Expressive direction

A couple of weeks ago I distressed some paper to use in my figure
drawing, and I find that I'm working in a much looser and more
expressive way now.

Rebirth, work in progress

Last night I started a new leather sculpture. I wanted it to have an
organic, vaginal shape for a face to emerge from. I'm still learning
what all I can do with leather so I tried stretching some wet leather
over my manniquin head (he's called Franklin). Anyway, it's coming out
great. Everytime I do a new piece I try something new and that's the
best way to learn--by experimenting. Another thing that will be
different with this piece is that I'm planning on using shellac on it
instead of paint because the leather has a beautiful flesh color
already (duh, it is flesh). I'll be posting the finished product soon.

Peacemaker

Last night Justin and I had dinner on board the Peacemaker, a 150 foot
ship that's docked in Wilmington until early April. There are about 11
people who live on the vessel. They keep it open for tours during the
day, but keep certain parts closed off. We were able to get the full
tour last night to see it all, including a room where they keep a
wheel and kiln for making pottery, which they sell as they travel
their way across the globe..

It's 8am, get naked!

Having a little too much fun in figure drawing class this morning!

More on my nest

I wanted to say something more about this nest that I'm making. Nests
are a universally used and understood symbol that means different
things to different people...and different things to people at
different times of their lives. Wprds like home, shelter, protection,
womb, nurture, fragility, all come to mind. The circular shape in
itself represents so much too, like wholeness, spirituality, etc.
So for me, this piece is a response to the issue of infertility. I'm
planning on taking casts of my arms and of my husbands arms to serve
as the base of the piece. I'll be giving the nest the same treatment I
did in another piece I did referencing a spiritual source. I covered
it with wax and then painted it to look like it was cast bronze. Doing
this same treatment to the nest will give it a sense of heaviness,
which alludes to the weighty subject matter. It will be balanced upon
our hands which represents handling the subject delicately.
Now, I'd like to open up a dialogue about this work in progress. Id
love to hear any and all responses from people who are experiencing
infertility issues, or is there anyone who has a home that is empty
after kids have grown and left, is there any feedback on the form of
the sculpture itself? These responses will eventually become part of
this piece because I'll embed them into the structure (which will be
painted over, so don't hold back).
I can't wait to hear from everyone.

Big ol' nest

My larger-than-life "empty nest" is coming along...slowly.
I created the skeleton out of wire and now I'm building up layers
using newspaper and wall paper adhesive.
Stay tuned...

My peeps in drawing class

Leather wings in progress

The Good Word

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
...since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you,... Do not be afraid for I am with you."
Isaiah 43: 1-5

He Knows...

Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.
--Corrie ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom, (April 15 1892 – April 15 1983) was a Dutch, Christian Holocaust survivor who helped many Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. Ten Boom co-wrote her autobiography, The Hiding Place, which was later made into a movie of the same name. In December, 1967, Ten Boom was honored as one of the Righteous Among the Nations by the State of Israel.

Coffee and Tang...not just for breakfast anymore

Yesterday I spent most of the day preparing some paper to use in my
figure drawing class at ECU. I covered the paper with gesso, then
started distressing it using instant coffee and Tang. I left it to
dry overnight but I want to add more layers before I start drawing on
it. It's an experiment so I'm not sure what the end results will be.

Vizcaya

Today we're visiting the beautiful Vizcaya museum and gardens in
Miami. The European inspired estate includes a main house (pictured)
filled with art and antiques, and gardens on Biscayne Bay. What a
breath of fresh air after walking around busy downtown Miami.

Nothing but blue skies and sand

This is the life...

Sarasota, Florida

What a wonderful spring break! We're in Florida. This morning after
breakfast we went for a long walk on the beach and collected sand
dollars. The 80 degree weather is a welcome respite from the cold snow
days we've been having in NC. There's plenty of art to see here too.
We're going to a big art fair later today.

I miss my sweet lambs...

Figure drawing

Mine's the one on the bottom row, second to last. I'm learning a lot
in this class and enjoying it.

Hanging the "source"

We suspended this sculpture by using a coat hanger. Just for now,
until I get some clear fishing wire. I think it should be hanging from
the ceiling because it represents a spiritual source.