Three Blue Penguins

Mother's Day weekend

2009-05-14T03:32:00.000-07:00

Mom and me at The Rocky Point Restaurant, Big Sur, for a family Mother's Day brunch.

Dad examining some of my recent art cards.

ACEO/ATC Collection

2009-05-14T03:02:00.001-07:00

ACEOs (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) or ATCs (Artist Trading Card) are mini works of art, which measure exactly 2.5" x 3.5", the size of a baseball card. Trading and purchasing them is a marvelous and inexpensive way to begin or build a collection of original art.

In the past few months of attending Artist Trading Card workshops and swaps, supplemented by several online purchases, I have acquired 41 art cards. Here's a sampling of my collection:

Etsy

2009-05-03T15:42:00.000-07:00

I recently learned about etsy.com, "Your place to buy & sell all things handmade." It's like eBay for art.

So, I'm giving it a shot. I've opened a shop on Etsy called Margot Gallery. It's named after my maternal grandmother, Margot Bulkley, a woman who greatly appreciated art in its various forms. I have always wanted to open an actual gallery in her name, which would primarily promote the work of women artists. But for now I'm satisfied with opening a virtual gallery, promoting my own art. It's a start.

I invite you to visit Margot Gallery here.

shrinky dinks

2009-04-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

The facilitator of an Artist Trading Card workshop I recently attended, (re)introduced me to the wonderful world of Shrinky Dinks, the plastic material you cut, color, then bake, shrinking it to a fraction of its original size. I've since purchased my own kit and have experimented with grids, stained glass patterns, and other designs. I've yet to fully explore this new medium.

Here are some examples of some of my Shrinky Dink pieces, mounted on trading cards (which are 2.5" x 3.5", to give you an idea of the scale):

a day with the in-laws

2009-04-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

We received a last-minute visit from Alex's parents yesterday and we all truly enjoyed the weather and each others' company. We chit chatted at the house, particularly enjoying the the newly be-flowered back patio. Later we had a lovely time gathering rocks and shells at the beach next to the Bacara Resort. We topped of the afternoon with an excellent late lunch at Fresco Cafe, which included the yummiest cheesecake and chocolate-banana tart. All-in-all, it was a great day, and I must say that it's incredibly nice to really enjoy one's in-laws.

photo tour

2009-04-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

Our home is now officially on MLS. Hooray!
To see a professional photo tour of the house, click here.

the quilt

2009-04-12T23:55:00.000-07:00

This is the gorgeous quilt my mother-in-law bestowed upon me today, during our Easter visit. She informs me that it was begun about 40 years ago and that it is a patchwork of fabric from Alex's and his sister's childhood clothes. I LOVE IT! The colors are vibrant, the fabric is funky, and the overall effect is eclectic and cheerful. It significantly brightens our guest room/office.

Kitter certainly finds it cozy:

paper design

2009-04-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I spent the entire day at a paper design workshop led by my collage instructor. For nearly 7 hours, we made our own paper, by taking ordinary items -- paper towels, napkins, doilies, coffee filters, butcher paper, pattern paper, book pages, and sheet music -- and adding paint, gesso, and ink by using stamps, stencils, sponges, and brushes. The results were astonishing! And I now have a nearly endless supply of paper. Not that I didn't already. But this recent cache is entirely original and was handmade by me. Below are some examples of what I produced.

2009 Art Cards I

2009-03-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

At the end of 2008 I created literally dozens of small format collages, each measuring the size of a postcard or smaller. Once I realized that I work best on a small scale, I was hooked. And then I discovered Artist Trading Cards (ATC), also known as Art Card Editions and Originals (ACEO), which are exactly 2.5" x 3.5", the size of a baseball card. Whereas ATCs are meant to be traded among artists, ACEOs can be bought and sold. The format is the same, so really it's just a technicality. Historically, though, ATCs came before ACEOs and I've found some artists are a bit touchy about the recent trend to sell art cards, claiming that art cards are never meant to be sold, only traded. I'm interested in both.

Luckily, I've found two local groups of artists who meet monthly to exchange art cards. In one of the groups, we both make and trade cards at our meeting. It's very stimulating to participate in these art card workshops, as I am challenged to make better art, and I learn from observing other artists at work.

Additionally, I have listed a number of my ACEOs on eBay, with very limited success; I've sold one collage so far. But I'll keep a few posted for awhile and see what happens.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Since embracing the 2.5" x 3.5" format I've produced upwards of 50 collages. Naturally, some are better than others, though I'd like to think that I'm improving as an artist in general. Below is a selection of my more recent art card collages. Feedback always welcome.

back yard beautification

2009-03-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

We placed our house on the market last August and were represented by an agency for six months. We decided not to renew our contract as we weren't entirely satisfied with the agent. In short, we were tired of doing all the work ourselves. And, in the six month's time, we never received a single offer. Granted, the market and the season were not on our side. Nevertheless, we decided to give another Realtor a try. This time, we are working with the agent who represented Alex when he bought this house in 2001. Having worked with her previously, he knew that she would be aggressive and proactive, two very desirable traits in a real estate agent.

In preparation for putting the house on the market again, we put a lot of effort into tidying up and primping the yard. The front yard facelift is detailed on an earlier post. Below are some before and after shots of the back yard.

Here is one view of the back yard as it appeared last summer:

The same view, today:

Again, a perspective of the area about seven or eight months ago:

And now, it's pretty and tidy and inviting:

Oh, and yes, that was a truckload (almost literally) of marigolds that we planted. They certainly are cheerful, though.

front yard facelift

2009-03-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

Four days ago, the front of our house looked like this:

Notice, above, the cypress on the right as well as the round pavers between the trees, all of which are now gone, and quite happily so. The new facade is much more open and inviting:

We started by cutting down the tree:

The hardest work was removing the stump, but we accomplished it in a matter of hours:

Finally, we hauled it all off to the dump:

With the tree gone (and the pavers donated), we spruced up the front steps by adding a flower box and consolidating my succulent collection:

We now have a more welcoming, cozy exterior and are ready to be back on the market. And, in fact, our Realtor's sign just went up this afternoon!

Coming soon: backyard beautification

work in progress

2009-01-29T09:28:00.000-08:00

the artist in her studio (hee hee)

collage clearance

2009-01-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you to my friends and family members who have so kindly supported me by purchasing my art over the past month. Your patronage has greatly affirmed my artistic pursuits and has encouraged me to continue exploring my creativity. I am so appreciative.

Unbelievably, I have sold nearly 100 collages to date! But worry not, there are more...

If interested in purchasing a collage listed below, please email me at lighten-up@cox.net and be sure to include the title(s) of the piece(s) as well as your mailing address, if shipping is required. (For pieces that are to be shipped, a $3.00 S & H charge will be added to the price.)

Thanks for browsing!

Mini 49, 4 1/4" x 6 1/4"
$5

Mini 48, 5" x 7" (framed)
$10

Mini 50, 4" x 6"
$5

Mini 51, 4 1/4" x 6 1/4"
$5

Mini 52, 2" x 3"
$5

Mini 53, 2" x 3"
$5

Untitled 6B, 5 1/8" x 3 5/8"
$10

Mini 44, 2 1/4" x 3 1/4"
$5

Mini 43, 2 1/4" x 3 1/4"
$5

Mini 42, 2 1/4" x 3 1/4"
$5

Mini 41, 2 1/4" x 3 1/4"
$5

Mini 38, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
$5

Mini 34, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
$5

Mini 31, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
$5

Mini 30, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
$5

Mini 29, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
$5

Mini 21, 2" x 3"
$5

Mini 27, 3 3/4" x 3 1/2"
$10

Mini 26, 3 1/2" x 3 3/4"
$10

Mini 23, 5 3/4" x 4"
$10

Mini 18, 2" x 3"
$5

Mini 11, 2" x 3"
$5

Mini 6, 2" x 3"
$5

Mini 5, 2" x 3"
$5

Mini 3, 2" x 3"
$5

. . .

holiday collage sale

2008-12-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

PLEASE SEE MY JANUARY 6 POSTING FOR THE CURRENT LIST OF AVAILABLE ARTWORK.

With a little encouragement from loved ones, I've decided to offer up for sale a large number of my collages. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to send them out into the world, where they will be enjoyed by others, rather than have them continue to pile up and gather dust on my shelves.

So, I list them, below, with details about their dimensions, materials, and price. (Note that all collages are unframed.)

As of today, Dec. 15, I've reduced the prices by at least 50%.
All pieces are $10!

If interested in purchasing a collage, please email me at lighten-up@cox.net and be sure to include the title(s) of the piece(s) as well as your mailing address, if shipping is required. (For pieces that are to be shipped, a $3.00 S & H charge will be added to the price.)

Thank you for looking!
And feel free to spread the word.

. . . .

Untitled #1 , 2008; paper, string, metal; 7.5" x 5"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #17, 2008; paper, fabric, ribbon; 11" x 8"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #16, 2008; paper, foil, plastic, lace, on mat board; 9" x 7.5"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #15, 2008; paper, coffee filters, dryer sheets on mat board; 7.5" x 10"
$10

Untitled #4A, 2008; paper on cardboard; 9" x 7"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #4B, 2008; paper; 3.75" x 5"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #9, 2008; paper, foil, fabric, ribbon; 5.75" x 4.5"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #5A, 2008; paper and map; 9.75" x 7.75"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #5B, 2008; paper on canvas panel; 4" x 6"
$10

Untitled #11; paper, ribbon, stamp on mat board; 4.5" x 6.5"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #6B, 2008; paper on mat board; 5" x 3 1/2"
$10

Untitled #7, 2008; paper, lace, dryer sheet, foil, doilies; 5" x 5.75"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #20, 2008; paper, fabric, foil; 11" x 7.5"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #13, 2008; paper, doilies, foil, buttons, thread; 7.5" x 6"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #2, 2008; paper; 4" x 6"
$10

Untitled #3A, 2008; paper, fabric, bead, on canvas; 8" x 10"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #3B, 2008; paper, fabric, button; 3 1/2" x 5"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #21, 2008; paper, fabric, foil, stamps, beads, on canvas; 10" x 8"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #18, 2008; paper, bead, foil, paint, on foam board; 9.5" x 7.75"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #23A, 2008; paper, fabric, plastic; 11" x 11"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #25, 2008; paper, shell, buttons, mirror, tassel, on mat board; 8" x 7.75"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #26, 2008; paper, ribbon, glass, wallpaper, on canvas board; 9" x 12"
$10 - SOLD

Untitled #27, 2008; paper, fabric, foil, stamps, on canvas board; 14" x 11"
$10 - SOLD

. . .

COMING SOON: miniature collages

collages, large and small

2008-11-09T19:27:00.000-08:00

My most recent collage assignment was to create pairs of related collages, first by making a somewhat large piece, then by designing a smaller one based on a portion of the original. Once I broke through my week-long artist's block (which was no minor feat, by the way), I produced no less than six pairs! Here they are:

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

feedback always welcome

Today, I am proud to be an American

2008-11-05T16:30:00.000-08:00

(But ashamed to be a Californian)

October Vacation: The Gateway

2008-10-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a delightfully queer wedding this month [Vote NO on 8!], we had reason to undertake a week-long journey to multiple points north: Yosemite, Graeagle, and Sacramento. Here's how it breaks down:

October Vacation, Part I: The Points

2008-10-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

Our first destination on our multi-stage journey was Yosemite, where the brides chose to wed. It was, undoubtedly, an ideal matrimonial location. Unbelievably, it was also a place Alex had never visited. So it was especially powerful being there with him as he experienced Yosemite for the first time.

Inspiration Point
Thursday, October 2, 2008

Alex's first view of Yosemite. (not bad, eh?)

El Capitan.

Alex, viewing pretty things.

The first of many variations on this photo; same pose, different background.

. . .

Glacier Point
Friday, October 3, 2008

The day after our arrival, we drove up to Glacier Point with Cate, Deborah, and their families. As always, it is one of the best vantage points for viewing the Valley.

Half Dome. I slept there.
Okay, so I was 17, but still, I've slept on Half Dome!

The Ahwahnee, where Cate & Deborah were married, as seen from Glacier Point.

See what I was talking about? Same pose, different props.

The brides, the day before the big day. Nice backdrop.

October Vacation, Part II: The Wedding

2008-10-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Cate & Deborah's Wedding
Saturday, October 4, 2008

The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite, CA.

The setting, under the eaves of the Ahwahnee, on a rainy morning. It was perfect.

The kiss!

The beautiful brides, glowing at their reception.

My little dreamer...

The couple on one of the stops on the tour which they had arranged for all their guests, following the reception.

The rain blessed us with some waterfalls that day. I think that's Bridalveil Falls in the background. Apropos.

The other newlyweds.

October Vacation, Part III: Bicycling & Tioga Pass

2008-10-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

Bicycling in Yosemite
Sunday, October 5, 2008

One of my favorite things to do in Yosemite is to rent bikes and tour the valley floor. It's a marvelous way to get around and see Yosemite from many perspectives.

I'm clearly enjoying myself.

Looking pensive, on a snack break.

We came close to many kinds of wildlife, including this mule deer.

us again.

Half Dome with a halo.

. . .

Tioga Pass
Monday, October 6, 2008

We left Yosemite on Monday, heading toward Graeagle, by way of Tioga Pass. Long and windy, but gorgeous.

Alex is getting good at taking our picture.

me.

A random couple offered to take our picture by this pretty lake along Tioga Pass.

Victory!

(and, yes, that is snow)

October Vacation, Part IV: Graeagle & Sacramento

2008-10-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

And now for the final, and much-awaited, installment of the No-Cal vacation chronicles, sparsely annotated for your benefit...

Graeagle
October 6-8, 2008

Mom, Chris, and Alex living well, laughing often, and loving much.

Jamie and Chris at the Railway Museum in Portola, CA.

Jamie, Zosie, and Pumpkin.

. . .

Sacramento
Thursday, October 9, 2008

Having a ball with little Kate and her mommy, Mary.

Playing silly games, laughing hysterically.

. . .

Ahhh... it was a whirlwind week, but well worth it!

Next destination (other than CO)?
Animal Kingdom Lodge, Walt Disney World, FL.
I think.

it's in the mail

2008-10-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

I sent off my vote-by-mail ballot this morning.
I said "GO O!" and "NAY 8!"
Fingers are crossed.

more results

2008-10-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

It is definitely true for me that art-making can be very therapeutic. I often find myself in a semi-meditative space when making collages; a welcome antidote to the daily stress of being in complete limbo, geographically. When I'm working on a collage, I'm in another realm, a place where the "monkey mind" is not so active. No wonder I'm so infatuated with it.

* * *

This past week we explored the art of an early 20th Century artist, Frantisek Kupka. We used his art as a point of departure for our own work, concentrating on his use of abstraction, line, and color.

One of the pieces I created, which is less than the size of an index card, is a study in circles and arcs, using bright, rainbow-like colors:

It was largely influenced by this painting by Kupka:

And another Kupka-inspired collage...

loosely based on this work by him:

* * *

Early in the term, our instructor found a cache of unfinished collages left behind by former students. I "finished" the one below by contributing the "WATER" card, the red and blue triangles, and the line of black thread.

This is another collage from early in the term. I especially like the string of beads, which I sewed on top of the gold Almond Roca wrappers in the lower right quadrant:

This piece, which turned out, unintentionally, to look much like a landscape, utilizes some interesting materials: masking tape, eucalyptus leaf and bark, sheet music, coffee-stained doilies, origami paper, commercial paper, and book pages:

This is one of my most recent collages, which includes tea bags (background), coffee filters, magazine images, dryer sheets, and commercial papers. It's one of my favorites:

lost?

2008-10-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

results

2008-10-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

I've been very productive in my collage class. And loving every minute of it, even when horribly frustrated by lack of inspiration, troubling design issues, and the realization that I'm a complete novice.

Some pieces that are moderately "successful":

And two of my current favorites:

more to come...