Art & Soul 2007 - 1st Class: PLASTER

TOTALLY PLASTERED
Yes that was the name of this class and what fun it was getting plastered (couldn't resist that one!) This was my first class at the retreat and Stephanie Lee made it a wonderful experience. She is an AMAZING teacher and shared her techniques and tips so openly!! She did a few demos then told us to just go for it. Working with plaster is a bit of trial & error and experimenting on your own as some key factors figure into this medium:

1. drying times vary because of moisture levels in your studio and where you live
2. how you mix the actual plaster as it's mostly by eye measuring
3. items you're casting, as larger pieces and 2-sided sculptures require more time

Although I started the concept of this piece in class (see 3rd pic down off to the right), the final work below ended up being quite different in that I didn't use any paper images in it. I wanted a totally sculpted & painterly fresco look to this and I think I achieved it. We started by adding a plaster surface to our substrate - plywood as it seems to resist warping best. The antique key and doorknob were from a closet door at home and they were cast separately then added on. The bricks and door were molded by hand with the design drawn/etched in right on the piece and finally I went in with layers of glazing paints to create the mood.

The pics below show Stephanie (being shy so I pointed her out, hehe!) and some of the artists w/ their pieces. Most artists finished their pieces there, some wanted to finish them back in their studios. I still can't believe how everyone's work was so different and all the many pieces that were created, such beautiful and varied work and so very inspiring!

Special note: i didn't get the artists' names for these so if anyone sees their piece pictured here, I'd be happy to put your name & a link, just let me know :)

Art & Soul - Recap, Charms & Trades

Okay so this is my first official post since coming back from A&S. I will be covering the classes I took individually and posting the art that I made in each so stay tuned for that. I still don't feel like my feet have touched the ground and actually find myself still unpacking supplies and getting reorganized :)

Overall I would have to say that the retreat was a very positive experience for me - I met so many wonderfully talented & creative souls in one place - the atmosphere was quite magical and soooo inspiring!!! I only completed one (1) of my pieces there but I learned a lot of different techniques and processes, as well as which products to use for optimum results to finish them in my studio.

There was quite a mix of new and seasoned mixed media artists at this retreat which was great, but I came away from it feeling like the organizers should have in some way - either through a beginner's class or stating in class descriptions that a prerequisite was required for certain classes - addressed the issue of anyone new to this medium or mixed media retreats in general. From what I learned by talking with others, new and experienced, they expressed concern that it didn't get covered either. So.....Glenny or any of the others heading Art & Soul, if this info ever reaches you, please take note!! Actually I will most likely send in my feedback, suggestions etc. as I think this will help them make the whole retreat experience positive for everyone :)

CHARM SWAP
Someone mentioned that Old Navy had cool necklaces to put the charms on so I was thrilled (and also very lucky as this was the last one there!) and couldn't believe how well the bead colors and heart charms fit with the swap charms!

TRADES
Trading was HUGE there and I only had a handful of charms to trade but I got some really cool ones in exchange. I heard "Are you trading?" everywhere for the first couple of days at the retreat - in elevators, at the lounge, going to & at classes etc. etc.

Some of the trades below were from the following artists: Amber Coffey of Amber Art Studio (my charm swap hostess) ATC, bottom left; Mary Ford charm swap participant - ATC upper left; Sally Canzineri - "whatever" mini-book; Jill Beninato (shared a table w/her at one of my classes, she's also a very talented photographer too) - "Love Bird" ATC; Jill Die - pincushion bracelet; Brenda Bliss Delaney also in the charm swap - paper & fiber earrings. Thanks ladies!!!

I'm back!!!

mixed media collage, fabriano, 11x15

Finally home and much to share - will post pics and details as soon as I come back down to earth! :)

Illustration Fri. - "Remember" / Art & Soul Bound

5x5, hand*book journal, pitt pen, watercolors

I thought this illustration was very fitting for this week's IF topic as I get ready to leave for Art & Soul and trying to remember everything I need!

And I have to tell you, I'll need a vacation after all this packing and getting my house in order before I go - whew! I honestly think that at this point it would have been easier to just move there, then I'd only have to unpack ONCE!

Anyhow, I wanted a smallish sketchbook for this trip and love the format of this one at 5" square. Here's a peek at some things I'm taking - as I piled these last few items onto the trunk, the light and angle caught my eye, if only everything was going to stay this organized =)

I head out tomorrow (Tuesday) and hope to post pics when I get there, so stop by if you get the chance. Take care all and see you in about a week or so!!

Artwords Topic #50 - "Woman" / Charm Swap

"JUST CHARMING" CHARM SWAP

I joined a swap a few weeks ago as a way of exchanging some art for my upcoming trip to Art and Soul in Virginia as I really didn't think I'd get to making anything to bring for trading. Both the charm swap and the mixed media art retreat are a first for me as are soooo many things this year and as with everything else I've taken on so far, I'm keeping an open mind =)

The idea of making 26 charms and then getting 25 different ones in exchange intrigued me enough to just go for it and jump in! The theme for this retreat is At Home with Art and Soul and I wanted my charms to connect with that somewhat. The spark was a recent find - a Cosmetology textbook from a 1950's beauty academy containing all the essentials for a"professional beautician". The connection to home clicked for me because a woman from that era was usually a stay-at-home mom who would take regular trips to the "beauty parlor" and maybe to save some money would get together with her girfriends and give each other home perms (I can only imagine how bad some of those 'do's must have turned out!).

I loved the pen & ink illustrations in this book and each charm has an original, unique image. I also used text from the book to compose a different message or thought for each such as "know and grow", "find sunshine", "try", "be you" and "follow your heart". Each of the charming ladies was also *dressed* in a vintage pattern swatch and a light vanilla scent.