TINSELL AND WHIMSY

All the Things I have Loved Before.............And Sometimes Have Not Shown

2011-10-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

It's not the New Year, but then I never do anything in the most usual way. I am changing it up before January 1st. I have decided to use only my name as my business name. In the past I have used both my name and Tinsell and Whimsy to reflect what art I have done and do now. I have decided that I should just be me, Susan Bartolucci..........Hey, that rhymes and reminds me of a kindergarten song I used to sing with my class........I am a wonder I am a whee...I am P Mooney........or Susan Bartolucci. It's time to shed my "cute" little moniker that somewhat described my creations...... I will still be using Tinsell and Whimsy as my blog site name, but for business cards etc. it's Good-Bye Tinsell and Whimsy......You served me well...............Hello...........Susan!

OK....transitioning......on to another thing I have loved before, and not shown, but not doing this task too smoothly...............

Pictures from a recent show Tinsel and Treasures held on September 10th in Danville. Such an array of talented women with good spirits.......Thank You Iva Wilcox.

Next I call it Halloween Hijinks(noisy and mischievous merrymaking)
......the Gathering of Ghouls and a couple of Buoys prior to the Art is Retreat...Petaluma September 24th at the winery and then on to my house for dinner. Unfortunately, there was too much merrymaking, and no "photomaking" at the house!

And last but not least...........Pictures from Ghoultide Gathering........I wish I would have taken more photos.........but as they say I was so in the moment.......enjoying the ambiance and festivities.

I have more I have loved and have not shown..........which I am saving for a later blog post. It's hard to tread water, and keep up with all the activity!

Tis the Season With Much Rhyme and Reason

2011-08-28T02:08:00.000-07:00

AND sooooooo

To all the Halloween Figures I have loved before......

Who travelled in & out my door....I am glad they came along....I dedicate this post

To all the figures I once created..........And may I say in my mind I have created some of the best
Thanks for helping me to grow I owe a lot I know

To all the Halloween Figures I have loved before

Here are a few of you to view..............

Eva Fangoria

Pin Heads

Evil Richard the Costco Employee of the Month

Tin Bone Collector

Creepy Carnival Knock-Downs Drag Outs

Hell's Kitchen

Goth Bat Boy

Ghost Whisperer The Gratest Halloween

Buncula

Bona Lisa

Devil With A Blue Dress On

Herding Cats in a Catgo Line

Ah Spare Us Gus

> Two Old Bats Join the Box Party

Enjoy...............!

What Gets Me Going............

2011-07-11T01:54:00.000-07:00

It is not possible to make a prediction from where inspiration for a new piece may come. For me it could come from anywhere, and at any time. Sometimes what I create does not even remotely resemble whatever it was I saw, read, or felt that inspired me to create. I can honestly say that whatever spark I took from something I saw, read about, or felt will never be a copy. Not too many years ago I used to feel it was cheating to even look at anything, and use it for inspiration in some way. I thought that any ideas I would have should be solely generated by me.....as if I lived in a vacuum. However, I soon realized that what there is in the world are really spins on what already exists.

I think of all the ways to be inspired seeing something like a found object that once was something so obvious is the greatest challenge. To look beyond the blatant meaning of something and see another vision is more difficult than creating something from scratch. That is one of the reasons I choose to work with found objects. I feel happy or should I say relieved that we as artists do not all have the same vision when we see something that inspires us. We could all take one single source for possible inspiration and come away with a million different ideas.........the potential of everything to be something is the greatest reward of creation.

Here are a few things that inspire me.......

Just a Few of My Favorite Things...........the Before..........the After Awaits...........

Random Acts of Art...........For a Desolate World

2011-06-18T01:43:00.000-07:00

Wow.......is what I have to say .......when finally I notice something so obvious, something that has been right there in front of me all the time, and I thought it was only my idea, or thought. Such is the idea I had titled Random Acts of Art for a Desolate World. One day when I was walking up my front steps looking at the air vents in my foundation, I thought wouldn't it be great if you could see art in unexpected places........like inside the vents. When I found out ............duh......that Random Acts of Art is already a concept embraced by many I felt like that little sixth grader, who long ago ran up to their teacher and showed him what I thought was a brillant idea. He looked at me with his one eye (his other was glass) and remarked something like this.......Susan, there are not many new or unique ideas in the world.....mostly there are only ideas that have been re-invented. Man, that was hard to take thinking any ideas I may have in the future would only be the "backwashed" thoughts of others. I am not sure I really subscribe to this belief, because after all don't we all think we are something special, and that what we do, think and feel is just like the first time ever for any of these things. So, with that being said......... and sort of sincerely beliving I am all that.......here are some plain old random art visions..........with no rhyme or reason........which is how it should be in art. There should be no rhyme or reason for any art you see, or create ......otherwise it would be craft.....and strictly for a utilitarian purposes. Following are some random works of art........some created by me and some photos by others......but then if you believe my sixth grade teacher......we all had a hand in the creation of everything, as it was always there before us.
Overgrown Brothers From Log Family Robinson.........
Unbearable Soul...
Paws with a Cause...
Alien Baby in the Shadow of Man........
Keepers of the Pins and Needles.....
Dog House paws to refresh..........<

Buffalo Girl Won't You Come Out Tonight...........

Machine Cuffed.......Sew......... For Your Needs Wherever you Go

Clown Town Bus Stop.......Meet and Greet in the Street...
The Gratest Show On Earth
Hep Cat a Few to the Bar......

Foundling.......

Random works of art appearing who knows where, or why!

Hello My Honey Hello ...Hello My Lag Time Post........

2011-05-21T01:07:00.000-07:00

TA DA it's a bird.........it's a plane.......it's a new post long over due. Well, let's see I have lots of reasons why.....but none of them really make-up for the lapse in time. I never wanted to be that one......... that one that was a fair weather poster......posting only when convenient. I so apologize for living out my worst fear in that respect. That being said I do have some new works to share. So, as with the Pope deliberations.......there has been some smoke coming out of my chimney, and a creative fire down below. I never know what fuel I will use until it happens.......sometimes I wish I could plan things out ahead, but how can I know what I need to use to create until it just happens. To be surrounded by inspiring raw materials is the key to new ideas and creations. I can only imagine how it would be if everyone in every aspect of their life.....just winged it. How would that be.................fun, and unexpected.............Hopefully just like the following.
Fly Paper Performers Touring Circus
DogMa
Beware the EYEDZ of Things........
Ball Heads in the Circus Getting a Leg Up
Unbearable Lightness of Being..........What?

Peep Show
Mary Widow in Row House 24

John Cougar Mellow Cat

Jethro's Dog and Pony Show

Fox Drama Regroup in the Coop

Northern California Story Kind of Like Westside Story

2011-03-23T00:13:00.000-07:00

I feel pretty..........Oh so prettyI feel pretty and witty and wise............but that partial song refrain is not going to cut it when I am faced with creating a new blog post. For I fear at this point it will be Much Ado About Nothing..........I am working to the left of me working to the right of me back in the saddle again........The American Folk Art Festival will be upon me soon http://www.hallidayhouseantiques.com/FolkArtFestival/and so will my daughter's wedding, and a million other things. I took a brief break from studio work tonight, as wedding planning reared its head. I plan to be right back in the studio.........tomorrow.........during my working hours of about 10pm until 2 or 3 am.........the usual studio hours......hopefully many creations will be spawned during this time. I will have a few new things to post soon as I am working like a madwoman...........to complete body of work for the show (pun intended)..........some will also be experiments. In the meantime.........I must be content to post a few pictures of things that have been reincarnated from past lives and will be part of the show once again...........
Knock offs of the Knockdowns...........

AWWWWWWWSpareUsGus........no more about sword fighting..........

Bored Feet Just Lumbering Along.......

Buffalo Girl Won't You Come Out Tonight

CATSSS UP

Circus Mates Hocus and Pocus

Unlike the Fortune Teller.......this is the Don't Do It Teller

Evil Richard the Employee of the Month

So.........
In the midnight hour she (being me) cried- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell she cried- "more, more, more"
That's what I need to do MORE MORE MORE>>>>>>before May 7th Billy and I agree........

Here Come Da Paintin's................................

2011-02-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

Wow............I never thought I would be one of those people who leaves a blog post up for an eternity, but apparently this past month I have been. Guess I should not let a few things like a third complete knee replacement, my mother having open heart surgery, plus moving her, my daughter's wedding planning and, me getting ready for a show get in the way of my blog. Sometimes it's the little stuff that trips you up. So, without further commentary...........here are a few paintings.......wish I did not know anything about painting techniques, etc.........it is difficult to paint around them, over and through them. Planning to paint more...........for the May 7th show..........have the bug.......temporarily!

Great Expectations for Dickie the Backwards Penguin Boy
Fly Paper Performers

Fantom Performers

Ewes Day Out
Luck Be A Lady Tonight

Leaders Are a Quarter a Dozen

ENDGAME..........

Time for Father Christmas...........

2010-12-03T00:56:00.000-08:00

Kriskindle Market

If you are within a 200 mile radius of Napa Valley then you are in for a treat. Dolph Gotelli, an aquaintance of mine, who is also known as Father Christmas has an installation on display of his vintage Christmas toys, and antiques at the Napa Valley Museum. He only does one-of-a-kind shows, and although I have seen another one of his shows they each have their own unique personalities. The museum has constructed a special set to showcase the 35 windows that offer a look at Gotelli’s winter wonderlands, each created with rich and intricate detail. The show details follow;
“Dreams of Toyland”
• On display at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville Nov. 20 - Jan. 23.
• Admission to “Dreams of Toyland” is free for children under 18. Admission for adults is $5, for seniors 60 and older is $3.50.
• The museum is at 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville on the grounds of the Veterans Home of California. It’s open daily, except Tuesdays,10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• For details, call 944-0500
Mrs. Snuffleberry's Kitchen
Wittenham Clump's Treehouse

Welcome Father Christmas

Midnight Walk

O'Hare's Budget of Good Things

A Peek Into Fairyland

Teatime in London

Images by Caroline Thompson

This show is magical! Don't miss it!!!!!!

Never Keep the Barn Door Closed............

2010-11-23T10:57:00.000-08:00

Hello.........
Some of this and some of that went out the door at the White Barn Winter Show this past weekend..........so keep those barn doors open. This was the second annual Winter Art Show at the White Barn in St. Helena CA.......and hopefully this will spawn many more shows in the future. To say I had a great time with the people there would be an understatement. It also helps when you sell a few things too.....but mostly the merriment is what I am all about. There was the most eclectic group of people showing their work you could ever imagine...and an interesting group of visitors too.......it was like bohemian artists meet society. I don't how the Garden's manage to do it......but they put out the call and everyone comes from miles around....yes, I guess I really do know how they do it.......they are wild, fun, talented, outspoken, and have uncompromising taste when it comes to art and people. I am so pleased to be included in the mix of this show. In between all the laughter I did manage to take a few photos.........but they hardly do the show justice.....that's why I am not a photographer......Sandy Wood photographer to the stars.....where are you when I need you...now she's a real photographer.

Beau adopted us.......after he found out we had food...........under the table! My daughter Brette, her husband and my grandson Andrew. Brette was my partner at the show! She makes wonderful jewelry.

So........as you can see, this was not all about folk art........there were many types of art represented......and that was the surprise of it all.......something for every one's individual tastes, and gifts

Up on the Wall.................

2010-11-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

Our three person show is up and we are celebrating......three the artistic trinity! My friends
Carole and Sharon and I are together at last.

This little ditty from Annie runs through my head.

Together at last!
Together for ever!
We're tying a knot,
They never can sever!

I don't need sunshine now,
To turn my skies at blue --

I don't need anything but you!

(pre-show set-up)

It's so hard for us to get together......we are all so busy, but we did it. We have a show together, and all our work looks like it is from kindred spirits. I must admit when first approached by Carole to do this show I was wondering how....would I ever find the time, but the theory is true you make time for what you want to do. The show opened November 3rd, and we all had a chance to speak about the inspiration behind our work, before taking visitors on a walk through the gallery and dinner. For you enjoyment here is a quick look at the show.
Sharon and Carole toasting a few days before the show!

Art and wine the best of two worlds...........
Some admirers........

Some pieces up close and personal..........and I must tell you that I am keeping my day job, before I think about a career in photography....but then I do tend to like things on a tilt, and a little blurred.

What the Bodies Left at Bodie..........long (o)....

2010-11-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

I recently visited the largest untouched Ghost Town left in California. I gave a sneak preview of the town in a previous post.........but two pictures do not do it justice. What an amazing sight to see how those early miners, mill workers etc. lived on the high desert. It definitely was not for the faint of heart..........neither is visiting the town now in present time. Because of its violent and lawless past, there are many myths that some spirits of Bodie still linger, and occasionally make themselves known. As I was walking out of the park, one of the rangers happened to be leaving too. When I asked if she had any encounters with former residents of the town.....she said she had enough to write a book. Here are some additional photos of Bodie......see if you can see any ghosts bodies lurking around the corners. Even though Halloween is over for most..Bodie would be great inspiration for paintings, or a backdrop for art pieces and fashion. I can see a million ways visiting, sketching and photographing Bodie would complement whatever you might do. I was surprised to see the online sale of so many photos of Bodie. It appears others felt inspiration calling.........

A fitting end for most of the Bodie population........the cemetery markers tell all! Now go to work and make some snow people for Bodie............tis the season for something all year long in Bodie!

Tour Not to Be "Mist"!

2010-10-12T00:51:00.001-07:00

Well .................if you missed the Halloween Tour a week or so ago in the town of Modesto presented by the McHenry Museum......it was mist.........and now....gone, but not forgotten. Our group visited five Halloween decorated homes and Bobbie Lasky's wonderful retrospect of Halloween art at the McHenry Museum., (check to see if it is still available for viewing) ..........titled Devil Woman's Delight. So many artist friends were represented in her display........Jack Roads, Allen Cunningham, Nicole Sayre, Scott Smith, William Bezek, Matthew Kirscht, David Bruce, to name a few......and a few of my things too! It was wonderful to see a grouping of their works from past years. Following are just a few pictures of the antique and newly minted Halloween art that were displayed on the tour in the homes.

Rare crepe paper......

More crepe paper........

The way I like bats flat, matted and on a stand.............

Candy Curio............

That's the way to sleep with a creep.........

Again imagine saving this crepe paper.........
Santa eat your heart out with your sleigh.....and if you think reindeer can't take directions...how about cats.........

Great idea for the winery........should do it to all the barrels so it can be Halloween every season!

Bobbie in the flesh with her entourage...............
Just as on this bench..... I can't shoes which house display I liked the best........so they are all my favorites.

Behind The Times..........Blog Stream of Consciousness....

2010-10-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Wow........so many things have come and gone.....without a post.....I will try and get things up to speed......redux style! Hold your breath..................................................................

Husband Buck and daughter Taylor (I am known as Mother Susan) rebel rowdy member of the order............ready to watch the Raiders from seats in a suite hosted by the Marriott! However I neglected to say.....that we watched the entire game from the wrong suite.........real party going on upstairs two floors up ! Good thing the real suite owners did not come in and ask, "Who the Hell are You"...........??????
Next..........the fabulous Tinsel and Treasures show............lots of wonderful Halloween and other holiday art for sale..............

Katherine Webber's wares...........

Colleen's Creations............
Iva's Originals.........

Guess Who? Then off to Bodie CA to visit the ghost township..........this place deserves an entire blog post which I will do later....it's hauntingly beautiful there..................just what you need for Halloween inspiration!
More Bodie..................
And maybe even more lingering Bodie.....memories.....as I could not resist picking up a stray piece of glass....or two..........which is as they say may be one's undoing......Bodie spirits don't like anyone picking up paw paws, or anything else!

deMenging of HalloVine as presented by Michael deMeng!

2010-09-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

How lucky can one person be to have a class with Michael deMeng! I do know ...........pretty lucky..I first met Michael almost a year ago October. I was privileged to take a class with him. He is truly joyous about sharing his love of all things junk and his artistic secrets. Even the most insecure in their artistic abilities would find comfort and encouragement in his gentle, and positive teaching style. However, I know I am not alone in meeting Michael. He has traveled the world sharing his talents, and insights with many other fortunate souls. He is accomplished in many fields, and has an eager spirit for adventure whether it be finding bits and pieces of junk to use in his creations, traveling , or trying new things. He work defies description. He has the imagination, and artistic vision to take castoff junk and turn it into the most incredible works of art. This is what he says about his work, "My work is about transformations. It is about the transformation of the common into the sacred. Discarded materials find new and unexpected uses in my work; they are reassembled and conjoined with unlikely components, a form of rebirth from the ashes into new life and new meaning. These assemblages are metaphors for the evolutions and revolutions of existence: from life to death to rebirth, from new to old to renewed, from construction to destruction to reconstruction. These forms are examinations of the world in perpetual flux, where meaning and function are ever-changing."
It was during class that wine and our family winery, the subject of my other life, as well as, Halloween the favorite subject of my artistic life presented itself. I am very pleased to announce that Michael is the artist for our family winery's Halloween HalloVine wine label this year. In addition to his artistic accomplishments, and instructional skills, Michael is the author of two books, Secrets of Rusty Things, and Dusty Diablos. We feel very honored to have the artistry of his work and the artistry of our wine combine to make a truly beautiful presentation, and memorable taste experience.

To see more of Michael’s work you may go to http://www.michaeldemeng.com/ Following is his contact information assemblage@michaeldemeng.com

Michael will be teaching classes at Tangerine (a little artistic shop) 7038 Village Parkway in Dublin CA on September 26th, 27th and 28th. On Sunday September 26th from 5:00 until 6:30 there will be a special reception to reveal Michael’s HalloVine label and the HalloVine wine. He will also be signing his new book Dusty Diablos. If you miss this reception he will be available to sign his label and his book at noon on all three days of the class, and he will also be available after class (5:00) on Monday and Tuesday as well. If you would like to view more information, or get directions to Tangerine please go to this website http://www.elevenmorningstangerine.com/

The HalloVine wine this year is something very special. It is a Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage 2005. This wine has been aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, and then bottle aged to perfection. It is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Napa Valley fruit, 13.8 % alcohol. It has strong notes of black current, and is a rich and zesty wine that will continue to age beautifully, potentially for another 10 to 15 years. It has berry jam and supple tannins with a long sweet oak smooth finish. It pairs well with mildly seasoned beef, beef stews, and of course dark Halloween chocolate.

The wine may be ordered from the winery by going to the winery website http://www.madonnaestate.com/, and and then click the online store, or by calling Brette, or Roxane (Monday –Friday) at (866) 724-2993, or emailing brette@madonnaestate.com

Thank You Michael.......the perfect complement of art and wine!

Necklooses'.........Abound!

2010-08-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

Does "neckloose" sound too much like neck noose? If it does then good..........why not invent your own word for something. I think everyone should have their own dialect.......and dictionary of words etc. that mean something to them. I mean we all mostly misunderstand ourselves, and others anyway, so why bother. Besides with art it's good not to be understood.......that way everything you do is open for interpretation, and meaningful in an individual way. I had this discussion over the weekend with friends.......it doesn't matter what the truth is........it's everyone's perception that counts.........Anyway, why do we have to wear jewelry in a conventional way, or call it by some universal label? Wear your necklooses' draped down your back.........you should look at least as good going as coming. Or scatter some pins, like a fabric dog and his bone in different spots.............dog on your shoulder, bone on your knee......but only if you are wearing pants. Here are some necklooses, as I call them to be worn in your own individual way!

My Great........Grandparents from Sweden who like to hang around.........
Looks like a watch and when people ask the time I just make up one...........

Same story.........looks like a relative, and when people ask..........it's always a different one....I personally like it's my cousin on my Mother's side once removed...........

This always gets me........it's true people are always trying to be politically correct........they ask if this a relative..........look closely.........I don't think so........I say in my mind............but then again I guess Americans are are a composite of many different cultures............

Perfect for some unknown reason......... a Victorian figure with a cartoon background.....

I call this an odd bit.......fabric and a bit of recycled whatever.........formerly known as jewelry........

This was a mistake........which of course is my fave piece................the best things come from unexpected places..........

Old ribbon befitting an old woman..........who came out of the shoe.....

Scatter pin.......where is her fan?

Yes, I do wear all the pieces I make.......try them out.....discovering if by chance that it get in the way of what I am doing, or catches on a doorknob.....ornamentation is the spice of life!

Never take yourself or anyone else too seriously...........

The Way I Roll..............

2010-08-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about how many ways we create art and the inspiration for our creations, and I decided that probably I might be a little weird in the way I approach both. I don't want to sound like I think I may be unique in how I approach things........that idea got shot down in third grade when the teacher explained that is there is not much new in the world, but only different ways in which to re-invent things in it. Soooooooo, my way of re-inventing things for the sake of agreement.......I will say is different. I do not plan what I am going to make, other than to make sure that I have random piles of "good", as opposed to bad junk surrounding me at all times for inspiration. Art has a life of it's own....so it really is futile to try and plan a creation. I rely on instinct at that moment when I see something.........I grab it.......I see something else I grab it and somehow it all comes together. That is why I probably could never teach a class on what I do.........because I don't know what it is until I do it. It is risky to create this way, because I am in fear that maybe the right mix of things will not come together. So far that has never happened. I always seem to find the one thing I need to add to the next. The frustrating thing about this is though, that I know I have boxes and bins of great junk.........stored that I may be missing out on using. I can't store everything I have in my studio. A couple of other things that makes my methods madness is that I like to think of stories, and titles of works before the works are created.........then if something I happen to make clicks with a story or a title it's a match. I like to work in the late evening and into the early morning. There is just something odd about creating during the day. There is not the same vibe as in the night. Maybe what I do is a secret from myself and when I wake in the day.........I can surprise myself with what I have made. I do that you know...........things look differently in the daylight.

I get inspiration from a variety of sources........below are a few pictures from a recent vacation to Alaska. I am true to myself today I created four totally unexpected unplanned pieces for the Tinsel and Treasures on September 18th.

Off The Cuff..........

2010-08-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

First Cuff.......Fista Cuffs........... Old velvet and found bangles.......

Who would think that the word cuff, with a variety of meanings, would be that big a deal. Apparently, I would.....I am fascinated by cuffs of all kinds. I decided to create my version of a cuff. I had some old material sample books that were crying out to be used, plus the fact that I was always tripping over them. The material from the small books was just the right size to fit around my wrist........serendipity......did I really write that? Anyway, it is no small feat to get the material out of the sample books. It was a struggle to take out the gigantic staples, and then scrape all the paper off the back of the material........but I must live up to the myth of the struggling artist. I timidly created the first cuff, and then was reminded....that there are no rules when creating art. What other pursuit can you do exactly what you want to do, and when you want to do it? What I want to do is everything, and my time of choice is between the hours of 11 PM and 3 AM........The cuffs below are just the beginning, and will continue until I am on to something else. They are one of a kind, and I plan to wear them at the end of a shirt that is either long sleeved or short sleeved. Word of warning, however, it's not the smartest thing in the world to wear them on a cruise ship.......they can be mistaken for sea sickness sea bands.........trust me I know.

Photo transfer/fabric.....treated to simulate oil cloth......

Handcuffs also have their place........but for now......it's Just these BeCuffs! And you know what I like best about them........they do not look "robotically" created.

Hold It..............SNAP!

2010-07-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

Do you think my relatives, or my pets would have held it.......if I had said hold it......or they knew what I had in mind for their picture?

Grandmother............on mother's side............

Grandma Mabel from Texas, as the Horseless HeadWoman............ She looks mean, doesn't she........I guess if you were stuffed and stuck inside a box with only a rope day in and day out you would look mean too.
Mabel small.................. Little did she know what was in store for her. ...........to sit in a wire chair all day long wearing a crazy Halloween hat.

Even my dogs Jethro and Ellie Mae were unaware.....

that were about to co-mingle with my dad Franklin and his mother Gertrude from Sweden..............

Then there are the countless others that are relatives of someone who have unknowingly posed for all manner of art.

Like this brother and sister.........in The Night of the House of Tiddly Winks....
And these Foundlings Three...........who might not be orphans at all.........but being forced to carry all their belongings with them wherever they go.....for eternity.....

This family below is destined for greatness........something to do with Halloween I suspect.........they look like vintage relatives of the Munster Family...complete with crow and all.
So, be wary when someone asks you to pose for a photo...........it could, and most likely will be used in some mysterious work of art....especially if I am taking the picture.....imagine an image of you living many lives throughout the ages. In art everything is fair game for me, and not too much is held sacred.

Give Georgia a Rest.....Halloween is On My MInd!

2010-07-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

It is very hard for me not to think about Halloween everyday, because it is my favorite Holiday. I can see Halloween in most everything. A tile, or cracks in a wall, can look spooky. The wet ring left by something on a smooth surface can also give off an eerie vibe. Even though I see the symbols and signs of Halloween everywhere I look, I also consult more conventional means for Halloween inspiration. An example of that would be the book Dressed for Thrills/ 100 Years of Halloween/Masquerade Costume by Phyllis Galembo. She is a fine art portrait photographer, and author of books on ethic cultural, Halloween, masquerade, and ritual ceremony from Haiti, and Africa. I first came across her work, however, when I was researching a project on Vodou. I was intrigued with her great sense of color and style. Go to her website ( http://www.galembo.com/ )if you wish to see pictures that are very colorful, and inspire thoughts of Halloween. I have spoken with Phyllis on the phone, about perhaps doing a project out here in the west, and I hope to meet her one day. Please enjoy a prelude of pictures from Dressed to Thrill that will be perfect to get you thinking about all the possibilities of Halloween.

Masquerade.........Parade......Possibilites are endless.............

I Yam What I Yam.........I'm EYE Pop!

2010-07-03T02:07:00.000-07:00

OK.........to reveal a little more of one's true artistic nature, or not ............that is the predicament. No matter what, it will probably end up being a love/hate situation. Because at one time or another don't we all love/hate what we create. We all battle with our inner selves......and which souls we should bear to the world. Here is a sampling of weird Halloween from the past. Spirits that may still live with me, or may have passed on and changed guides. Weird Halloween let me count the ways................. From the Graveyard........to the Bone Yard....and beyond.........

Cat Impodster...........

Ghosts of Financial Spirits Passed........

Memorial "Guard" In Witch..........

Chatty Catty...........

Krampus on Campus.......
She Devil Lamplighter........with a Radish Lamp Pete Loaf your worst Halloween comfort food nightmare......
You are never alone............these spirits will follow you home from the Bone Yard!
Cher Crow
Cat..... Canabull.............
Ah Spare Us Gus......
Ever Herd of Cats in a Catgo Line?.............

Eva Fangoria.........Desperate and Dressed to kill...........

Goth Bat Boy

Ghost Whisperer.................

Not shaking the bush here boss.......but bearing the soul!

Ides of Halloween

2010-06-22T23:54:00.000-07:00

Surrealistic........views of my place to inspire enthusiasm for the Ides of Halloween..to Come....

Look Closely.......there are imps, goblins, spirits, brownies........all things Halloween and in Between............slipping, sliding, gliding, and hiding.......out there!

Statue Maker

2010-06-19T02:28:00.000-07:00

Remember that game..........swinging someone around by the arm, and then letting them go. Then the "swingee" had to pose, and freeze in the position they landed. I spent many a summer day into evening doing that with the neighborhood gang on our front lawn. Now that those days are gone..........I have "flung" a few statues around where I live now............and thankfully they have stayed put. In my courtyard.........a Fourth Generation Italian Garden Fountain Statue.........which could spout some history if I let it.....but I keep it turned off most of the time.
Then there is the Seasonal Entry Statue. Bust.....ready for Fall and Halloween........ in this photo, but it can quickly assume the guise of any season, or occasion.

I cannot image actually chipping away a block of mable.............seeing a form in negative space..............as these emerging Michaelangelo's .

However, I do negative space cutting when I freehand tin with my acetylene torch. Here are bone appetit statues frozen in tin.....

So I have flung and placed a few statues.........created a few, and envisioned a few. Guess you could say I am fascinated by the whole concept of statues no matter by what form, or fashion they are created. I must marvel at the patience a statue has...........to be without actual physical movement. Like these fabric Carnival Knockdowns.............Halloween and Exihibtion.....patiently waiting to be plummeted.....

Fabric statue Pin Keeps with tell tale expressions on their faces........waiting to be poked.

I could never pose like this for even a photograph below.............in a booth.......my feet would be sliding torward the door.

My cat Rio, and some of the animals on my ranch like to pose, freeze and play statue maker.

My two statue dogs the Count and the Countess.........

Grapestakes freezing while playing statue literally, on the road to my house............

Pillars.......are forever............posing as statues............

Since I am not one to stand. or be still let alone freeze, and pose.........it's a wonder, and an amazement to me how anything animate or inanimate can be a statue.............Now let me swing you!

"Al tar nate".....Possibilities..........

2010-06-09T02:24:00.000-07:00

This post is not intended to dishonor any religious icons, or to offend anyone, but to heal in an "Al ......tar.....nate" way.

Retablos from Mexico...... are small oil paintings on tin, zinc, wood, or copper.

The literal translation for "retablo" is "behind the altar"...........and I know altars are more often than not thought to be serious, spiritual, and reverent......but they can also be fun.

In my artistic statement..... I say......nothing is held sacred, or almost always not sacred....but ..a sense of humor always heals whenever there is a need, and that can be thought of as sacred to some.
Retablos.............
Home altars were used and are sometimes still used to venerate the almost infinite number of Saints. I think there is an altar for just about everything. I say if we have a need, we should create our own Altar Figures ..........not Saints, but figures that have some meaning, or purpose for us. Like the Altar Figure of Lost Keys..... or the Parking Lot Space Finder Altar.

Here is an Altar to gum that has been saved not spiritually of course, but in some form......certainly gum is a very spiritual form......somehow....um it can transform..........
Going with kind of a Halloween theme.........this is a hand from B(Y)e Low......really a bye low porcelain doll's hand........I never could just go with the flow and follow class instructions. My porcelain doll instructor saw me at a show recently and she still remembers my dismembered doll..........and the rolled back in the head painted eyes. I knew I was in trouble the first day when I asked if I could make my own mold.

An Altar to "Bored" Feet......How Do You Measure Up?

I absolutely love painting on tin.....wood, etc. I want to start a new body of work...called "Altar.....Casions", an altar for every occasion. Again, this is not to be disrespectful.......but to just add another "altar dimension"........or "altar reality". People have home altars set up for many uses, some that are not intended for a religious purpose. It may be meant to have a quiet place to retreat, or meditate, or for a variety of other reasons. So, why not have an altar to make you happy, or to be helpful in some way. As they did in the past, let's bring the altar back into daily life in some form. I would not be true to myself, if I did not include, The Halloween Altar of Possibilities .....grab any of these Altar Figures, and assume a new identity/personality...at least for a day Here we have the Hungry as Hell Altar Figure........who will help you find food in a hurry......that is already precooked, or cooked on the spot........always hot, and not waiting under a lamp somewhere. Sorry Halloween on the brain again.............

And.......... the Margarita Altar ....for most all occasions.......let's give it a hand, and a taste............ this altar is portable and potable as well...........
An altar to indecision...........Halfway between Heaven and Hell..................
Circus Altar......to honor...........Circuit Dog Up to His People Tricks.............

I really want to do an alter show....Call it Altar Reality......on April Fool's Day...........set up pedestals with nothing on them........and then guide guests through the Gallery explaining all the alt(ar)ternatives I could have created. It would be a new show every time you walked someone through it..............or perhaps explained all the altarpossibilities I might have had in mind.

Art serious............NO ............30 lashes with a wet noodle...........Never! Think of all the ways in your altar life you could use an altar...........

Halloweiners Unite

2010-05-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

I actually did make a Halloweiner............a weiner with legs, arms,.....and a little bag........Halloweiner Trick or Treater.................He is in a cat costume...........

Here is he with a pole so now he is a Pole Cat Halloweiner Trick or Treater.........

They must live here.............in the Halloween Game House. Not an easy feat to create one of these out of old game pieces......especially when it comes to writing a story on the b0tttom using only the pictionary words on a card.
Because I love Halloween....big surprise to no one, I think about it all year long. If I see black and orange I go into a frenzy. It must be un-America to dislike Halloween, or at the very least against the law. How could anyone not enjoy the complete freedom and fun of Halloween. I personally like its darker side..........it's mysterious and intriguing. In fact, a friend and I have worked on the beginnings of a blog that will rejoice in the the darker side of Halloween. Here are a few pictures to inspire the sparks from the Halloween Bonfire.....that will rage in October. It cannot come soon enough for me. These pictures were taken at my friend's store in Placerville.........The Gothic Rose Antiques http://www.gothicroseantiques.com/
Friend peering in......to behold the wonders beyond the window.......

Just inside the fortune teller.....keeps a few secrets...

Trinkets and Treasures.........Dead People's Stuff........

Haunting from above..............
Something interesting on all sides of the room.......... A feast for the eyes.....
All manner of potions, jars and magic...................

Specimen collection............

A cabinet of cures............

Mystical procurements..............
In the Back Room...

Pandora's cabinet.................... Skelly man and friend.................

Tools of the trade..................

Cheers..............

See you in the After Life.................

I hope all of your minds are filled with little plump Halloween goblins, and you have received additional inspiration for Halloween creations! It's never too early to be thinking about Halloween, and all it's wonder.........let your mind do the Halloween"Swag"ger ............

Folk Art a Most Excellent Adventure............

2010-05-05T01:06:00.000-07:00

OK the American Folk Art Show is over, and what a success it was..........it had all of the right ingredients............beautiful weather, friendly people, wonderful antiques, clever folk art, good food and wine, and loyal customers milling about. You can say Success with a capital letter..........Below are a few photos from the picture perfect day.......

My table of goodies below........ in between friends Jack Roads and Nicol Sayer. We had fun seeing mutual friends and greeting potential new customers.

A few things up close, and still up for grabs..........

Welcome Inhabitots.....Tater Tots

Herding Cats in a Catgo Line

Hep Cat Eight to the Bar only four made it........

Lady Ca......diver

Evil Richard Employee of the Month from Hell..............

And now presenting the Featured Artist of the show......... my friend Freeland Tanner and his out of this world Tramp Art......First a work in progress and below it..........Masterpieces.....

One final note that capped the day......a woman came to my space and spent a long time looking at the array of art......I had a special Halloween table and like the other tables, I had props on it.......which included......four little rubber mice. After looking at everything for a great period of time she approached me and asked......how much for a mouse. I thought she was kidding...and chuckled........she was serious.......the only thing left to do was to just give her one....it made her day. You just never know what will strike a chord with some............here is what the next customer did when he saw the mice..........who knew.......mice would be such a hit..........

For my next show I am going to purchase a 1000 mice charge a 100 dollars each for them and call it a day!

On and Off the Table Again!

2010-04-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

The need to create is even more intense as the American Folk Art Festival (see side panel) is only a few weeks away. There is no time to think about anything but having pieces come together by accident. First by gathering materials.....and not knowing what will become of them. Next hoping an inspiration comes while picking stuff up off the floor and table. I usually find just the things that I need to come together. I cannot work for a big show if there is order in the studio...... I need to see the goods, and supplies.....all of them........or else how can you make instant decisions about what would go with what! These table, and studio shots need no further explanation.

So in other words, if I don't see it I don't use it. Every upturned box has the potential to hold the next body of work.

Although chaos breeds creativity in the studio it's...........a far cry from my thoughts of holding classes someday outside in the vineyard among the tranquil vines, with good food and a glass of wine.

or perhaps in the great room........with vineyard views.....since Carneros is sometimes known for its rustic breezes......

It's just so hard sometimes to get motivated in the studio........maybe I will chase my Grandson out in the field.....

Or make like the sheep down the road............

Or capture the wild turkeys in back of the house...........shovel is there as a warning no running around the pool.......

Actually here's the thing....I cannot bring myself to work in the daylight hours...call it a habit, or bizarre, but I feel the most creative in the late evening and early morning hours 11pm until 3am..............So when I see the sunset over our pond............I will go to work soon.....

There it is waiting for me..........
the studio that should look like this inside........but seems to happen only when I am expecting guests........

Opps I am caught working........

Here are a few things you may see at the show......

Hep Cat 8 to the Bar

Carnival Knockoff Knockdowns

Garden of Eatin...

Devil with a Lisp........sixth, sixth, sixth

Rescue........Hell.......icopter............

See you at the show.....with more to come!

Italian Crunch on the Roll

2010-03-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Here is proof I am actually in my studio getting ready for....................................................

AMERICAN FOLK ART FESTIVAL 2010 Saturday, May 1 Time: 12-5pmLocation: Laird Family Estate Winery, 5055 Solano Avenue, Napa, CA 94558 Join us once again for the third annual AMERICAN FOLK ART FESTIVAL featuring a wonderful array of dealers and artists showcasing both contemporary and antique treasures of Americana and American creativity... All in a beautiful winery setting. Guests may enjoy wine, refreshments, light appetizers and live music! This event will benefit The Napa Valley Museum.

Vermeer has Girl with a Pearl.......I have Girl with a Ribbon

Hair Extensions From Machu Pichu

Blue Missing You............

Jackie Out of the Box

Petal Pusher

Expiration Date
What Is That Nagging Thought?

Time Is Money (what you can't see is the watch and client list)

Bauble for Where?

Pythagorian Therorem...........two triangle sides go to great lengths to create a third, a fourth and so on.......

You must attend this stellar artistic and antique event in the Napa Valley......and see, or should I say experience my friend Freeland Tanner who is recognized for his Tramp Art inspired wood sculptures. An exhibit of his recent works along with a presentation of how his art is created will be on display. His work is spectacular.......
For more information for this event call 707-253-1092, email mail@hallidayhouseantiques.com

Hope to see you........!

The" I's" Have It.............

2010-03-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

On my blog, I have shown portraits of many faces from times past. Then I have gone on to use their images in my work. However, in my library, I have a good number of books about Native Americans. I have yet to open these books here. It is my privilege to now share a few of the photos from the book, INDIAN SPIRIT. I am mesmerized by these portraits. Through the eyes, and faces of these great Chiefs' you can see the Indian Spirit, and begin to learn secrets about their sacred ways. I welcome you to greet these ancient ones, share their wisdom, and be inspired. I have also included some of the wise words once spoken by them. No other people throughout the years deserve more respect and honor than the Native Americas.

The truly brave man, we contend yields neither to fear nor anger, desire, nor agony ......he is at all times master of himself..........

Sell a country! Why not sell the air, the clouds, and the great sea, as well as, the earth? But wait, did not the Great Spirit make them all for the use of the children.

It is our belief that the love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome. Its appeal is to the material part, and if allowed its way it will in time disturb the spiritual balance of the man.

I will respectfully use these images in my work.......to powerfully inspire a message, and show honor.

California CrazEASE!

2010-02-24T23:41:00.000-08:00

We have the reputation....... we own it!!!! California is crazy, and freewheeling in many ways. Where else could you see this billboard with such a fresh take on vampires, in uniform no less........

and this sign to scare you into car pooling......
We have some buildings to prove it too..........
Chili a hot dog!

Hoot Hoot I Scream a forerunner to the Hooters..........

It has a perceived lack of history, and an anything-goes attitude. It is the perfect state to embrace me............my off beat relatives......and.........

my random pieces.....

Bearded Cow a Lily......

I am a drift........

Jack the Celery Stalker..and his hit list of organic vegtables

Phil los so sirs..............

Mutt and Jeff and so on and so on..................................

WHOO HOO............WE HAVE A WINNER

2010-02-17T10:18:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Pam Aries from Florida!!!!! She is the winner of First Crush my OWOH trashformation assemblage giveaway! Thank You to all who left comments on my blog........and a special big Thank You to Lisa for putting her thinking cap on a few years ago, and discovering such an inspired idea for the blogging world to connect. During this event, I visited many blogs, and marked many as well. I look forward to returning throughout the year and becoming better acquainted with so many creative people and their works. Oh.....I was also pleased to learn that there are many collector's of all things discarded out there that see the possibility of art in everything they find. Long live found objects and trash ......... and it does so through art.......the beauty in recycling. Nothing is sacred, or a slave to what it once was.......... just like ourselves we can keep reinventing/reincarnating everything we find.

.........AND SO IT BEGINS ONE WORLD ONE HEART

2010-01-25T23:37:00.000-08:00

SALAAM (PEACE) AND WELCOME TO MY BLOG.............

I am gearing up for the journey on this magic carpet ride.......... One World One Heart!
I love found objects! A&E's Hoarder Show on TV frightens me a bit........because I think I might qualify as a case study on one of their episodes. I would dare say that I make very little eye contact most places I go because I am always searching for great finds. When I go on an outing, or on vacation I take pictures of cracks in walls,

and sidewalks.......junk piles etc. etc.
and if I invite people up to see my etchings.......that's what they really see. I am a hopeless collector of stuff......that may not have a purpose at the moment, but will someday. My husband would like to slide some of my trash stash inside these piles of grapevines on our vineyard, for a new pagan cleanliness ceremony.
However, I have found a kindred spirit in Michael deMeng and his wonderful vision of found transformations.
Some of you might have met him and had the pleasure of having a class session with him. I did so this past October. Finally, confirmation that you can never have too many finds. He loves junk too. My give away this year is this piece below that I created while in his class.

After looking through my loads of junk this is what evolved. My First Crush...... Lots of opportunities to think with this piece, which started with an orange crush soda can I found on the road one day. Who is the crush.....the girl or the cat......could it be the rock had a part in this too........I'll leave that up to you.
If you would like to participate in my

give away please leave a comment on my blog. You may leave a comment up until midnight February 14th California time. I will select a winner on February 15th. I create only one of a kind pieces, so there will never be another one like this. Make sure I can contact you at your blog address. I hope the one who wants this the "mostess" wins! Thank you for visiting my blog. I look forward to meeting all of you, and viewing your blogs, as well.

Although, my Reluctant Juggler shown above is not a giveaway, I may need him to help me draw the number of the lucky OWOH winner!

That Works................

2010-01-18T04:49:00.000-08:00

So, I am sure you have all looked at something you have created at one time or another and said "WOW.......now that really works! If you love the piece then no matter who tries to bargain for it....you think......NO deal. It is still glowing from your creative energy.....the aura around it has not even left the work space. .how could you possibly part with it? If you attend a show, you might also recognize the keepers by their hefty price tag. But then, you know the old rationalization...........Well, if someone is willing to pay the price, then I am compelled to sell it..........of course never dreaming that anyone would dare make such an offer. Sometimes we try to save these fave pieces too by marking a sign that says they're sold. Such are a very few pieces of my work that reside in my home.........ones I actually did keep.

There is usually regret about the pieces that were really never intended to be sold............no matter what.. ....even if someone was willing to pay the price.........here are a few of my sold regrets........never to be exactly recreated again, since I make one-of-a-kind. Sniff, sniff, I can even remember who bought each piece......which is a temptation.....they are only an email or a phone call away. Can you recall art like other goods?

BATBOY
GHOST BABY

GRAVEYARD TRICK OR TREATER

The Devils Rejects

Darrow's Manymphs On the Go!

Something Nagging at my Head

Kitty Katdaver
Miss Issippi and Nemrod

Look Ma...........Yes Hands!

2010-01-03T01:04:00.000-08:00

Something to keep you entertained.........on a long winter's night in between.............bursts of artistic creativity...............AND

I have been known to make a few shadow gestures myself.......but enough about that! This is great fun to do, providing you are double jointed in some cases.......... But Wait it does not cost you $19.99. Think of the fun you could also have being the life, and, or the entertainment at your next gathering. What a way to surround yourself with a crowd...before you know it you might be signing autographs. I became invisible once at a party, and played a whole game of tennis in a living room full of people, without them knowing, seriously,...(oh those parties from the past)......this is much easier to do than that. Could also be a workout, or warm up for those hands on a chilly morning before working in the studio. Let your hands be your guide. Artistic people it's always about the hands!

My Pretty Ponies........

2009-12-20T21:35:00.000-08:00

I went to Virginia City Nevada a few months ago to visit my favorite bookstore, the Mark Twain Bookstore to be precise.Every nook and corner is filled with early history of the west and the Comstock. On this particular day I picked up a book titled A Pony in the Picture. A book filled with children and their ponies. As ponies were often a gift at Christmas, I thought it would be fun to show the sheer joy of this treasured moment.

I was not lucky enough to have a pony of my own, but I remember riding at the pony ring every opportunity I could get. I made sure though, that both my girls had the pony experience. There may have been one little problem, however, in pony protocol. It seems I had heard somewhere that if they were to lie down......it could be a symptom of colic....... a condition that could sometimes be fatal. My poor pretty ponies were not allowed to lie down for more than a second the entire time they lived with us. It's safe to say they were probably happier when they moved on to greener pastures. I later found out that it is OK to let a pony lie down once in a while. Luckily these ponies in the pictures were not under my watch. .....see the smiles on their faces, or are the bridles too tight?

Happy Holidays......and may all your pony wishes come in some form, or another!

Amazed to be HollyDazed............

2009-12-02T01:59:00.000-08:00

These "cute" Santa's above have either /or names, but they are all California....... in orgin.........for instance.......there's Santa Barbara, Santa Francisco, Santa Ana, Santa Anita and so on.

Something happens.........during the holiday season.......that doesn't happen very often, in fact hardly at all any other time of the year...........I become briefly hollydazed.........led into a semi-precious trance......prone to make nice......and cute in spite of myself. It is a an affliction that is very unsettling. Maybe it is the thrill of the challenge to do something a bit more center. Anyway one thing I know for sure is that people do not like certain of their holiday icons messed with.........especially those associated with Christmas. You make an off kilter Santa, or Angel........and you are asking for it! You might as well rent a ring...............and hire a ref........because you are in for a fight. I once made a Santa in Bondage...........and you would have thought I stabbed Christmas through the heart. I think you always need to be true to your self no matter what...though.....so with that in mind........the Christmas holiday it seems does have an auspicious background depending upon what your religious beliefs are.....so I will have to be content to let these Holiday Pop UPs, etc reek rebellion..........

Eeek Creepy Cheer!
Buck Tooth Hollygaze!

Romanoffs ? reincarnated.........
Child of the Holiday Corn and Mom........

Revenge of the Holiday Bow..........

Unknown Gnome..............

Blah....Blah ...Blah....so there! But wait, I,Krampus,am a part of the early Christmas holiday tradition!

Pieces of Eight

2009-11-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

Arrrrrrrrrrrrgh Matey............

Being pulled in many directions........... pretty soon I will literally be pieces of eight. I am catching up, backing up, making up, taking up, breaking up, mixing up, turning up, and digging up. Meanwhile I watch my cat simply sit on a box, and stare blankly off into space. It would be great to occasionally just sit on a box, instead of having to pull something out of a box, decorate the box, fill the box, mail the box, nail the box.........you get the picture. Not complaining mind you..........just musing. Reality check...for me....as I get older life does not become less complicated. So with that in mind........I have some catching up to do here.

Even though Halloween has officially gone and passed...........it will remain with me all year long. A few pictures of how the Disney people gussy up for Halloween.

Main Street

Little Shop of Horrors

Day of the Dead
And now on to Trick or Treat........

This is what it is all about......candy in the hand is worth more than candy in a bucket.
This citizen party bunny hander outer........is all handed out....... kids are getting their own.

Finally....last but not least a spectacular winter show.....the WHITE BARN WINTER FAIR goes on.........November 20 and 22....10am-5pm .....2727 Sulphur Springs Rd.....in St. Helena California. Celebrate the season with local artists and find one of a kind gifts for the holidays. A few examples of what I will have there to offer.

Clown Alley
Berry Bling the perfect accessory for the season.......with Tin you're In.......

What....Elves when in doubt.................

Snow Jesture............

Snow Babies.........my version.....not breakable......you can roll them around on the floor....they'll beg for more.

Hope to see you there.........for more info about the show and for a complete list of more amazing events at the White Barn visit.........www.THEWHITEBARN.ORG

de Menging of Learning New Tricks and Treats..............

2009-10-23T00:50:00.000-07:00

Above Michael's spinning head doll............

Well, my two days of classes with Michael deMeng got off to a rocky start...having made it to the parking lot near the class location on time.....even though I did not know where I was going........(same problem as on most days).......I chased a FedEx driver down and got a street direction. Anywhooooooo...........I was in the area on time..........only to jump out of the car and in my excitement lock everything inside. Forgetting that I have OnStar service........I called AAA. Then after a long wait, and me chewing my nails, as I watched in horror, when the " quote technician" jammed a coat hanger in, out and around my fairly new car did I remember I had OnStar. Which after a two minute phone call.......a signal came from Heaven.......and unlocked my car.........I know I made one of those dumb commercials for OnStar.......because I spent a long time thanking them and saying I will never regret paying my OnStar bill again.

New friends ......Lana and Julee.............

You might say I was stressed........as I came late into class.......but, no matter what shape I was in when I arrived no one could have prepared me for the euphoria I would feel after spending two days with Michael. I have a new found respect for the wonders of color washes and found objects. What an instructor and an all around nice guy he is.........and what a concept a non-Diva, or in his case, a non Divo artist. I encourage anyone who has not taken a class with him to do so. He is inspiring, approachable, knowledgeable, and has great artistic sense. Everyone in class was in love with him.

Following are a few pictures from class........

Learning how to make a creepy baby with rotting flesh...........not for the faint hearted.........

Forever mixing washes to perfection.......we all tried to grab paint from Michael's paint dabbles.......the master had touched there......

The critique..........positive words,encouraging remarks, and helpful suggestions from Michael

Michael holding my work below............My First Crush...........base a crush soda can.......
My deMenged demented toy..........

Work from the master...........

If Michael brings his workshop to town........just like the circus........Don't Miss It!

Dead of the Day

2009-10-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

Soooooooooo.........It's the Dead of the Day........or Day of the Dead........whatever way you say it......it's music to my ears. I love all the imagery and the symbolism behind this celebration of the spirits passed.....and since I was not born on Halloween.....then being born on Day of the Dead is the next best thing!
I have a couple of friends Sharon and Carole that really love the Day of the Dead, and...I am sure there are more too that also love the Day of the Dead festivities.

In fact Sharon Christovich loves the celebration so much that she has a large section of her Folk Art Gallery in San Rafael CA, at 1321 4th St, dedicated to Day of the Dead.....on a recent field trip there I took some pictures so you can peek.....but you really must visit to get the full effect.

This is an exciting and eclectic Gallery. Besides treasures of Day of the Dead ethnic, tribal, and contemporary folk arts, crafts and jewelry from many other countries are represented there. If you cannot visit in person then visit the Gallery website and blog. http://www.thefolkartgallery.com/ http://www.yelp.com/biz_redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thefolkartgallery.com%2Fblog&src_bizid=dF5rt9T5TV7mNEtg5KHdJQ&cachebuster=1255502297

Follow this link, there is a wonderful article written on the meaning of the Day of the Dead celebration. http://www.thefolkartgallery.com/newsletters/mataortiznewsletter/lifeafterlife.htm

Putting in my two centavos worth.... for the Dead of the Day.................celebration.......... DAY

AND NIGHT..............

There is always a Skelly......... a mere shell of himself.......

or an evil Ricardo waiting for their celebration!

The Plot Thickens.........

2009-10-06T01:53:00.000-07:00

as more dirt blows across the cemetary in Virginia City Nevada...........truly that was the beginning of my recent visit to scout out some former locals. Being Halloween, and also the none too soon Day of the Dead...........it is only fitting that I would spend some time there....paying homage to those souls..,perhaps to one of the souls below,..but I did not count on a windstorm of hurricane proportions. Besides the obvious........you might say the former residents of the City and thereabouts.........were hale and hardy to withstand the winds that whip through the area. Here are some scenes that capture the Halloween/Day of the Dead.......spirits......

Who Spirits!

One of the first early wooden markers.........the name has faded......

It's the beauty of the gate...........time worn

Infant stone..........came in and went out of the world on the same day.........the tragedy of many in those times.......

Growing inside the iron walls with iron will a garden........of sorts.......

Rolling about in the wind.......a forgotten urn?

Entombed with a view...........

Draped pillar in loving memory...............
To the memory of the spirits passed......memorial hangings to be worn around the neck or hung in the home, or elsewhere.....my versions of these....

Halloween spirits and otherwise spirits in memoriam.............

Magic Carpet Ride

2009-10-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

These last few weeks have been intense and the reasons why are posted below.............Fixing the new digs in Lake Tahoe, and ....................shows, shows, shows........................

The new digs.........
A blank canvas.........of walls and wallboard.............

Can see the forest......for the deck..........

AHHHHHH camping inside........now you see what all the furniture fuss is about....

First show Tinsel and Treasures in Alamo............presented by Iva Wilcox, assisted by Colleen Moody, and Donna O'Brien, and also participating the most kind spirited, fun loving group of women ever. A few pictures from the show..........not to be missed by anyone next year!

Iva Wilcox

Colleen Moody............

Dee Foust..........

Gina Gabrielle of Tangerine..............

Anna Corba..............

Sylvia Anderson.............

Melissa Valeriote..........

Next two weekends of shows with Art Council Napa Valley Open Studios.........

Studio ready and waiting.......

A tree face watches for the first visitors........

Looking out on the way to the studio door......

A peek inside........

A closer look...........

A studio visitor who would be king wearing a scrap tin crown. Coming to my studio makes you do strange things.

Freeland tanner...a fellow artist visitor.....and his wonderful tramp art work...... picture below.......

Pictures speak a thousand words........about being busy......recently!!!!!

Read All About It..........HalloVine Wine For Sale.....Now...

2009-09-17T21:56:00.001-07:00

Hallow.........
Let no wine be released before it's time.........as the saying goes! However, the time has come for the 2006 HalloVine Cabernet Sauvignon to be released. This is the fifth release of HalloVine wine. It had it's humble beginnings back in October 2003 when the first HalloVine wine, Vintage 2000, was released at Madonna Estate Winery. Better Homes and Gardens Tricks and Treats Magazine included the debut release of the wine in their fall special interest publication. And to add another cliche.......the rest is history. A cult Halloween wine was born. The wine was crafted for three years, then a break for two years, and finally the rebirth of the HalloVine wine tradition in 2008. Each vintage has had a different one-of-a-kind collectible Halloween label which was designed by an artist, who is well-known for creating Halloween art. I am proud to say that the meaningful re-birth label in 2008 was created by well-known Halloween folk artist, Jack Roads. This year's label was colorfully designed by Halloween folk artist, Iva Wilcox, who is the founder of the very successful Tinsel and Treasures Show, that was just held September 12th in Alamo California.

READ ALL ABOUT IT, And Order Now!

With Halloween becoming such an important, and fun holiday it is only fitting that the perfect wine has been created to celebrate the holiday. Each year my husband sets aside a special lot to be aged specifically for HalloVine wine. This year the Cabernet Sauvignon HalloVine wine was made from grapes grown in the famed Rutherford bench of the Napa Valley. This wine has aromas of cassis, toasty oak, chocolate and berry jam, on the palate, with a hint of spice it is balanced by a richness of sweet toasty French oak. It has an ample, yet elegant tannin structure, and a smooth lingering finish. A perfect sipping wine for waiting by the fire on Halloween.

First the grapes from the vineyard above...........now come to the winery to be set aside for HalloVine wine.

Waiting for it to age,,,,,,,,,,,,

And now perfection is released.......A perfect combition.........the fine wine of Madonna Estate, and the artistry of the label from Iva Wilcox.
If you would like to order HalloVine wine to celebrate, and make Halloween memories.
The wine retails for $24.00 a bottle. Produced in very limited quantities, I encourage you to purchase yours today before it disappears! You may order wine online www.madonnaestate.com or by calling Brette at Madonna Estate Monday through Friday (Pacific Time) at 1-866-724-2993.
The minimum order for shipping the wine is three bottles. You may order fewer bottles of “HalloVine” wine if they are combined with other wines from Madonna Estate to make the minimum order of three. Here is a link to the other wines of Madonna Estate.

Thank you! And enjoy!!

To Market To Market

2009-09-02T22:50:00.000-07:00

It's almost time for the second annual Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show........see box in sidebar for details, and here I thought my days of speed.....were left behind me at college with all my other bad habits. Now I have a new reason for an upper....... I am again confronted with an age/old thought...........my art does not have an identifiable look. Even though I have resolved in my mind my non-look is a look.........when a body of work is gathered together for a show it looks like a collaboration of several different artists.......but that's who I am..........what I am, and what I find at the moment. I rest my case.....
Kitty CATdaver........has her apron on ready to go......Thanks! Karen O..........for the great background catdavers..........I put this picture you sent to good use.......and with Oh such an air of sophistication.

Elephantinitis......... you dump it......he'll carry it!

Two faced partier......no wonder she is so skinny..........
Black Cats working their mojo...........

Ghosts of financial spirits passed............actual wanted men!

I'm not for everyone!

BOO BLING and HALLOWEEN SWAGGERS

2009-08-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

It's time for Boo Bling! It's that time of year when Halloween jewelry abounds around my neck, and on my person. Although during the year, I secretly always manage to wear something covert Halloween. Halloween swaggers around this time of year as well. It's the time to acknowledge that you love Halloween, and not accused of being a fanatic.

Swagger.......one

Hanging Halloween.....

Halloween Dogs Go Wild!

Punkin Head Around Yer Head....

Boo Hatted Kids.........

Halloween Animulet.......

Brace those Lets........

Haunting Memories.............

2009-08-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

Faces.........from the past..........updated to the future..............still bring haunting memories......

Keepers of the pins......hat and otherwise........

Swaggered Versions of Baby Faced Nelsons.............

Climbing the Emigrant Hill Of Dreams...

Haunt Couture

More Keepers of Pin......

Sprites from Ellis Island.......remember!

ImPODsters............

2009-08-02T23:58:00.000-07:00

What's a person to do when they pass by a bowl full of PODS in an artefact, desgin and salvage shop http://www.artefactdesignsalvage.com/ at Cornerstone Gardens http://www.cornerstonegardens.com/ . I mean this California art and garden complex is amazing. I want everything in every shop, and out on the grounds too,........ right now! Just back up the truck, no make a that a whole fleet of trucks .........drive them to the vineyard, and I will be a happy woman. However, instead for now I will settle for some pods. When I purchased them, like most things I collect......I did not know how I would use them in my art.......but I knew they would be transformed.........like everything else I pick up. I find myself always saying.......when I purchase something..........this is not going to stay this way.........it will be transformed! Like I, being a magician, would turn a knitted baby sweater into an elephant. That would be a little disconcerting to a Thrift Store clerk.......I am not sure they would share a vision of seeing anything but a knitted baby sweater. I might add I have an entire barn, container, and warehouse full of things waiting to be transformed.

This is the end result for the PODS later they may have a reincarnation but, for now..............they became ImPODsters...............I could have called them POD HEADS....but that was too reminiscent of the 60's, so instead......... because it is almost Halloween.......and the PODS surely would have their masks on, they became ImPODsters...........

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Help save the ImPODsters.........from oblivion!

HalloVine Wine

2009-08-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

Yay..........the new HalloVine Label is completed, and it's a beauty..........Thanks to the multi-talented artist Iva Wilcox! She really has captured the fun spirit of Halloween in this label, and with so many beautiful colors. Iva is a very busy artist, so we, at Madonna Estate, were thrilled when she agreed to share her artistic vision for the label with us.

Besides adding label designer to her list of accomplishments, which to name a few include; collectible Halloween , and other Holiday Folk Artist, water colorist, teacher, jewelry designer, and Tinsel and Treasures show founder and organizer. Please see information on the second annual Tinsel and Treasures Show by clicking the box on the sidebar. She has also created a blog link on this site where you may learn more about the participating artists. To see more from Iva, you may visit her website by going to http://www.ivascreations.com/. My favorite saying when you see her work is........."Prepare to be amazed."

HalloVine Wine will be for sale soon, so you may stash it away in preparation for the Halloween season. .............which to my way of thinking should be all year long! It's the perfect combination of fine art, and fine wine. Thanks again Iva........we love this label, fifth in the series of collectible HalloVine labels from talented Halloween loving artists. I will keep you posted when we release this wonderful tribute to Halloween from Iva and Madonna Estate.

Odd Curiosities

2009-07-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

I must point out that like most artists, I have more than one artistic perspective, but I admit that I have always been especially drawn to all things odd and curious..........which, of course, in one way or another has a major influence on what I create. Around the time of Halloween seems an appropriate time to come clean with this confession. After all, Halloween knows no boundaries when it comes to the odd and curious.
One such library I would be interested in visiting would be the Welcome Library. Now that sounds inviting doesn't it with the word wellcome? It was in fact founded by Henry S. Wellcome, a wealthy, eccentric businessman who made his fortune in pharmaceuticals. The Library, when opened in 1946, became an unparalleled resource of over 2 million items spanning 3,000 years. It contains rare and surprising objects from anthropology, fork art, alchemy, and witchcraft, with a mix of more traditional medical archives.

Here are a few oddities from the archives that may lead to future art inspiration................................?????????????

This is A Malingerer's Guide........disguised as a book of matches these little bits of propaganda were air-dropped during World War II. They were a guide on to how to fool medical officers, so you could come home alive...pointing out that the war was nearly over, and no one would blame you for not wanting to be one of the last to die. Maybe this was a pre-sixties war protest.

I like the idea of doing a little matchbook of instructions in this format.........or maybe a flipbook.

This is wound man........with multiple injuries..........looking for symbolism here......and something scary.

Illustration of the parts of the body.......... architectually...... interesting concept.

Manuscript amulet to be worn for protection...........Amulets are fun to make........like the idea of animaluts.......

Artistic microscopic look at the water from the River Thames.............this has lots of possibilities.

Religious body parts............. pieces of eight?

AND NOW>.....From the Library, or Otherwise?......Inspiration, or Inspired Curiosities?

A CATABULL.....relative of the cannibal.....keeping score......

Catatonic 2.............

Eye-Cons...

Markey de Salude............Steals the hearts and tosses the rest away!

Chick's Peep Show.............

I would be that person who would sign up every time for the tour of weird, and wacky museums, and libraries of the world for artistic inspiration. It would take a big chunk of time, because there are many of them. Care to join me?

I'm in the Mooooooood for the Love of......Halloween!

2009-07-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

I'm ready to celebrate Halloween in all of its glory! No more spring pastel colors.........,or neon summer brights. Bring on that ole country drab, and skeleton chic. It needs to be bonfire time...and time to catch the spirits in between the two worlds. These photos will hopefully help conjure up Halloween inside you.

Ghost Birds in the tree........

Stone Cold Halloween Parade Marchers

Shrine to honor the Halloween Spirits

A perfect Pumpkin patch.............

In a picture perfect town..............

Everything on this page courtesy of Disney World........you can find Halloween inspiration anywhere.

Kind of "Gothicky"...........

2009-07-10T23:22:00.000-07:00

OK you caught me......... going to the bookstore counter with my "Gothic Beauty" magazine. I like the Goth fashion look..........when I was younger I used to dress like that. Now, I like to create figures that dress in that attire. I tend to like a combination of Victorian, Renassiance, Medevil, and a little Deathrock thrown in for a spooky look. Since I adore Halloween, Goth art, and dress are a part of that. I love the fusion of dark mystery, and the ethereal.

Here are some of the unofficial lyrics to the song (Everyday Is) by the Goth Band Ministry..........that talk about Goth and Halloween

Well I live with snakes and lizards and other things that go bump in the night, but to me everyday is Halloween.

Some original Goth People and they didn't even know it..........

Albert and Cora
Bessie
Thelma
Zena
Letty

Violet and Homer............look at his Village of the Dammed expression......if that is not Goth.......I don't know what is...........

Halloween is almost here, and my Gothic dressed characters can come out to play....... they are always ready for Halloween.

Bluffalo Goth Girl Won't You Come Out Tonight?
Ghost Goth Whisperer
Goth Bat Boy
Of Like Gothic Minds.......
Goth Garden Girl

If you love the Goth look in fashion, decor, or in jewelry, you must visit my friends website! http://www.gothicroseantiques.com/
She has, as she says, Cemetary Chic, Dark Romantic Victorian Keepsakes, and Wicked Wares. She lives in Gothic fashion daily.

What's not to like about black on black anytime, even beyond Halloween, fashion or decor?

Guess Who? Instant Relatives................

2009-06-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

These are the relatives of somebody.........who will become the art of somebody soon! Titles of future work included..........it will take some imagination.

Bleached Blanket Babylon

Criminal In Justice

Little Frankie Stein and Mom

The Two Hallo ween ears.........One for all and one for all........

Witchful Thinking from OZ...........and a wake up call for me............Halloween is just around the corner.

BORED GAMES? NEVER

2009-06-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

I LOVE GAMES! I am not a good sport. I hate to lose. I feel only slightly horrible that my mother felt she had to give me property under the table, when the family played Monopoly.

Ancient civilizations had board games. However, we don't exactly how some of them were played. The most ancient was a game that was found in an Egytian tomb about 3500 B.C. It was called "Who Killed King Tut" naw.........teasing about the name.

Prior to the 1800's virtue was the reward for winning a board game. After the mid-19th century, and prior to the 1940's virtue might help you win, but it was no longer the reward. Rewards became money, a promotion, winning property, or some other type of material goods. Today virtue plays little to no part in game themes. Games mirror society at specific moments in time. Throughout the years, interests, imaginations, and our values can be seen in the board game. Wonder what some of the themes might be now.........for board games.......um I shutter to think.

How about a rousing board game of guess the Authors name from his works! That ought to get everyone up and going ............like in leaving.

OR.............maybe Logomachy.......a war of the words........yawn................love the name though......I would love to say.......join me in a game of Logomachy......it could lead to something else especially if the "machy" part is whispered with eyes lowered.

OR there's The Game of Louisa.....similar to Parchese introduced in 1888

Maybe we could all have games named after us.......the Game of Bob, Tom, Dick, or Harry..........Susan's Folly......which would be about my Art endeavors. How about Pollyanna in 1915, advertised as the glad game. It featured different women with hairstyles from the time. That's a real show stopper.......hair games....kind of on par with the Olympics.

How appropriate for the Finance Game to appear in 1936 featuring ways to make money during the boom to bust period of American History.........this would be a timely game to bring out, dust off, and play now.....and weep.

Politically incorrect for our time now.......object of Bizerte Gertie was for one of the servicemen during World War Two to walk a beautiful girl on the beach, and not get stuck with the ugly one.........symbolized with a dog head. That sounds familiar......I remember when if you heard a guy say a certain girl had a nice personality......that meant she was a dog. I wonder what people do that are born in the year of the dog.

Now...........I like to make game bored swags.........That seems innocent enough, or not.

Head's Up.........Seven Up......

2009-06-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

Remember when you used to play that game in school.....usually during recess on a rainy day? As much as you tried not to peek, you were so tempted to at least look at the head tappers shoes. Totally off the subject, but I wonder if head tappers grow up to be headbangers. Anyway, just as it was a mystery, if you did not cheat, to discover who tapped you on the head so is...........how artistic inspiration comes to mind. Something random you see or hear taps out a little niche in your brain that becomes a very subtle beginning for an unplanned artistic creation. See what can be done with these random words for the most revered, at least in my mind, holiday of the year.........Halloween!

Witch Words.........Witch Way, Water Witch, Witch One, Witchard, and of course below, Witchsteria and Sandwitch

Food Words......Catsup, Deviled Egg. ..........and, below a HalloWeiner Trick or Treater

Bone Words...................Bonedacious, Bona Lisa, Boney Marony, Bone Collector.........below..Only the Bonely......
Pumpkin Words..........Plumpkin, Punkin Eater, and Jes yer Punk kid...........

Vegetable Words..........Beta the Carrot Teen, Jack the Celery Stalker, and AHHHH Spare Us Gus.....

Other random words........... with perhaps Halloween creations to follow............Corn Stalkers, Crow Kay, Batterina, Cat a Gory, Dirt Devil, Ghost Toasties, Scary Terry (towel), Mon Straw City, etc.

My Big Pleasingly Plump Italian Family Vacation

2009-06-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

I'mmmmmmmmm back.......I bet you did not even know I was gone.........but I was. Poof.........I was here, and then gone for 11 days. Taking a family vacation one or more times a year can do either/or.....either bring you all together or, not. Fortunately this vacation was a keeper.

Let's start with the baggage........my husband will never let me forget that I always overpack. I am forced to take pictures of my luggage from every conceivable angle, which he later will show others to gain sympathy and support. This was two days worth of clothing.

No I am not going to bore you with all the details, like how in addition to my metal knees that set off airport security.......I wore an underwire bra.........groments everywhere on my pants, a blouse with metal buttons, metal jewelry, metal shoe buckles, and finally a metal hair clip. After my very intensive shake down by security.........I felt the need to at least get the address of the security guard in order to exchange Halloween greetings. Bad idea.......wearing metal to the airport from head to toe..........I attracted so much attention with my arms outstretched, and palms turned up for so long..........people were beginning to gather around me to hear me sing praises to Heaven, or preach.........I think I might have said something about Hell, however.

Anyway, no..........vacation pictures of the usual subjects.............like my family. I like to take pictures of everything other than them unless I want to use them in some diabolical work of art. I do occasionally throw in a few people shots, though, to prove I really do have a family that sometimes consents to go somewhere with me. So, instead these vacation shots are to provide creative fodder..........at least that's how I am planning to use them...........but always in a most unconventional way.

Our accomodations............a little rustic..........but plenty of pans for cooking..........NOT

A little prayer first.........for the wisdom to make something out of what is to follow.....................

A little puffer belly not in a row........

Hmmmmmmmm I call this face Angelina.......

Surrealistic................

Hookers...hookas....hook ups?.........

Red sunset in the sails.......

Jimmy D..........

Aloha....................

Inspiration for creative new works to follow...........

Air Heads

2009-05-23T00:17:00.000-07:00

Headclouds.........Cloudheads........Cloudy Heads.........Heady Clouds..............and you are not even on your back looking up.........just images clouding up your head.......with inspiration!

the clouds are two faced.........
head to head in anger..........
Cameo Cloud head with outstretched arms..........

Heading towards the clouds.....my road

Full Head of steam clouds through the vineyard.......

Ahead.......in the clouds........my house..........

OK I said I was never going to do it.....stop at the place above in my road where everyone stops to take a picture, or spin their bike wheel. I think this year I am going to put up a little hard lemonade stand.........and make a few bucks......I need a summer job. One look at this spot with clouds.....can you blame them for stopping. Getting my head out of the clouds now....................when suddenly ..........

I remember that dreamy look my oldest daughter had in her eyes at four....... inspired by thoughts of air heads. I feel the compulsion now to create a rendering of the Michelin man!

Allow Me.........................Art in Another Form.......

2009-05-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

Allow me to present...........TA DA an interruption in my usual train of thought in posts here......pun intended as will be "scene" in a moment. I am going to give a glimpse........of just what has been preoccupying my time for the last several weeks since my recent show. I am so proud to be playing the role of Mom and introducing Lucky Penny Productions http://www.luckypennynapa.com/ ...........a new theatre company founded my daughter Taylor and her friend Barry. I have been behind the scenes both literally and figuratively........lending a helping hand whenever possible.

AND now, a few shots of the Lucky Penny Productions premier performance of the play "Baggage", and a look at the art of the daughter of Tinsell and Whimsy. If that doesn't sound like a figure waiting to happen I don't know what does....and of course always thinking Halloween.....I have made a Little Frankie Stein in the past, a Dogzilla, a Bunncula.......now what's next............Daughter of the Phantom (Artist), or the Daughter of Tinsell and Whimsy...........such stuff that could be used in the creation boggles the mind!

OH wait, there she is striking a pose in one of the beginning scenes of the play..hmmmmmmm think I have seen this look and pose before.

Seen this stance too......around the beginning of High School until the end of it at graduation. Usually an argument...........here the same thing in this scene only, thankfully, not with me.

Been there done that comforting thing too.........great to relive it and see it enacted onstage.

Actually, making light of what was a wonderful premiere performance of Lucky Penny Productions. I am very proud of Taylor.........fulfilling one of her dreams.........of starting a Theatre Company.......and at such a young age. I am sure she will have a few other things ticked off her list in short order......no lack of motivation here. Me on the other hand I tend to work more in spurts. I do know in between studio time this week where I will be.........there are still two more performances of the play "Baggage" at theatre in the round at the Wine Train Station. Among other things, I have to humiliate myself again at intermission..........and try and sell tickets for a great raffle basket prize. This seemed to go easier when I was younger and had better cleavage...........dare I say. However, I did manage to sell a few tickets to my own family members......and to several others I blocked from passing me by......wish me luck!

The Show Went On..............

2009-05-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

The American Folk Art Festival 2009 show I have been creating art for round the clock is over and out............I mean it's over and I am out......... of it.............but only temporarily. Even though I normally work from about 10pm until 3am............I have had quite a stretch of it. I had the highest hopes of taking lots of pictures to share...........but honestly I did not have time to take even one..........so trust me when I say it was a big success in every way for all involved. All I have to show for the show are a few pictures of things I took before the show.

Love the tater tot..............here's a steamed one!
Bluffalo Girl won't you come out tonight...........she likes to tease!
You've heard of a Scarecrow.........here's the Hollywood version......... a Chercrow........in a Bob Mackie original..............
Titled..... Halfway Between Heaven and Hell...........kind of on the fence post (literally, as well as figuratively) you might say............you can't see the clouds above the head...........because, as you all know, photography is not a strong skill of mine.............imagine clouds painted up above.............To make matters worse this figure is on a wire.........which also brings up some interesting thoughts about having a deadline to decide their fate...........

I didn't want to be JUST a fork in the road.............Is the title here....I am sure we have known someone like this at one time or another.......he's kind of like "everyman" wanting more.....the question is more of what?......and proof even real men wear pink.

The Nanny and Manny...........look at their expressions, and with what care Nanny is holding Manny by his hair.

Simple Simon met a Pie man...........end of story.

The Emigrants Human and Otherwise........

A few highlights from the show to remember......

The rain and how one of my paintings fell through the tent side into the mud, since it was too steep to bend over and pick it up.......I had to try to retrieve it with a stick......someone came along and stood watching me slide the painting through the mud, flipping it over many times....I told him after a few minutes......that I was just putting some finishing touches on one of my paintings.........he left shaking his head

A man wearing a black fuzzy cat hat with ears, tied with pom-poms under his chin ..........after looking at my work told me I was his art soul mate.

Someone commenting on how real my sandwich looked displayed on the table.........it was my sandwich.

Several people asking me what I'm on when I work.........actually, I take that as a compliment.........and told them a stool........hoping they would not think a toadstool........as related to a mushroom.

Someone asking me if I thought about being a comedian...........dashing my dream, that I could be taken for a serious artist.

Where could you have such wonderful memories as these..............but at an art show. Truly I do want to "Thank" all of my family, friends and guests that came by to see me........how very much it meant to me to have your support.

TH TH THAT's All Folks! Um I don't know if it is politically correct to quote Porky Pig at this time......not to make light of the current health situation...........but being lighthearted, and having a bit of humor has a way of helping all situations, and it also heals....it really does.

Can You Relate?

2009-04-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this picture for what it symbolizes...........I can so relate to it right now. I am preparing for a show (see sidebar) on May 2nd............and this picture says it all . This is a sheep break area. When you go to the petting zoo.........they have an area roped off for the sheep to go to when they have had enough petting..just enough of enough. I need an art break zone to go to when preparing for a show where I can stand, and do nothing and no one can touch me. I am sure we could all use this at one time or another. So, with that spirit in mind I am going to rope off an area of my house right now and stand in it. I will let you know how it goes!

Pictures Are Friends of Mine...........I Will Take Them Anytime

2009-04-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Picture...................

Friend.................

Picture...........

Friend...........

Picture..................

Friend...............

Picture..................

Friend.........

Picture.............

Friend..........................
Picture.....................
Friend......................

Picture...............

Friend............

Picture.................

Friend.............

Picture...........

Friend..........
Hanging....Out....Face Time with Friends................

The Apple of My Eye........Tinsel Trading Company!

2009-03-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Yay!!!!!!!! Back from New York, finally after 10 long days. It's really unsettling not to see vines, and open spaces for that long. From this ...........

to this.................
is a real transition.......and now for the real highlight of the trip, .......besides promoting the winery, and tasting New Yorkers on our wines, of course.........I went to Heaven on 37th street..........see if you agree.......yes, there really is a "Santa" for artists.

From the outside looking in the window............I knew I was a "goner".........or at least all of my funds were........ that I had been saving for New York. If you step inside remember to have a paper bag close at hand in case you are prone to hyperventilate...........
Just inside the Easter display.............

I stuffed away some Easter things in my shopping basket.....and I do not even really like the art of Easter.......Oh, my I am in real trouble now.......... picking up things that I don't really collect....
OK... OK one more Easter picture I could not resist.........the drawers every chick should have....
Moving on from Easter to the art of Wendy Addison.......she is a friend of the Tinsel Trading Company, and creates for them..........
More Wendy...............
The antique bead, metallic thread and etc., cart that will hypnotize you into putting something from every section into your basket............
all this and antique lithographs too........

The wall of flowers...........

Black flowers my favorite for Halloween, and do0-dads galore.........

The danger zone...........drawers of every possible button, antique metal, bead, bone, etc.......to adorn any creation you could ever imagine..........pieces of a little bit of everything......

Ribbon.......rolls and rolls of ribbon........

and a cabinet full too.......

TRIM "rows" Lane..........

trim..........up close and personal.........

Much to do about trim.....and meeting Marcia Ceppos generational family member still in the business of selling (as she puts it) passementeries, ribbons, metallic trims, flowers, that are vintage, and new at this location.........1 West 37th St New York.....as they say......... priceless.

.....................Two, or Three in the Bush

2009-03-02T23:37:00.000-08:00

OK.......I wish I could say that I am a bird watcher extraordinaire, but that's not exactly true.

I mean I am on the lookout for birds......that have a Halloween flair.

I have to confess that these perfectly Gothic looking birds.........were, and I want you to know

that I risked my life shooting them in their wild habitat.................................................

in the parking lot of Target...............

I had to endure the rigors of dodging parking rage rs trying to find a spot, and the stares.......it was all about the stares........for who stands in the middle of the Target parking lot........setting the scene, getting the light just right, adjusting the camera settings like it's 1999, and I am on a photo shoot for National Geographic. No bare breasted females dancing and chanting native songs ......well, maybe there were a few teens doing so in the background, but I got the shot. I captured the moment, just before a car in the distance backfired and scared them away. You just never know the challenges you might face out there in the asphalt jungle............so you must always have your camera with you, and be prepared for anything.

There is an old saying..........A Bird in the camera lens is Worth Two in the Bush..........

Now, by no means do I want you to think that this was my first foray into uncharted territories to observe nature.......I was on a graphic shoot, as I call it...... not too long ago. I was deep in the Florida everglades in a place called the World of Disney........and I came across this exotic creature......

A native boy that possessed strange super powers............and while on a Safari deeper into the tangle, of bramble and brush......these intriguing species.......mind you .......all the while keeping my trusty camera perfectly poised in the safari jeep.......
Look quick........it's a hippo's rear!

And there's a giraffe rock.

Suddenly, someone screamed.....Look, Look, those look just like flamingos......With my vast wildlife knowledge..I shouted back......they look like them, because they are flamingos. That would have been my daughter who made that scream, and then was quiet the remainder of our journey.

And finally a horse/goat or some combo of something with no ears...we were traveling at such a pace it's hard to know.............
Oh, I could go on with my picture safari, but I don't want to get you overexcited waiting anxiously for each finely executed photograph.......there are many more blurry passing bushes, rocks, and various arms, heads, torsos, and legs etc. to see. I want you to know that each of these photos have not been retouched in any way. They are in their natural state, and as pristine as the day they were taken. One parting shot........ I could not resist..........

an animal send off.....or kiss off........if you will.
If anyone is interested.......I am currently unemployed as a photographer, but call me if you need one, or for a good time. Anyway, you get the picture!

A Road Well Travelled.............

2009-02-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

Mustard in Madonna Vineyards

Come up the road towards home with me today.......it's my favorite time of a rainy day when grey sky meets sunset............

My road on the way home, and the road ahead..............both scenes in the recent movie "Bottle Shock"......so familiar to me........
Almost to the creek and the bridge...............

Huichica Creek........Little Ground Owl in the Indian Language.....

Looking up the hill towards home...........

The small barn on the way.........

The Pond..........where on a summer night the only sound is a bull frogs croak........

Home.....nearby the Pompeii garden sleeps...........

The side yards and beyond...........

A Promise in my backyard..........

Sunset at last.........then to travel the road again tomorrow.....with each day a different look..........

Love Tokens

2009-02-08T16:00:00.001-08:00

(One World One Heart Giveaway two posts below)

OK.........I am a reluctant romantic.........so why have I already posted two Valentine posts, with a circus knockdown post in between, because I can't ever be too mushy or serious. And now, yet another piece in reference to Valentine's Day.....why......because I find the concept of a love token being something other than the usual card, or flowers interesting, and a challenge. A love token can be anything that has significance to you, and your beloved.

Before cards and flowers, traditionally love tokens were coins that had one side, or both sides smoothed down and engraved with initials, names, phrases and/or scenes. These were often given to young ladies as “tokens of love” by suitors. This practice seemed to have started in England, as early as the fifteenth century.

There are even Love Token Societies today that collect these engraved coins............

But did you know that down through the ages, these tokens below were also given to show one's love and affection..................

These needlework peas woven into fabric, or painted .........to symbolize closeness

Flower holders turned into jewelry, as a reminder of the everlasting beauty of the beloved long after the flowers had wilted away.

An anchor love token necklace.........a sailors way of saying you are mine.....I'm sunk. A fan, a token that communicated the silent language of love........... A dropped fan, was a signal that a lady was interested in the man who retrieved it for her. Rapid fanning indicated great interest, but if she rested it on her lips, she was indicating lack of trust.

A quilt made with love and given as a token of the promise of warmth, and comfort............

I see fun on the horizon. Showing your affection for a certain person , or persons with a token of love can really be anything. I wonder what might be perceived as a most interesting token of affection. You could hold that distinctive honor with a little bit of cleverness.............and imagination. I know what token I gave my then boyfriend, and now husband for our first Valentine's Day celebration. I know he remembers it too.............he still has it tucked away!

Love From of All the Places................You Would Never Expect.....

2009-02-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

(Please note One World One Heart Giveaway offering is prior to this post.)

There is photography of life in the moment, and then there is photography in a meditative, still state. Beautiful female figures hint of our collective desire that death be not mere death.................not mourned, but celebrated by beauty.

These female forms are idealized and symbolic for the aspiration for eternal life, not the finality of death. The more beautiful they are the more vigorous life after death will be and the more certain we are of immortality.

In most artistic traditions the ability to master the female figure is what most defines artistic talent.

Those in the Romantic era of the nineteenth century were infatuated with death, for them is was the focus of extreme emotion, and the ultimate expression of love. They felt that to die loving, or loved was better than life itself. Death came to inspire not in horror or fright, but love and desire, so in a way I guess you could say these are images for love and Valentines.

Left wondering.....................

One World.......One Heart Giveaway!!!!!!

2009-01-30T07:27:00.000-08:00

For the very first time, it is my privilege to be a part of One World One Heart hosted by Lisa of The Whimsical Bohemian. I met Lisa a few months ago and I assure you that her energy/ passion for this project, and uniting artists around the world is as infectious in person as it is online. She has provided here an opportunity to meet artists, and art lovers from around the world, and perhaps receive a a tangible reminder of your visit.

I am presenting for this first giveaway A Non-Religious "Eye- Con" that embodies the spirit of a greater power in the minds around the world. As is with pretty much everything else I create, this piece, is done with a sense of fun, or a pun. I believe that a good sense of humor truly defines the human spirit......and now that is as serious as I will get.

This "Eye Con" is made of fabric and encased in a wooden shrine. The wings are from an old tin toy..........there is an old game piece on the hat........which has symbolic meaning. I am hoping that through this project I will meet artists of like mind................for wit, and cleverness, and a sense of humor are what I would like to see more of in this world.

If you are interested in receiving this piece............... please leave a comment before February 12th. I am so looking forward to meeting you, and sharing a bit of our worlds. I will draw a name on the 12th, and speed this to you. I am looking forward to seeing the spectacle of your art, and meeting new friends whether artist, or art lover alike. Please leave your blog contact, or an email if you are not a blogger, so I may get back to you if your name is selected. Thank You for visiting.....and most important have fun!!!!!

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