"Memories and Treasures"

"Memories and Treasures"●

"Memories are a way of holding on to the things you love, 

the things you are, the things you never want to loose." 

                                                              Kevin Arnold

A dear friend, Tracy, commissioned a memory mirror a couple of months ago. She gave me very few 'specifics' about what she wanted, so I had to work on instinct. I know she loves purple, and I knew it was going to be a larger format than what I've done before, and I knew it had to be bold.
I could not wait to get started. I have known Tracy for many years, and I wanted the piece to contain memories and treasures that would amuse and bemuse, I wanted the piece to be happy, and I wanted it to be fun.
The piece includes hundreds of bits of this and that. Some of the bits are pieces that have a strong personal meaning to Tracy. Many of things incorporated onto the piece are found objects that came together just because they looked good. Some of the objects are mere fun and full of whimsy, while others still, are curious and interesting.
(Tracy tells me each time she looks at it, she sees something new she had not seen before.) I hope it brings her many years of enjoyment.
What is really amazing about 'memory mirrors' is that the experience is different for each person who views it.  The piece is meant to engage and involve each viewer, and allow them to reflect and remember. As each person looks at the piece something will catch their eye, that will appeal to their sense of humor, and hopefully stir up their own fond memories.
Wood framed mirror with shelf. (17"x24"x4"). Covered in several layers of art tissues, with a final layer of McCall's pattern tissue, and embellished with silvery-blingy bits, crystals, a rusted metal lid, jacks, magnets, bottle caps, glass beads, and many, many other things.
Very difficult to photograph. . . .

"Time Was On His Side"

 

 

"Time Was On His Side"
This assemblage began with the image of the handsome young man inside the clock box, whose identity I do not know . . . I found the photo tossed inside a large bin along with hundreds of other vintage photographs. When I was looking through the pile of images, this one literally jumped out at me. His fresh face seemed so full of promise, his eyes so full of hope, his future so bright. I wondered what became of him? Did he live a life fulfilled? Did he achieve great success? Was he generous and kind? Did his grandchildren look up to him? Or did he loose his way somehow?

Vintage wooden clock case contains an acrylic skin of the young man's image over a background of sheet music, and the original Baby Ben clock face. A tiny metal Model T in the forefront. The outside of the clock box is embellished with a single strand of glass beads holding a silver key on the end. A metal leaf from an Italian wall sconce, and a small brass spinning wheel add interest. 

"Music Level"

"Music Level"
 A couple of weeks ago I posted the first of 5 new pieces I recently completed for a new show at The Sebastopol Gallery which is where I show my work on an ongoing basis as a Member Artist.
You may recall, that I got my inspiration for these 5 pieces from Dayna Collins' series of works she called "Curious Elements". If you missed it, do go over to "Art Alley Studio" ,  where you can see all 120 of her creations or just click here you can see a good sampling.

This is my #2 piece :  titled "Music Level", and it came together easily, gracefully and decisively. It was as if these 2 disparate, unrelated items, probably from the same time period (40's-50's), found each other after many years apart.

The level, was from my father's tool shed, from many years ago. The clock chime bar is from the inside of a mantle clock, also from the 40's. When you run your fingers across the 5 rod chime bar, you will hear the wonderful chime sounds.

Although each of these items lived a full and productive life when they were new, their original usefulness eventually ended. Now both have found a new and beautiful career as a piece of art.  Carpenter's level and 5 rod chime bar, ready to hang.

"Time Watch"

"Time Watch" ●
A few months ago, I was 'overly' inspired when I saw Dayna Collin's "Art Alley Studio" series or works she called "Curious Elements",  you can see all 120 of them if you go to her blog and search under "Curious Elements" but here you can see a good sampling.
I have to say, I was 'taken' by the entire series, and I knew I had to try my hand at it. . . . They say "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery . . ." I prefer to think of it as 'pure inspiration ". . . although I cannot say my pieces are anywhere close to the quality of her work, (her's are truly amazing) I wanted to take a stab at it, and this is the first of my five.
Please do take a look at her work, here is another post, all of it is amazing, and I am hooked. I will post the rest of them over the next few days/weeks.

"Time Watch" is a small (2"x2") box containing a convex mirror and clock gears. . .  simple, yet elegant.

"Words Escape Me"

"Words Escape Me" ●
I love to make assemblage works.  If you follow my work, you know that I often incorporate collage in to my work. I rarely use paint, because I have found that paper creates texture and depth, in a way that paint cannot.

On long road trips, I will bring along a couple of grocery bag fulls of old magazines, and use the hours in the car as a passenger to comb through the magazines and cut out images and words that catch my eye. I save these in folders marked "birds", 'faces", 'religion', and 'words' among many others.

Eventually, many of these images and words will be used in my work.  This piece came together as a result of a bulging "words" folder in my studio.

I love words. I love the different fonts and fanciful styles of words. I am thrilled when a few words can tell a complete story.(i.e., "The Little Brown Saint" or "Because The Sky is Always Falling").

This piece represents words in in our heads. 

What we think . . . What we say . . . What we wish . . . What we understand . . .

To use  these words in a 3-D collage, demonstrates the beauty and versatility of collage as a medium. Collage can bring together my found disparate words, and by arranging the papers in no particular order, will create a whole new conversation.  The process of collage is meditative and personal for me. Now I can touch the words and think about them, and have them near.  In a larger sense I am able to bring order to my love of words.
A foam head form covered in layers of words and tissue, a Japanese text book about the Jewish religion, sit atop a wooden revolving spice rack base, also covered in Japanese text. A vintage thermometer in the eye finishes the piece.

"Moon Rabbit"

"Moon Rabbit" ●
The Moon Rabbit in legend, is a rabbit that lives on the moon. Based on pareidolia that identifies markings of the moon that resemble a rabbit.

The story exists in many cultures, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese and more interestingly it also exists in Aztec mythology

But my favorite is the legend from the Native American, Cree Nation. This legend tells about a young rabbit who wished to ride the moon. Only the crane was willing to take him. The trip stretched Crane's legs as the heavy rabbit held them tightly, leaving them elongated as crane's legs are now. When they reached the moon Rabbit touched Crane's head with a bleeding paw, leaving the red mark cranes wear to this day. According to this legend, Rabbit still rides the moon to this day.

A small wooden clock box is gold-stained on the outside, and holds a fanciful china rabbit inside. I replaced the back of the clock box with a vintage glass pane that has a silhouette of a tree painted on it, allowing the viewer to see straight through the box. A small wind-chime is attached to the side of the box adding whimsy. You can see a sterling silver moon in the upper right hand corner of the back glass. A vintage wooden drawer pull finishes the piece. 8" x 6" x 3"

"All That Remains"

"All That Remains"
Several months ago, I came across a vintage printer's tray type case drawer. In its original condition, the oak drawer measured 32"x16", containing over 90 compartments!

To make it more manageable, I cut it into three equal parts. It worked great, but still, this one has 35 compartments!

The back is covered with a map of the United States followed with a layer of pattern tissue to mute the colors of the map (love the lines). Next I began to fill the tiny compartments . . . each one contains bits and pieces of this and that, each one tells an entire story on its own.

If you would like to see the details of each compartment, click on the image to enlarge.  See if you can find: the little green monkey, the '72 toy Volkswagen, the 3 tiny brass Buddhas, the 3-minute egg timer, and the Queen of Hearts.

To finish the shadow box, I added a vintage brass drawer pull, and glass cover. The pieces is ready to hang on the wall or sit on a stand.

"First Kiss"

"First Kiss" ●
A dear friend from Chicago came to visit last month. She had made special arrangements for us to attend a private wine tasting at Smith-Madrone, a winery in Napa. The tasting took place in the small but efficient, and authentically dusty wine cellar, where we were entertained and charmed by Charles Smith, the owner-winemaker. He shared with us many interesting stories of his 40 years of making wine in this beautiful vineyard/winery setting. 

Looking around the cellar, there were many things that caught my eye, and Charles generously shared their history with us. One item that was of great interest to me was a funky black board, the kind you might see at an old neighborhood tavern, with the following quote written on it, in chalk:

"We are all mortal, until the first kiss and the second glass of wine."

Eduardo Galeano

I am always on the lookout for quotes I can use in my scrabble art pieces.  

Needless to say, this is one is my new favorites.  

A small cabinet door found at my local Habitat for Humanity Re-Store, is collaged in layers of colorful tissue and over-layered with sewing pattern tissue. Scrabble tiles spell out the quote, and 2 butterflies finish the piece.  Ready to hang.  14" x 5"
(click on image to enlarge)

"Reflections In Time"

"Reflections In Time"●

A new memory mirror finally emerges from the depths of my studio. . . . 

This small vintage mirror, probably from the 30s was a bit beat-up when I found it at the flea market, but I loved the thickness of the mirror glass, I loved the overall sturdiness of the frame itself and the thickness of the wood.  The piece charmed me, in that it could either hang on a wall or sit on a table or dresser.

I first covered the frame in my favorite spring green tissue papers and then did an overlay of sewing pattern tissues. Then I embellished with 'bits' and 'bling' in brass and gold tones. Hard to photograph all the details, but there are many sweet, interesting and wonder-filled objects collected as souvenirs of events or experiences familiar to us all. 

There are vintage buttons, political pins, bottle caps, religious metals, a tiny toy metal airplane, a watch face and a #3 house number.

Don't miss the little red rhinestone shoe sitting on the shelf next to the #10 gym locker number.

You'll see a wand with a cut crystal topper piercing through the upper left of the frame. On the very top, I attached a part of vintage brass cork screw with a brass screw that allows it to swivel back and forth and doubles as a nice handle.

The dimensions are 7.5"x10" with a 4" shelf.  The piece is ready to hang on a special wall, or happily sit on a table or dresser top.

"Memories and Reflections"

"Memories and Reflections" ●
   A couple of months ago, I was invited to work with 5th grade students at Oak Grove Elementary School in Santa Rosa to create an art piece that would be auctioned off at the school's Annual Gala Auction and Dinner / Dance Fundraiser   I have to admit I was honored to be asked, and excited and nervous at the same time.  5th Graders! YIKES!
   The school's Arts Program Director had seen my work by way of this blog and loved the idea of re-using materials that would normally be destined for the landfill. She wanted to hear my ideas on what project we could do with the 5th grade class, who would be graduating from elementary school to middle school soon.  I thought the idea of making a 'memory mirror' would be perfect!  We would ask the students to bring in 4-5 small 'silvery' things, from bells to bling . . . to use on the project.
   She loved the idea, and we set a date for the art project. Soon I was off in search of the perfect mirror. The next weekend, I found it at the flea market. I made a list of items the students might want to bring, and I sent it in.
   Next I prepared the mirror, by covering the frame in several layers of colored tissue. For the top layer, I used vintage sewing pattern tissue.
   On the day of the project, the students were sent in in small groups with their 'silvery' things. After a brief discussion about the project, they each came up and told me where on the frame they wanted their item(s) placed, and I attached each item, using tiny nails, screws, wire or glue, as appropriate.

   Next, the students were asked to sign their name on a piece of  pattern tissue, which would later be put on the back side of the mirror, finishing the piece

   The mirror is now finished. I am happy with the results. The whole experience was terrific!

I will deliver it to the school next week, where it will be on display for parents and students to see until the day of the auction, which will be May 12th. 

   I hope it brings in a bunch of money for the Arts Program!

   There is lots to see, these images do not do it justice. To see details you will need to enlarge the image.

"Wonder"

"Wonder"

A vintage sewing machine drawer covered in green tissues and McCall's pattern tissues houses this assemblage.  Inside are images of wonder . . . a porcelain doll's head espousing the word, a music box plays a whimsical tune, and splashes of color invite the viewer in. A concave mirror inside reflects the viewer's own sense of wonder. On top a vintage drawer pull, a red tassel and a brass bell add interest. 

"The Edge"

"The Edge" (again) ●
A few weeks ago I posted a piece with the same quote by Guillaume Apollinaire a poet, playwright, short story writer and novelist

"Come to the edge he said. 

They said, we are afraid. 

Come to the edge he said. 

They came. 

He pushed them, and they flew."

It sold the same day I hung it in the gallery, so I thought I would make another one, a little bit different than the first.  This one is also spelled out in scrabble tiles, but it is bordered in vintage yard sticks, and embellished with a brass bell and a sweet wooden green parrot, also vintage.

"More Alligators"

 

"More Alligators" ●
This is an analogy, often stated in business, about how unintended consequences can assume greater importance than the activity originally undertaken.
The entire quote reads like this:

Our mission is to analyze the situation and through foresight and 

advanced planning, avoid or circumvent problems before they arise.

Should the unexpected occur, then our aim is to swiftly and 

efficiently arrive at a workable solution, however, 

"WHEN YOU ARE UP TO YOUR ASS IN ALLIGATORS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO 

REMEMBER THAT YOUR INITIAL OBJECTIVE WAS TO DRAIN THE SWAMP." 

 (most people only remember the last part)

I have made a few of these in the past.  I love making them, and people really seem to like them.  A couple of weeks ago I made one and it was sold and out of my studio before I could even get it photographed.

I currently have 4 other works in progress on my studio table, but this one was the first of the bunch to get to the finish line. The wood frame that holds the quote spelled out in scrabble tiles, is collaged and covered in several layers of tissue, bits of text, images and sheet music. Orange chopsticks add a splash of color and a toy rubber alligator finishes the piece. Ready to sit on a desk or hang on a wall.

"Still Searching"

"Still Searching"● 

   Everyday we make choices. Everyday we move forward or we stand still or we move sideways.  How do we decide? In the end, do all paths take us to the same place? Do the decisions we make pile up on top of each other and become a disclosure of where we have been and a prophecy of where we are going? 

   What do you think?
   For this tiny (3"x3"x2") mixed media assemblage piece, a hinged glass lidded box is collaged inside and out with vintage Japanese papers, tissues, sheet music and other book and magazine images. On the outside it is embellished with a key, glass beads, a brass bell and other found objects. Inside this tiny assemblage, you can see a small naked child looking in on a far off world containing confusing images of war and peace. A hand reaching out of bullet casing and small Buddha sit side by side.
  Notice the vintage toilet seat hinges used as feet for the box.
IN PRIVATE COLLECTION    2310

Altered Alice

"Altered Alice" ●

The Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MarinMOCA) is having their Altered Book Show/Auction in Novato, California. This year’s show will run from April 21 through May 26, 150 artists from all over the Bay Area will  create an altered book to be auctioned off to benefit Marin MOCA.

The silent auction will run for five weeks and conclude with a rousing live auction closing party. While all proceeds go to the museum, it is a terrific opportunity for an artist to have their work shown at Marin MOCA and to join with other artists in helping to increase public awareness and interest in the book arts.

Once again, Donna Seager of the Seager Gray Gallery  in Mill Valley will give a talk at the opening and will also select the “top three” award winners along with some honorable mentions. All very exciting. I feel honored to be a part of it..

This is the piece I made for this show.. It is made from a vintage and very tattered copy of "Alice In Wonderland", a book that had the appearance and wear of a book that had been enjoyed by many, over many, many years.

The mannequin head is set on a ½” thick machine gear found in my 'stash' of stuff.  Both are anchored on a wooden platform, that was formally part of a lamp. The wooden platform is covered with text and acrylic skins made from illustrations taken from the book. She is adored with clock parts from a Howard Miller mantle clock that was, not long ago destined for the landfill. Gears for ears and a gear hat. The neck embellishment is the clock's main spring, it is attached in such a way that it adds a kinetic element to the piece. She is beautiful!

"Dragon Ace"

"Dragon Ace"

 I love working with vintage measuring tools. I love the inevitable paint drips and chips they acquire. I love the endurance they’ve shown, the patina they now posses. These yardsticks, rulers and skirt makers have all had a long hard-working life . . .  and now they have a new career as art.  A red-eyed Dragon named 'ACE' sits on the side, holding a golden tassel.

A wooden frame holds vintage rulers, yardsticks and skirt markers. The dragon was formally an incense burner. The tassel, has been cut down to size, was from someone's 1987 graduation mortarboard.

The Edge

"The Edge" ●

"Come to the edge he said. 

They said, we are afraid. 

Come to the edge he said. 

They came. 

He pushed them, and they flew."

This is a quote by Guillaume Apollinaire a poet, playwright, short story writer and novelist.

When I first read it, I knew I wanted to use it in my art. This is what I came up with. A simple  wall hung piece, spelling out the quote with Scrabble tiles and embellished with images of birds from an illustrated vintage bird book.

Afternoon Tea

 "Afternoon Tea" ●

   This is my most recent mirror project. Titled "Afternoon Tea" because its petite size makes me want to raise my pinky while sipping my tea. The 7"x11" framed mirror found at my favorite thrift store became the perfect foundation for this piece. The ¾" thick frame is perfect for attaching found objects using small screws and nails. I first covered the frame using vintage Mc'Call's pattern tissue over green tissue, front and back.  

   The gold-tone embellishment piece on top is one half of what, I think, used to be a fancy 'letter holder'.  Thankfully it is made of soft metal and I was able to cut it in half and attach it to the wood frame using brass screws and silicone adhesive. Other embellishments include a brass butter knife, United Airlines wings, tiny 'milagros' and many other fun, bling-thingys.   (click on any image to enlarge)

"Wonder"

 

 

"Wonder"●

  We live in Northern California near the Pacific Coast.  When I first moved here from Texas, I remember a feeling of facination with the force and movement of the ocean. Today the same facination exists. I love going to Bodega Bay after a storm, where invariably I find amazing pieces of drift

  The 'Wonder' begins when I see a beautifully finished piece of drift wood, plank or post. The inspiration for this piece started with a piece of driftwood shaped like an ocean wave. You can see it on top of the piece?

Is it the remains of a tree? or maybe it came from shipwreck? or is it a part of chair or a bed?

Where did it come from? How long has it been traveling? How did it survive the trip?

_ _ _ _ _ _

Mixed media assemblage using a vintage sewing machine drawer, a porcelain doll's head and vintage children's blocks. This piece is topped with a crystal drawer handle and driftwood found in Bodega Bay beach.

The back side is covered with an image taken from a book of 18th century paintings. This image depicts Christ and his angels above, in the center of the image is humanity, and of course, Satan and his friends in hell fill in the bottom. "Crackled glass' coasters fit perfectly inside the drawer frame, are placed on top of the image, giving it even more mystery.

IN PRIVATE COLLECTION 112109