Art Talk

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Taymor Industries Commission

Installed my commission of 4 big pieces for Taymor Industries corporate head office. They started in the east side in 1948 and are still a family run business. When the president told the employees that an installation of art was going to happen on Friday a couple of the employees asked what kind of paintings they would be. She said you are going to be surprised. They were! Lots of great feedback and using their product was fun for them. The head of the locks department said he could use my piece as a teaching tool. I used basically the same product but made each piece individual for the separate departments.
I found the commission very challenging but so worth it. I also want to acknowledge the help and support I had from my husband Arnt. Some of the pieces were quite technical to assemble but with his expertise we figured it out. Cutting faucets in half would not have happened without his experience.
When I showed the pieces at First Saturday Open Studios it was interesting to see who responded to which piece. A lot of people recognized the progression in my work which is great for any artist to hear as it inspires one to create more art. I am completely happy with this project.

Reflections

Ode to Mondrian

Waterflow

Lock up your Mandala


Ode to Bill Thomson (they did not order this one but I could not resist!)

Reception

Faucets Department

Locks Department

Bathroom Department

Monday, March 19, 2012

ARTWAY! www.theartway.ca taking a mixed media course with Denna Erickson. My last class of 9 is tomorrow. I went into the course wanting to know more about paint and how to get texture. I definitely learned that. I know some tricks for texture and I have now embraced the many colours of brown (for any of you who know me it is was not my favourite colour) and can now mix a few colours. See my first two paintings below. My next goal is to be able to sit in front of an old wall in Amsterdam and try to replicate it. Will see how that all works out!
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My commission of 4 large pieces is half way there. Two done and other two designed and ready for assemblage. I will be very nervous for the unveiling but pleased with my progress so far. I will post photos of the final pieces here when they are finished.

Six weeks until our big move to Amsterdam for 6 months. I will be reporting on our trip in my blog. Going to try to do it once a week but every two weeks for sure

Artwork photos are all by me from my trip to Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.
Bells: 24" x 24" wood panel, plaster, paint, matte medium transfers, matte varnish finish, glass marbles and urchin quills.
Hand: 16" x 16" wood panel, plaster, paint, pour medium transfers, metal snowflakes, encaustic finish (wax).

BELLS

BELLS (detail)

HAND

HAND (detail)

Monday, January 23, 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

Very excited about this year....lots of exciting things coming up. I will start with our month in Mexico...(photos below). Lots of sun, sand, surf and great people. Three foot iguanas, coconut harvest, catching fish, snorkeling, palapa surf shack. On the art front both Arnt and I have several commissions and art projects to complete by May 1. We then move to Amsterdam for 6 months where I have a show in October and will be creating the work there, but mostly we are going for inspiration, knowledge and to live as artists in another country. I will keep you posted on that front. But for now I am part of www.firstsaturday.ca for Feb and Mar, 4 fairly large pieces commissioned by Taymor Industries for their head office and the International College Exchange in New Zealand. I just mailed my book for http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject2012 which will tour 14 cities and be in Vancouver May 15 & 16th at W2. So you can see why I am looking forward to this year.