 'spoon-handle' cross, and finished with a vintage brass Jesus.  Inside and behind glass is a colorful wooden egg, a miniature wooden harp, and a small flower vase.  2 colorful fish hang from the ceiling.  Wooden blocks for feet, and an amber glass drawer pull on top.  A brass bell hangs on the side. (click on any image to enlarge)

"My World Revolves"

"My World Revolves . . . "●
A sweet old candle lantern flea market find has been converted to a glass enclosed box (of sorts . . . ), a mirror on the bottom, reflects it all for the world to see.  A globe hangs in the center, and revolves. Sweet!