a work in progress

Local artists have been busily creating art on pumpkins as part of a fund raising effort for two of our favorite institutions, the Eureka Springs School of the Arts and the Clear Spring School, which my godson has the privilege of attending. I chose an oddly shaped pumpkin and decided to carve it to make the most of it’s long curves. I cut arches and carved lines up toward its newly determined top on which I then used a gold leafing pen. I also added a bit of the gold around the edges of each opening and the result is a pumpkin that looks like a temple for mice. Fun.

Of course, each of the artists involved took a completely different approach to their craft. Carol Peacock’s  nearly heart shaped pumpkin is painted her trademark red with gold leafing at the two ends and is quietly elegant as it reclines on a pedestal. Ralph “Mr. Shrine” Wilson created a Day of the Dead altar atop his pumpkin which is truly a sight to see. Rosie Williams, who makes beautiful beaded jewelry, carved niches throughout her pumpkin and then strung beads across them for what I imagine will create the most wonderful effects when backlit by a candle. I think I need to go buy that for myself. I already took home a fanciful stacking of pumpkins for a truly fun jack o’ lantern by E. Rae Smith, my neighbor, and a wonderful stained glass artist. If you’re in Eureka Springs,head over to EurekaThyme in the Quarter at 121 W. Van Buren (that’s Hwy 62) and try to beat me to Rosie’s beaded beauty. By the way, mine has already found it’s new home, but there are probably close to twenty to choose from.

Today I set up a display in the Resource Area of the Art Links Conference. I met a couple of ceramic artists while setting up and noticed that there are many more arts organizations displaying their materials than artists. It looked like I may be the only painter in the room. Yesterday I read and read the brochure for the conference trying to determine exactly what the purpose of this gathering is and how my artwork fits in with the theme of connecting art and commerce. That in itself was not difficult for me to do, I have created designs to sell product, events, and places, to enhance the decor and interactivity of public spaces, and I cannot imagine a world without art to inspire, motivate, and tickle one’s fancy. I decided to bring along my newest big eyed girl painting and, since she looks pregnant with ideas, use her as the focal point of my display. My friend Nancy who has EureKan Art Gallery came by when I was feeling a bit stumped by how I could make a cohesive presentation and touch on all the possible applications of my art and thank goodness for that. We had a good time talking about art and brainstorming and Nancy said over and over, “Make it fun. Make it memorable.” Well, Nancy, I used it, hope you like it. I think it works pretty well as tag line for this display but I may have gone overboard with the size of the lettering!

Tomorrow morning bright and early, I’ll be wandering around the John Q. Hammons Convention Center looking for the workshop with Robert Ebendorf on Creating a Profession as an Artist. I’m glad I’m staying at the Embassy Suites which is attached to the Convention Center and can walk over, I’ll need to get my body moving again after an evening enjoying this restful hotel.

For more info on the Art Links Conference, visit the Arkansas Art Council’s website.

I am loving working on this piece which first came to mind a couple months ago while I was working through the summer heat on the landscaping and new studio. One night while I was watering the new mondo grass (I love that name!) a kind breeze came up and sent a little spray my way. It felt really good so I began making my own rain and enjoying the chill crawling up my back. Just like being a kid again, well, better…

I love working in my new studio and it is showing in my work. Here is the first piece I completed in this great space, It is 24″ x 30″ and titled delight. The title is written on the side. I’ll get pictures of that and the rest of her face on the other side posted another day. I will also share the poem written on the stretcher bars at the back and write about how they have inspired me to take a bit of a different approach to these girls.

This painting of kiwi is on an 4′ x 8′ panel and was created to be durable to hang outdoors. I painted it for the first installment of the Artery, a downtown public art project created by local artists. The Artery now has a new set of panels hanging. This year’s theme was icons and the works include wonderful portraits of John Lennon and Frida Kahlo. It is an interesting collection of paintings and true to form, the participating artists all spoke in favor of peace and love at the unveiling ceremony. My kiwi piece is hanging out at my studio now waiting to go to its new home. It is available for $600.

CHILDREN RUN AWAY TO PAINT PICTURES; Beatrice Scott, 11 Years Old, and Gertrude Larkin, 12, Elude Pursuit for 30 Hours. Click to view the pdf.

NY Times, November 23, 1912

Today I am shipping the last hand painted highchair I had in stock. (It is a little different from the one in this photo.)  I am thrilled to see it find its way home to a warm grandmother with several little ones to enjoy it on their visits. I have no more hand painted furniture in stock but I do continue to accept custom work on furniture.