The theme for Ruby's eighth birthday was mermaids - so, with the help of Google Images I recreated a mermaid in a circular canvas to present to her on her celebration. Having six nieces is one of the my greatest joys... their walls are art-filled as I've given them artwork by me or fellow artists for their Christmas and birthday presents since they were born.

Last night was a great opportunity to meet some fellow Pa artisans from outside the area.  The Shulman Gallery is a beautiful space to exhibit and Kelly (on right in photo) does a wonderful job curating the shows. 

Tools surround me - I just have to pick them up and use them.... these books are tools which help me to pick up and use the tools of creation... I my case... brushes.  Thanks be to this day.

There's a great new show that opened at AFA in Scranton yesterday by Rebecca Zelinski - her work inspired me in many ways - the simplicity and texture.  The works are encaustic which is using wax with paint creating amazing textural effects.  I'm showing a work I purchased and am so excited to hang it amongst my other favorite artists!

August 10 - September 6, 2012 with an opening reception Friday August 10, 2012 , 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Artists:  Mark Chuck, Thomas Colbert, Paul Kicklighter, Earl Lehman, George Manns, Ben Manns, Susan Obaza, Leigh Pawling, Linda Schwartz, Bonnie Shanas, Ellen Silberlicht, Rachel Van Tassel, Jan Winemiller, Charles Gregory Wood

 

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Going to the doctor or dentist is never at the top of ones list of favorite things to do -  however, when I do go, I take in the reception area - and artwork helps the visit immensely.  It amazes me the power of art - it truly can heal - in more ways than one..... hopefully this new mural in a local pediatric hospital will have such an impact.

 



Here's a comissioned  portrait of a man - she said "make the shirt blue'.   What a treat to get out my oils as I've been using acrylics mostly.  Opening my box brought back memories of New York - the smell of oils in my studio was wonderful. 

Here's a huge machine - that prints on plastic which is the underlying foundation for the artwork which will hang in the board room of I2M which stands for Innovation to Manufacturing.  The press from Italy is gigantic and seeing it at the Crestwood Industrial Park, helped me to understand the blueprints.  Certain areas in the work took on an abstract feeling - like a Diebenkorn with repetition of shape and color tying everything together.   Lisi at Marquis in Wilkes-Barre has come up with the perfect framing solution - simple.  I can't wait for the hanging!!

Mark Rothko is the centerpiece of my altar - his calming paintings blew me away when I saw them at his retrospective in DC years ago.   The scale of the works - the progression of his palette from light to dark as he progressed into his depression was hauntingly beautiful.   One of these days I really want to see the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas . 
The Rothko Chapel, founded by Houston philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil, was dedicated in 1971 as an intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief. A tranquil meditative environment inspired by the mural canvases of Russian born American painter Mark Rothko (1903-1970), the Chapel welcomes over 60,000 visitors each year, people of every faith and from all parts of the world.  On the plaza, Barnett Newman's majestic sculpture, Broken Obelisk, stands in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

She said " I need new energy in this room"  The view of an angle of her house - just the corner showing the bluest sky with white clouds rolling in.  A four foot by six foot acrylic on canvas breathing new life into a room - pretty neat.....

 
                                             detail from Elevating 9  acryic on panel 20" x 20"
He said "why don't you put a fragment of yourself amongst those cell?"  I said  "I did......"

                             "Get me out of here" acrylic collage on panel 15" x 7"

 

one's main task in life is to give birth to oneself.......Erich Fromm

         A great artist and friend of mine will be at Barnes and Noble on Saturday from 9-9 - make sure to go and have your spirit and soul elevated in more ways than one! 

                                          detail of 'One Day 42'
      Numbers appear in my work representing my age at significant events which happened in my life
      I feel there is an emotional / physical response when a number is heard which alters one on a certain level whether it be conscious or subconscious.
      Many of my works deal with time and the changes that occur in all life - the blooming and the decay - and the continuation of spirit.  After all, everything is temporary.

This show called for audience participation with writing a Haiku based on the poppy image seen or
inspired by the botanical impressions installation.    The wall is filling up - it's really neat to see!

What a night - well attended - good people, good food, good energy - and good response! 
Here are a shoots by photographer Mike Burnside :


      Curator Brian Bennedetti

                  Liv me and Rich

             Rebecca me and Burgy

            Betsy and Russ





                 contrast

                                          Red at Flow - Photo by Burnside
There's a great adventure awaiting you in Jim Thorpe - a one man museum, gallery and amazing local food restaurant called FLOW...... it's a flowing experience - you just gotta go to see what I mean.

        Shovel 42  acrylic on canvas 74" x 18"
Here's a sneak preview of a piece which will be exhibited at the MacDonald Gallery April 10- April 29 with the opening reception Saturday April 14 , 5:00-8:00pm.  It's a shovel - to help dig to deeper levels.......

A local hospital is a little brighter for kids and staff due to the safari themed bus I recently finished.  It's amazing the power of ART!  It stimulates a smile..... it heals, it uplifts, it makes one ponder, it refreshes, it just helps to make one feel just a little better......  And that..... is a really good thing.

                                            detail of floral medley
She said make me painting of colorful beautiful flowers.  She said I'm tired of buying arrangements every week and then having to throw them away when they die.  She said I want something to last forever.