a work in progress

Here’s a section of the bench just after completing three coats of a UV protectant satin finish. The slats were picked up yesterday and today they are putting together all the new benches. There was an auction of all of last year’s artist benches last week that was a big success in raising funds for our parks commission. Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 1st at 5:30 pm, there will be a Meet the Bench Artists Reception and unveiling in Basin Park. So, if you’re in Eureka Springs, please come out and say hi! I’ve been so limited in my activities since I hurt my ankle, that I’m really excited to be participating in this event. It will be my big hello to Springtime in Eureka! It’s also the very first day of our May Festival of the Arts.

My godson turned me on to this song by the Romanian group O-Zone and it makes me feel so good I have to share it. I’m learning the words to really surprise him. Drogostea Din Tei-love of the linden trees

The park bench is looking pretty crazy after painting the red parts! I like that the wood grain pattern is one of those organic patterns that could be almost anything, water, branches, roots. I think I’ll go back in with some more blue and push the water idea to the forefront. Maybe about half blue, half red will get that across. It will also have the graphic appeal I was going for.

I’m painting a bench for our city. It will be installed in Basin Park as part of the May Festival of the Arts. I began by deciding on a bold and graphic design inspired by nature, done in hot colors to really pop.  I thought it would be a tree design and did a little sketching before trashing that notion and deciding to paint the wood grain in an electric scheme. “That looks like wood. Wait. That is wood. That doesn’t look like wood.” We’ll see where it goes from here. I’ll post again the next time I take a break from it.

Springtime in Eureka Springs is lively and colorful and the May Festival of the Arts really puts it over the top. The month is packed with music in the park, an art car ball and parade, the White Street Studio Walk, the Artrageous Parade, weekly gallery strolls, and countless openings.  This is the entry I did for the poster contest.  In the magical and memorable land of Eureka Springs, The May Festival of the Arts puts that twinkle in your eye.

My work is an expression of gratitude for the smallest details of everyday life. I want to share the wonder of connecting to something that may have previously been overlooked or taken for granted. I am motivated by the process of discovery and inspired by the possibilities of visual metaphor.

I’ve been working on making my artist statement more concise. I’d like it to be interesting enough to read all the way through, speak in plain language, be easy to connect to my most recent body of work , and help my audience know a little more about what motivates me as a person and as an artist.  Does this do all that for you?  Please comment or question me about this. I value your opinions. thanks.

My work is an expression of gratitude for the smallest details of everyday life. I am motivated by the process of discovery and inspired by the possibilities of visual metaphor as I explore fresh ways of looking and seeing. The one thing that everyone comments on about my work is the unusual perspective. People seem to enjoy slowing down to really look at these depictions of the mundane and then remark they had never considered or noticed it that way. That’s the experience I want to share-the wonder of connecting to something that may have previously been overlooked or taken for granted. By opening ourselves to questions and new perspectives we invite the sacred gifts of interconnectedness and intuition to our lives.

I have opened a second shop at Etsy, KathrynSemolic.etsy.com, for my paintings, prints, and cards. Each day I add several items to the shop. Large blank greeting cards suitable for framing start at 5.25, small unframed prints are typically under $20. Original paintings range from $110. to $1200. Soon I will be adding some larger reproductions on canvas, as well as on paper.

My other Etsy shop, peepeyes.etsy.com, will continue to offer my handpainted clothing, home decor and gift items, my hand crafted jewelry and barettes, and discontinued and clearance pieces from the studio. I have added a shop section for kits and instructions which will continue to grow. The mehndi henna kit I offer there is becoming popular and the Etsy crowd loves to try new artforms. I will be adding kits for other projects such as origami and henna dyed scarves.  As a result of the Etsy Destash Bash, I have also added a section that is devoted to offering supplies for arts and crafts where you can find great buys on things like adhesives or fabric paints and dyes, as well as handmade items, like beads and charms, to use in your projects. The Peepeyes and li’l Peepeye critters have their own section now and those li’l critters are traveling all over, safely nestled in their little eggs as they make their way to their new homes. That is such a  happy thing for me!

I have been having a lot of fun on Etsy lately, working to get my stuff out there on a regular basis and loving the wonderful work of so many talented and visionary artisans. It’s definitely worth a visit, but don’t say I didn’t warn you, you will be hooked!

I am moving around a lot better now and can walk in the walking cast without my walking stick. It feels good to have both hands free and be moving about a bit more quickly. I’m itching to get to work on the new studio, but I still am quite awkward in the boot, besides, there are more pressing matters at hand, like taxes!

Here a couple of the newest origami mobiles I have made. I wish I had photographed the one with 24 tiny birds and Swarovski crystals and I may see if I can get down to the gallery to get a picture of that one. I loved the way the crystals sparkled and the birds twirled. These two mobiles are different from most I make in that the branches are hung vertically, but with twisting branches like this, a vertical mobile is the way to go because the spiraling movement is incredible to watch. These origami mobiles, along with many others I’ve made, are available at EurekanArt Gallery in Eureka Springs.

Update on the leg/foot thing- after a really bad day Tuesday, this week has really seen a lot of improvement. I’m still icing it and elevating it throughout the day, but I am now able to spend longer times with it down and to walk without the crutches. The walking cast has helped a lot and I have a really cool walking stick with a handle that looks like a bird.

The Etsy Destash Bash continues and I have added some more supplies to my Etsy shop for all you crafty people.