Wendy's Wonderings and Wanderings

New creatures for ACC Baltimore

2012-02-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

A new season of shows - a new group of creatures. Once again I'll
be heading to The American Craft Council Show in Baltimore www.craftcouncil.org/baltimore
Wholesale dates 22/23, retail 24-26. I'll be in booth #1200.
The new web footed avian above has shown up for the event.
He's been waiting patiently to be finished. Here are a couple
"before" photos which show armature and the one stone in the belly:

I was pleased the way the rawhide wings and webbed feet
turned out. I'll get a professional photo at the show to share.
Still looking for a name. Any ideas anyone? He/she is about
29" tall, 48"+ foot wingspread.

And speaking of stones. I returned from our Italian adventure

with stones picked up as we wandered the medieval hill towns

and looked at all the dragon images. So...no surprise that a

couple new dragons emerged incorporating some of the stone

story shards:

The stones on his back remind me of the stony streets we climbed.
Name here -Lucciano? perhaps? Rawhide wings are moveable.
Size: 12" tall, 24" long, 24" wingspread.

And finally a smaller one more with stone snout and stone
inside his back. Also moveable wings - about 18' wingspread.
Name? Leapfore?

I've been working on new designs incorporating eyes....some
work is collaborative....look for that in my next post!
Back to my studio....

Hope to see some of you in Baltimore!!

Adventure on! Wendy

Arisia 2012 - Dragon books, eyes and costumes

2012-01-20T12:34:00.000-08:00

I finished a new copy of my Dragon Names book this year
to present at Arisia 2012 in Boston last weekend: 2012.arisia.org
Newly dubbed the "Great Book of Dragon Names" this new
edition contains 410 and counting names....for all you dragons
out there looking to name your young'un or for other wanderers
wishing to make sure their favorite dragon is honored in such
a book. (Actually...thanks to folks at Arisia...there will be
more names added before ACC Baltimore in February. I'm
still looking for more that begin with J, Q, and X.

Of course, dragon books, as I learned needn't be just for
reading. They also make nice hair accessories as this
young customer let me know!

Arisia is always fun to participate in since its a delightful
10 min. from my home, an easy set-up, and is a voyage to
quite a different world than my usual fine craft show....I
always learn something new. This year it was about the
world of theatrical and custom contact lenses. Michelle
from www.exoticlenses.com was set up next to me.

Check out Michelle's eyes! She's wearing a cat and a

blue star. I thought about getting a pair to wear at shows-

perhaps a banshee or black wolf set? But decided they

might distract my usual customers.

It's always fun people watching at this type of event.

these are some of the folks who passed by my booth:

I thought this guy's steam punk stilts were very cool:

You pick up intriguing technical tidbits at conventions like

this too. I learned about el wire from this couple. The oval

piece in the center is lit up!

Who knows what my booth may hold next?

I picked up some spikey metal dice from

Andrew from www.foambrain.com

which I hope to incorporate into a new

creature...stay tuned!

Adventure on! Wendy

First Night Parade HYCC "Heroes"

2012-01-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all!! May 2012 be filled with adventure and
fun mixed with moments of delightful peace and quiet for us all!!

As usual this year, we ended the year with noise and glitter by
marching in Boston's First Night Parade along with the
Hawthorne Youth and Community Center group. HYCC's
"theme" for our presentation this year was "heroes". Local
artist, Lisa Lee, and I co-facilitated the project working with
after school kids and other member of the community on
Saturdays this Fall. Lisa and I enjoy working together and
love seeing a project evolve as we brainstorm and kids and
community take it and add their ideas.

We discussed "heroes" and what "traits" make a hero and
left choices wide open. Each child or adult chose their
"hero", printed out a name/s, printed out a "trait" on shade
cloth strips to be added to our large banner, and 17
individual "puppet" heroes were created.
Choice of heroes was varied - Many children honored
family members.

Others chose inspiring individuals in the community and world
(including Michelle and Barack Obama, Kip Tiernan (founder
of Boston's Rosie's place), etc. One youth chose himself, another
God, others musical idols. Here is the side of the banner with
all the names. It's quite a list!

Choice of traits varied as well. From Determined:

To "Good Dad:" (one youth's choice for Pres. Obama), to feisty
(Kip), helpful, awesome, inspiring, nicest, bravery, respect, real,
nicest. "Saved me", powerful, caring, loving...

First Night projects always include color and glitter. Lisa
is adding an extra bit of glitz to the HYCC banner here:

This is the trait side of the banner being carried in the parade.

Last year Lisa and I decided we had to have lights this
year. So blinking star lights lit up the top of the banner..

The individual hero puppets were made of gallon
milk jugs on a dowel with arms of foam pipe insullation.

with added shirts , scarves, hands and beads:

Michelle Obama had special glittery fingernails!

Just before the parade, the hero puppets waited
patiently for their creators to pick them up to march.

Each individual puppet had a 3 LED tap light inside the
head...so the faces could be seen during the parade:
Here are a few in the parade:
"My Mom"

Niki Manaj:

Kip Tiernan and Louis Armstrong:

Pres. Obama walked with some Vetran friends:

I brought along Bill T. Jones:

We had donated New Orleans beads to pass out
along the route. Everyone started walking very bedecked!

Over 50 people walked with HYCC this year (including one of
our daughters, her husband and two children. Our grandson
had a great time choosing whom he thought needed beads!)
And because it was in the balmy mid-40's the crowds were
bigger than ever to share in the First Night Festivities. Right
after the parade, a fireworks display is set off in the
Boston Commons....a great end to a family event!

Again Happy New Year to everyone!.. onward to 2012!!!

Adventure on! Wendy

A cliff dwelling nacimiento offering for the Holidays

2011-12-23T19:01:00.000-08:00

I have always enjoyed seeing varieties of nativity scenes .
But after seeing some amazingly elaborate nacimientos in
Cuenca, Ecuador, we began setting up our own nativity
scene in a more expanded way with an international flair.
It covers the top of our piano in December. This year we
purchased a mini trullo when in Alberobello , Italy.
It can be seen above just behind our "three kings"
( from Peru) playing music with a clay animals I made
when I was about 9 or 10. For me, the birth of any
child is something to be celebrated with song.

During our recent Italian adventure we were driving along the
Amalfi coast just about to go through a tunnel when I caught a
glimpse of something nestled into the limestone cliff. We parked
on the other side of the tunnel and I walked back through to see
what was there...and took some photos. I wasn't able to discover
the story behind the person or people who lovingly created
this detailed miniature nacimiento complete with a wood fired
pizza oven, miniature trees, and a pond with fish. There was no
sign or labels. It was a visual gift offered to passers by. I, in turn,
offer my images of the scene to you in honor of this holiday
Season and in honor of those who present anonomous gifts.

Enjoy!

My best to everyone for wondrous holidays filled with music,
good food, family and story sharing!

Journey on! Wendy

(Last post I promised some of my "stairs " photos...look for them
in my next post.!)

Doors, walls and stories - Italian images and reminder for auction for Terri Windling!

2011-12-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

As promised...it's time to share some images from our Italian
adventure. Needless to say we returned home with hundreds and
hundreds of images and memories. During our travels, I found myself
focusing on doors, walls, stairs, and walkways....and thinking about the
stories they held or might engender. I've chosen a few favorites of my
doors and wall photos to share on this blog. The opening image is of
Orvieto (about 90 min. North of Rome) where we stayed our first night.
The window on the left is our room at Ripi di Medici:
http://ripamedici.it/

The next morn we drove over to Montepulciano and found these
doors in the city walls:

We wondered who lives
here and what the inside
might look like.

We found little doors in big doors:

We passed this door in the courtyard of the
Santa Croce church in Florence on our way to
the school of leather there: http://www.scuoladelcuoio.com
Orginally developed to provide a trade to orphans, it still teaches traditional techniques.

Doors into the converted hay barn we stayed in for a week
outside of Florence: http://www.agriturismo.it/en/farmhouse/tuscany/florence/FattoriaVerdeOliva-8510132/index.html
We definitely recommend it! Great price and hospitality.

Doors leading onto narrow walkways (Spello)

Doors in cliffs (near Norcia)

Doors into grand buildings (Perugia )

Doors into Trulli... Look for a post just on the trulli soon...

Doors to the sky?

Doors everywhere (Matera):

And finally doors leading your imagination down a lighted path where
a story awaits...

I hope these images stir up some stories for you.
Words and characters are beginning to emerge for me.

Speaking of stories and story makers..don't miss the
opportunity to check out the awesome online auction
that is going on to support Terri Windling and her
family:http://magick4terri.livejournal.com/tag/artist%3A%20wendy%20ellertson
I'm offering one of my eye journals, but you'll be stunned by all the
mythic and fantasy celebs and just generous folks who have put up
items. Terri has offered the world so much in so many generous
ways that it's great to see so much love and support sent in return.
Auction ends on Dec. 15, so don't hesitate. Great place to do
holiday shopping.

Next time....stairs.... Journey on! Wendy

Creative synergy....American Craft Show NYC - Woodrow Nash,Njee Dorsey and others

2011-11-21T16:52:00.000-08:00

During our recent Italian adventure, I thought a lot about
artistic synergy... about what it must have been like
during Renaissance days in Florence with Michelangelo,
Brunelleschi, Ghiberti and so many others working, competing,
and challenging each other. The air had to be thick with
creativity. (I love that 27 year old Michelangelo just saw
that large block of "flawed" marble and asked if he could
carve it...and David emerged...and reading that Brunelleschi,
designer of the dome of the Duomo in Florence, was originally
trained as a goldsmith!) I thought about the atmosphere
of the early 1900's in Paris with Picasso, Diego Rivera,
Cocteau, Modigliani and so many others interacting. The
ponderings helped me understand why I still enjoy and find
the energy to do art shows. We go to sell and present our work,
but we also show up to be a part of that synergy. Many of us
work in our own studios. We don't hang out together at a cafe
in Montmatre, but we do come together at shows.

For over 40 years now, shows have been an important part of
my artistic life. They are the gathering places of community
where we connect and meet and are places of challenge,
creative competition and inspiration.

I promised images from our Italian venture and will post them
soon. But before that - I want to share images and websites
from some of the artists who were present at the American
Craft Show NYC this past weekend who inspired me to
want to work harder than ever to create vision and perfect
techniques.(Check out the show's website to savor all the
exhibitors: www.americancraftshownyc.com)

The image above is of Woodrow Nash with one of his sculptures.
His website: www.theragegallery.com explains the vision of
this extraordinary artist and is filled with images. Definitely
check it out - you won't be disappointed!

Another artist I enjoyed meeting was Najee Dorsey:
www.artbynajee.com Najee hails from Atlanta.
Here is an image of his booth:

I wasn't surprised to hear that he regularly participates in New Orleans
Jazzfest. He's one of the juror's for the Congo Square art this year.
He incorporates bottle caps in some of his collage paintings.

The show had a wonderful range of work. Take for instance
Ben Joyce's Abstract Topophilia inspired by aerial maps:

Ben's website: www.benjoyceart.com

And the sculpture of self-proclaimed "outsider" artist: Pierre-Henry Guerard:

Born in France and living both in France and Morocco, Pierre Henry's
studio is now in Brooklyn. His website: www.pierrehenryguerard.com

And for still more contrast, the intriguing abaca paper illuminated
sculptural lighting of Robert Ostermeyer and Riki Moss:

Their website: www.studio-glow.com Riki,a long time ceramic sculptor,
is exploring the possibilities of paper sculpture, lighting and even has a
published novel. What did I say about creative energy swirling?

Shows offer a chance to meet new friends, to reconnect with old friends
and often foster thought provoking conversation. Of course another
fun aspect is seeing my creatures "find" their owners. This afternoon
I delivered two pieces to a customer who runs a small neighborhood
cafe. He said as soon as he saw the pieces, he knew they were meant to
go home with him. He has done a lot of things in the business world,
but at this point in his life is focused on building community via
running the cafe(bakes brownies every night, and up at 5AM every
morn to get everything ready) and offering reasonable rental housing.
We talked about the importance of being "present" wherever one lives.
His familyroots go back over 100 years in the neighborhood...seems
like a very good new home for those Star Wanderers!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by family
and friends...next post, some of the Italian venture images.

Adventure on! Wendy

Adventures and first and second honeymoons

2011-11-15T15:40:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been off on an adventure

delightfully off the grid for three weeks wandering in Italy.

After 46 years together, my husband and I decided it was time

for a second honeymoon.

Below is a photo of our vehicle for out first honeymoon,

a 1947 school bus which had been converted into a camper.

(It was still yellow and black) We were married in Palo Alto,

CA, drove up along the California/Oregon coast camping on

the way. Then we headed East to Boston for graduate school.

Hmm I look a little younger!

Only it was a bit more of an adventure
than anticipated. To make a long story
short, after 7 breakdowns we called
the couple who hired us to drive the bus
East and they agreed we should
abandon it in the Wisconsin Dells.

Here is Jon, also looking rather young, changing
a tire. We were given the spare at our reception!

One of our breakdowns was in Haugan,
Montana where we waited two days in
the snow for a part for the bus... and
visited its Silver Dollar bar. Someday
we'll have to go back to see if we can
find our names next to the silver dollar
we gave them. The Lincoln Silver Dollar
bar is still there in Haugan.

We eventually made it to Boston (after an additional breakdown
of a new rental van) and figured having survived the honeymoon,
we ought to be in good shape for a long term marriage. Which, as
it turns out was a good prediction . The honeymoon was also a
good predictor of all the car trouble we would have through
the years.

So back to our decision to have a second honeymoon -
Jon studied in Florence, Italy, with Stanford's program
winter/spring '62-63, then hitched hiked around the country
for another 6 weeks and has wanted to to return ever since.
I studied in Tours, France, with Stanford Spring/Summer '63
and stayed in Paris with a family Fall '63. Our group had
traveled to Italy. (Jon and I hadn't met yet.) We'd thought
about returning to Europe together, but somehow life
had involved travel elsewhere. Recognizing we weren't
getting any younger and that no new grandbabies were
going to be born this Fall, nor other major family events
happening, Jon looked at my show schedule and began
to plan. He secured a flight via frequent flier miles and
then started researching agriturismos and B&B's where
we could stay for a reasonable price. We opted against
camping this time and chose a smaller vehicle:

We rented a Fiat 500 which we started calling our
“Topolino Grigio” (little gray mouse). It's the car on the right
Although a couple times, we wished we had the one on the left!
We brought along a GPS whom we named Matilda. She didn't
always appreciate the detours we chose, but she kept our stress
levels down. Jon enjoyed the car and did all the driving, which
definitely kept my anxiety down.

Our plan - to spend most of the time in Tuscany and
Umbria, revisiting some of Jon’s favorite places in Florence
and exploring the medieval hill towns; then drive down to the
Pulgia region so I could see the trulli, magically looking stone
structures which I was sure must have been designed by elves
or dwarves.

For quite a while, I have been aware of the influence my studies
in Europe had on my artwork, but this trip made me realize the
depth of influence. Mythic creatures and figures and their stories
are omnipresent - in sculpture, in paintings, in frescoes on walls,
on ceilings. The sound of vehicles and footsteps on the ancient
streets and stairs sing out tales. The intriguing doors - small,
large, and huge ask you to imagine the tales of all those who
have walked through them or lingered behind. The dimly lit
alleys, narrow streets, brick arches between buildings,
gateways leading in and out of walled cities, towers overlooking
the countryside, cities perched on one hillside after another call
out stories.

In my next few posts, I will share some of the images of our
trip, artists I met and more of my thoughts. This was not a trip
to seek inspiration or with a specific agenda. It was mostly just
to “be” together, to wander, to meander, to discover. But of
course, it is just such times that can often stir up the most insight
and surprises.

But before writing more... I'm off to participate in the American
Craft Show NYC at the Javits Center this weekend. All info
at:www.americanartmarketingNYC.com My booth in #166.
If you're in the area, please drop by!!

Adventure on! Wendy

Wooden handbags and more at Paradise City Arts Festival - Northampton

2011-10-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Beadle, the Curious and Esatair the Eager were happy
to be at the Paradise City Arts Festival...especially
since they could get a good look at exciting work by
other artists. The booth facing mine held the new
work by Mark and Sharon Diebolt of Rochester, NY.
(Formerly going under Treebourne Woodworking Inc.
Their new name is the Hammill/Diebolt Studio.) Long time
makers of wooden jewelry boxes, Mark and Sharon introduced
this line of beautifully crafted, elegant hinged handbags made
from wood veneer with leather sides this past March. They
have been working on the design and perfecting the process
for about three years. Just launched this Spring, they have
been enthusiastically received! The line is so new, there is no
website yet, but they will have one soon. Their email
is: treebourne@yahoo.com.

A new product meant a new booth design was needed. The
one they have come up is a beauty in itself!

I see one bag is missing from the display in this photo.
No surprise. They were selling well!

Some of my favorite exhibitors were at the show, including
Bruce Chapin - whose work always challenges me to push
further: http://brucechapin.com/ I've mentioned him before
in my blog, but can't resist highlighting him again! This is
a quote from him use on the Artful Home online site:
http://www.artfulhome.com/artist/Bruce-Chapin/8164

"The more I create, the less I reveal. I find the universe a
strange and marvelous place. I am still trying to figure it
out. The workings of the known universe make complete
sense to me, and simultaneously seem completely absurd."

Another inspiring artist at the show was Faith Wilson:
http://www.faithwilsonart.com/ She uses the term Liminalist
art. Check out her website and comments. It will stir up your
thoughts about the intersection of functional and fine art and
stepping into new worlds. Our home definitely needs one
of her floorcloths. She was also at the ACC Atlanta show with
me where I took this photo of her in her booth. Somehow, I
never quite succeeded in posting re that show.

As usual, press came by to cover the show, including
Wan Chi Lau from Rainyday magazine. Here is the link
to their write up on the show including a couple photos of
my work:
http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2011/Home/October/Week2/RDMHomeOct1111.htm#ParadiseCity_Northamton

Well, as I hinted in my last post. I'm off on an adventure.
Eager to meander, soak in new sites and sounds, and
be open to inspiration. I'm hoping a few new stories might
show up. Stay tuned!

Adventure on! Wendy

Tielcoc, theStory nurturer and Stellore, the Storyteller

2011-10-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

As promised - here are a few images of new storytellers who
showed up to make the trip to Northampton for the Paradise
City Arts Festival Show.

"Tielcoc, the Story Nurturer"

Tielcoc's legend card reads:
"This gentle nest dwelling Star Wanderer, is a keeper
of story eggs. Tielcoc cares for the hatching eggs, holding
them, protecting them, singing to them and tucking them in
warm pouches on cool eves. Once the stories are fully formed,
Tielcoc dons his mask and encourages them to fly out to
awaiting worlds."

Yes, those are cockatiel feathers I used. They were gifted to
me by a generous owner of a pet cockatiel. I love their soft
yellow and gray. A few are tucked into the storyteller's
eyebrows. When you shake the story eggs, you can hear the
stories rattling around trying to come out.

A second new teller of tales is:
Stellore,the Storyteller

Stellore's legend:
"Stellore, one of a long line of wandering teller of tales,
travels in and out of various time dimensions collecting and
and sharing stories. Lately Stellore has found some intriguing
ones involving the circus, a forest and a feline or two. Stellore
encourages those gathered to preserve the lore of their
communities so that the deep story wisdom the tales contain
is not lost to future generations."

I'm having fun with those mini clown masks!
Stellore's cape and carpet were created from an old textile
remnant, beautifully woven by the Chin of N. Burma
(now Mynamar).

As usual, the Paradise City Show was beautiful and
energizing. Next post will be about new discoveries and
favorite exhibitors there.

I'm getting ready for some venturing to far reaches so
may slip off the grid for awhile after that post. Plan to
return with new images, stories, and ideas.

Adventure on! Wendy

Open Studios - Andy Moerlein and Donna Dodson

2011-09-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

Fall in Boston is all about open studios events. Almost every
weekendyou can wander and relish the amazing art community
in our midst. Last weekend studios were open and tents appeared
in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. Since I was blitzing for
Roxbury Open Studios, I couldn't wander too much, but did
manage to get over to see a few friends and finally meet sculptors
Donna Dodson and her partner Andy Moerlein. I've been on
Donna's email list for a while, but our schedules never connected.
Andy came down from New Hampshire for the weekend, so I
had the opportunity to talk to both and see some of their work
and to hear a bit more about their residency in Verbier,
Switzerland creating monumental on a mountain top! The
project is written up in Andy's blog: http://andymoerlein.blogspot.com/
and Donna's:http://www.donnadodsonartist.blogspot.com/
The image above (taken on my phone) is a close up of the base
of one of Andy's large pieces displayed outside. I'm drawn in by
the mythic core of their work, and strong bird imagery in Andy's.
I look forward to staying connected.

This weekend is Roxbury's turn - my neighborhood. Complete
info at: http://www.discoverroxbury.org/roxbury-open-studios
Discover Roxbury has used my eye journal image to connect
with their phrase "All Eyes are on Roxbury Open Studios."

Four days of events begin with tonight's showing of
"Waste Land": http://www.wastelandmovie.com/ at the School
of Art and Design - The film documents the journey of artist
Vik Muniz from his home base in Brooklyn to his native Brazil
where he involves workers at the world's largest garbage dump,
Jardim Gramacho, just outside Rio to create art. If you haven't
see this film, I definitely recommend it. It's a testimony to the
transformative nature of art.

Tomorrow we have our festive opening/reception at the
National Center for African American Art : http://www.ncaaa.org/
and Saturday and Sunday studios and venues will be open from
11-6. A dragon will greet you as you enter my home studio
and other creatures and books welcome you in, including this
guy who just showed up, asking " Will I see You?" I hope so!

Some new storytellers also appeared this week...images of
them in my next blog. After Open Studios, I'll pack up
everything to go to Northampton next weekend for
the Paradise City Arts Festival: http://paradisecityarts.com/
Hope to see some of you here in Roxbury or in Northampton!

Adventure on! Wendy

"The Way we See" sculpture and Ben Mitchell's photography

2011-09-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

For a while now, "how we see" has been an important
theme in my work...how each of us see from a different
perspective and in different ways. During these ponderings,
this guy showed up. He's holding old optical lenses used to
check eyesight, each with a different correction. Looking
through them, including the one on the tail, offers a different
view of the world. I've titled him "The Way we See",
but I'm sure he'll tell me his proper name soon.

He seemed a bit lonely, so this little fellow bounced in
to add a bit of fun!:

The photos above were taken by Ben Mitchell during our photo
session at his place in New York City. As was this great photo
of one of my eye journals:

I'm looking forward to continuing working with Ben!

Here's the photo he took of Krystuli and Spike, the Pupbeast.
He captured their spirit well:

Now off to finish a few more pieces for ArtRox Open Studios
next weekend Oct. 1-2 11-6PM. Anyone in the area, please come
by my studio - conversation, cookies, and beverage await.
Should be a great weekend of fun and art!

Adventure on! Wendy

Male avian creature shows up

2011-09-13T06:32:00.001-07:00

Once hearing that his companion was off to NYC for a photo shoot,
the second avian I was working on convinced me to finish him as
well. I say "him" since once finished, they did seem like a male and
female duo.

Here are some images of how he evolved. His head shot opens this
blog. Here is a back view:

Instead of just paint, I decided to bead this guy's wings.
I realize the poor avian would never get off the ground, but
felt better when my hubby observed that it was obvious the
wings of this species are just used for display and attracting their
mates. That might explain the fancier wings on the male!

Here is a side view taken in my greenhouse/photo set up
area in Roxbury:

And finally, here is the duo posing together in New York. I
took this snap shot with Ben Mitchell's permission when we
were setting up the duo for their shoot in his studio.

I'm still working on their names and stories, listening hard.
Thank you everyone for all the great name suggestions via
facebook and email! Stay tuned for what they decide on.

I managed to finish another figure for the shoot as well...
Images of it in the next blog.

This week we're off to Oregon for my hubby's 50th high
school reunion....how quickly the years pass!! Perhaps I'll
pick up some stones on the farm where my hubby was
raised and see what creatures emerge.

Adventure on! Wendy

Another new creature in search of a name..

2011-08-31T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Irene changed my plans for a trip to NYC last week.
It seemed wiser to stay at home where new creatures were
asking to be completed. So...as winds and rain whipped around,
this creature came to life. Seemed appropriate to be working on
a water avian of sorts. I'm thinking it must possess a little bit
of magic since amazingly our electric power never went off.
Considering the number of trees next to power lines in our
neighborhood, this is remarkable. A few major limbs snapped
in our trees:

But a few branches pales to the damage in so many places
all over New England...and this for a storm "not as bad
as expected."

Back to the new avian...Here is the beginning work on
his head (with myself reflected in the window...).
Spokes are sea urchin spines from a necklace which
used to belong to my mom. Beak is an antler tip:

I used rawhide for the wings - wet formed and painted:

and beaded the legs, of course:

He/she was finished yesterday. Here he/she is posing in
the sun for a few snapshots!

No name yet. I had such fun hearing the names suggested
on facebook for my previous creature...I'll try that again...
also open to hearing suggestions here!

Now off to finish another figure before heading to
the photographer in NYC next Friday. Hope to get
some good new photos.

Adventure on! Wendy

Creatures march forward...

2011-08-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

Back from VA where I spent a wonderful 10 days with
grandkids...did a little stitching of eye journals there, but
creatures had to stay home and wait.....They were patient.

Muslin is on most of the new armatures:

It's fun to see the form change as bulk and
wrapping is added. You might remember this
guy from my previous blog:

Here it is with complete body shape in place:

I played with some new head and tail decoration :

Added leather and textile (a piece from an old Japanese Obi) , beads and
paint and a creature emerged! Name? He/she hasn't told me yet.
Anyone have any ideas?

Next Monday I have an appointment to work with a new
photographer in NYC. Am taking the guy above and a
few others to "play" with. I'll share what we come up
with....and demonstrate the difference between casual
and professional photography!

One last note: Thanks to Toby Froud's facebook page,
I heard about his mom's beautiful blog: http://realmoffroud.blogspot.com/
and from it about the show Wendy, Brian, and Toby will
be having at the Animazing gallery in NY, opening
this December: http://www.animazing.com/gallery/pages/2011FROUD/index.html
I met them all several years back at Mythic Journeys in Atlanta,
have been wanting to reconnect. Definitely plan on trying to be
at the opening!

More creatures are calling from the studio...so off for now...

Adventure on! Wendy

Sculptures at transformed elementary school in Orinda, CA

2011-08-10T12:44:00.001-07:00

Last week on our way to our nephew's wedding in Northern
California, we dropped by Orinda, just over the Berkeley hills,
for a jaunt down memory lane. I lived there from age 1-6 1/2 .
Last time there, we discovered my old elementary school had
been turned into a community center, but didn't stop by. This
time we walked up the steps, walked in to find this sculpture:

Outside, I was thrilled to find the building and connected
library plaza surrounded by sculpture.

The sculpture below is the one at the top of the
steps pictured above. It's made from nails!

Did you see the jumping frog in the photo with the
library? Here are a couple views from the bottom of
of those stairs. Steel sculpture is by Gale Wagner,
entitled "Outtahere" - www.galewagner.com Putting
it in the waterfall setting is ideal!

I loved the range of sculpture...from joyfully jumping frog
to intense "Truce" by Albert Dicruttalo on the path to the
side of the library - website: www.albertdicruttalo.com

To a fun whirling motion filled peacock by Patricia
Vader which can be seen through other steel sculptures...

and close up - Patricia's website www.patriciavader.com
has more information on the sculpture.

There was even a little yarn bombing present..
Bike racks decorated thanks to the group behind
with the blog: streetcolor.wordpress.com

Orinda has always meant live oaks, windy, hilly streets
and memories of a wading pool with a waterfall (sadly
no longer by the swimming pool we used to go to)...
now it means a vibrant, appreciative art community
as well! My apologies for not getting all of the artists'
names. Kudos to Orinda's Art in Public Places Program.

This week I'm off to spend some time with granddaughters
in VA so their parents can spend a week in Paris. I'll be getting
some stitching done while there and some feedback on a story
I'm writing. Creatures in last post have moved forward...but
aren't not ready for more photos quite yet.

Hope everyone's summer is going well..

Adventure on!

New creatures begin...

2011-08-03T05:29:00.001-07:00

And so begins a new season of creatures. The guys above
began when I spied the antler tips in the studio and realized
they'd be perfect beaks. Each also has hidden rocks, part
to add story, part to add ballast.

I enjoyed my "Tadaah" figure who could stand on its
head so am playing with a few more figures who see
from different angles.

And...more heads,hands, and feet of clay are needed to keep
more storytellers wandering forth:

Lined up and ready to fire in the kiln:

Fun to think of the places these creatures will see!
Next post...more process photos..

Adventure on! Wendy

Storyteller travels to St. Louis

2011-07-25T05:45:00.001-07:00

As promised in my last blog entry...here are images
of "Clocamo, the Storyteller", shipped to Mirroz Gallery
in Creve Coeur, MO (just outside St. Louis). I met the gallery
owner, Zina Gelman, at ACC Baltimore. With a customer in
mind, she made specific requests...the storyteller was to be in
black and white. O.K. - I admit, I let a little bit of color sneak in.
I couldn't resist including the border on the old cloth (handwoven
by the Chin of Mynamar) which I used for the cape and carpet.
She requested three masks - a cat:

a mouse (first time for me):

and a colorful clown (again first time for my Star Wanderer
storytellers):

Clown masks were fun to create...made quite a few
extras as I was playing...so more storytellers may
get them this fall. Here are a few I've started:

Zina showed the storyteller to another customer
who wants a storyteller with a mask of a blond cocker
spaniel, a hippo, and an iris! Hmmmm....Another customer
is interested in a jazz motif!..(I like that idea a lot!)

Meanwhile, now that the grandkids have left, and heat wave
broken, I'm working on some new winged creatures in my
studio (nope no air conditioning in it!) Process photos in
next blog.

Adventure on! Wendy

HYCC kids "Emerald Necklace"

2011-07-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

For the last few Springs I've worked with the Hawthorne
Youth and Community Center after school program on
projects involving architecture , thanks to grants received
from the Boston Foundation for Architecture: www.bfagrants.org
The kids have designed their own "dream" theme park,
a model for a HYCC cafe and last year a fantasy courtyard
model of the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum. This year our
project title was "Discovering Landscape Architecture in our
Roxbury HighLand Park Neighborhood".

Spring is a good time to wander the neighborhood and
sharpen kids' eyes to their surroundings and for them to
learn about, appreciate and care for the aspects of the city
which make it a more beautiful and livable place. We
started with the kids taking lots of photos - all easily
possible thanks to digital technology. They resisted (mostly)
taking photos of each other and focused on landscape
architecture features around houses, schools, the community
center and parks.

One of the favorite yards they pass on their way to HYCC from
school is the house below with sculpture in the front yard and
a mortar free wall built over a couple years by the homeowner.
They have enjoyed watching the long, slow process. Now that the
wall is finished, they enjoy looking for the snakes hiding there.

Our neighborhood offers a variety of housing and parks
including Highland Park, right up the hill from HYCC laid
out by America's "First Landscape Architect" Frederick
Law Olmsted. The kids learned about Olmsted's life and
his designs including Boston's Emerald Necklace linking
downtown to Roxbury's Franklin Field. The park is on
the site of a Revolutionary War Fort used in pushing
the British out of Boston in 1775 so we were able to
highlight local history too.

The Victorian standpoint erected when the fort was taken
down is a favorite landmark. They took many photos showing
its placement and how the cement benches indicate the
original dimensions of the fort.

As the kids explored, we talked about all the things that
need to be considered when designing a park - how it
is used, by whom, the climate, how Pudding Stone
contributes to (and complicates) landscaping in Roxbury.

Then they sat down and drew elements of
landscape architecture which they had observed.

After lots of photos, sketches and discussions, we
moved on to the kids making their landscape
projects.

First in blocks:
I thought the idea of book sculptures you walked
through in this park was a pretty cool idea.

then on to small individual parks made from various
recycled materials which we "linked" together
to make our own "HYCC Kids Emerald Necklace"

This park square included sculpture, tables,
stone play area and steps:

Quite a few included water features, paths and
pudding stone!

And some individuals got really elaborate. Our
HYCC Emerald Necklace ended in this mirror
mountain climbing landscape:

HYCC projects always conclude with a presentation by
the kids to their families and the community. This year
besides their models, they made posters using their
photos to explain the project.

At the presentation, the kids did a good job of explaining what
they had learned, received certificates and their own Emerald
Necklaces (Mardis Gras green variety). Then we installed the
display (as seen at the beginning of the post) at our local
branch of the Boston Public library. It will be at the Dudley
branch all summer. The kids enjoy seeing their work in the library
and hopefully the installation encourages others to sharpen
their eye for landscape architecture.

The most important aspect for me is the way these projects
deepen the connection that the kids have to our Roxbury
neighborhood and to Boston. I appreciate that the Boston
Foundation for Architecture makes this possible.

My next post will include images of a storyteller I just finished
which is going to a gallery in Missouri!

Adventure on....Wendy

Savoring nearby people and exhibits: JP artist Sandie Fenton and El Anatsui exhibit

2011-06-29T11:22:00.001-07:00

Often in this blog, I share the work of those I meet during my
travels or talk about my own projects. Today I'm lifting
up the idea of savoring exhibits and people close to home.

First - the work of a very long time friend, Jamaica Plain, MA,
artist, Sandie Fenton. Sandie and I began our journey into the
fine craft world together in the early 70's. For a short time we
even exhibited together under the name "Common Ground".
I was a potter, Sandie a weaver. Occasionally we cooperated for
"loom" pots...I threw them, she wove in the openings. Turns out
(somewhat to my embarrassment) my mother-in-law kept one:

Needless to say we both moved on, changing media and vision.
A while back, Sandie made the decision to stop traveling to do
shows in order to delve deeper into her work and to be freer
for experimental exploration. Fall of 2009 she gathered a
group of 12 artists to begin the Time Project - The artists
(ranging in age from 52-75) committed themselves
producing one piece a week for a year and to meet once a
month to share and explore. The focus : Time - interpreted
however the artists chose. My schedule didn't allow me to join,
but I have been following the project with fascination. Various
individuals in the group created blogs connected to the project.
Sandie started hers this year: www.sandiefenton.blogspot.com
Rather than speak for her, I encourage you to go to her blog to
get the direct scoop on the project from Sandie and
to see images of her work and read about the concepts she
is exploring. The image at the beginning of this post is of one
of the pieces she created in connection with the project.
entitled: "Haiti - Struggle and Spirit".

I had the good fortune to see the presentation the group offered
at the year's end which included sharing some of their work-
sculptures, artist books, photographs, miniature paintings, digital
flip books and more. They also showed a video of the meetings
which helped the audience get a real feel for the meaningful
and supportive interaction of the group. (7 hours of taping down
to 20 min. - quite a feat of editing!)

The group, slightly reconfigured, started up again this year
again with monthly meetings, but with the commitment to
produce monthly, instead of weekly. This year Sandie has
said her personal focus is: " Memory: Strength and Fragility".

Never being one to only do one thing, Sandie also just
completed a commission for Children's Hospital in Waltham.
The hospital is opening a newly renovated wing this summer.
It promises to be filled with glorious fun art. I spent a lot of
time with our children in Boston's Children's hospital when
they were young and know how important engaging art is in
a hospital. I took this snapshot of Sandie's 30 " x 48" wall piece,
"Two Horses and Their Friends" before she delivered it. Her blog
gives details on the commission and metal and paper materials.

These close ups help show the three dimensional aspect of the
piece. She was allowed 3 inches of relief depth. It will be
framed in wood and plexiglass. I can almost hear the voices of
children making up stories!

And - why just limit oneself to visual art? Several years ago,
Sandie initiated a monthly writing group to keep momentum
going for some memoir writing she was doing. I joined the
group a few years ago - first working on a mythic tale (more
info on that in future blog posts) , then lately on a bit of walking
down memory lane myself. I'm intrigued to see if I can identify
and understand the origins of the "threads" which have seemed
to pull me through life. Or perhaps see they have always been
there in one form or another. Regular meetings really help keep
the writing going.

Finally - Sandie always keeps an eye open to finding
what intriguing exhibits or performances are coming
to town...and then making sure they are not missed by
friends. Latest case in point was her insisting we HAD
to be sure to see the exhibit at the Davis Gallery at Wellesley
College of Ghanian artist El Anatsui : https://www.davismuseum.wellesley.edu/.../el-anatsui-when-i-last-wrote-to-you-about-africa -
She was right, of course. My only regret was that I
didn't get to it earlier. I saw it last week only a few days
before it closed. I would have enjoyed going back again
and again and figured a way to bring along some of the
youth I work with. For visual and conceptual inspiration
El Anatsui's work is breath taking. This exhibit is traveling to
other cities. If it is anywhere nearby, go! At a minimum, do
some internet searching on him. Here is a short Youtube
link featuring El Anatsui: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7UBvknG8c4

So as I said at the beginning of the blog... travel and
explore, but don't forget to savor those nearby and
to appreciate the life gifts creative friends offer - and if
they suggest an exhibit...don't wait!

Adventure on near and far! Wendy

HYCC kids' Sedred, the Fire Biter Silver Dragon

2011-06-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

Another Spring, another project over at Hawthorne Youth and
Community Center. Last year as part of a "Community Creations"
program connected with the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum
we built a fantasy model of their courtyard:
http://wendyellertson.blogspot.com/2010/06/fantasy-courtyard-model-by-hycc-kids.html
This year, the HYCC kids looked at all the dragons at the museum
with artist Johnetta Tinker and drew their versions and ideas.
Then they returned to HYCC and worked with me to create the
dragon sculpture you see above.

First, they searched the HYCC grounds for dragon-looking
branches and other useful materials (like pine cones for spokes).
A skeleton of wood and wire ended up longer and bigger
than I expected - 8+ feet. But hey - I'm a believer in letting kids
go where their imagination leads. And dragons do have a way of
growing and growing!

Since my initial idea was to develop an outdoor sculpture,
we used foil and other natural materials to give the armature
bulk - Used a bit of duct tape to help it stay together while
working.

They stripped some multi-strand wire found in the center
to create the "fire" streaming from the mouth.

Next scales and details. At E.X.C.L - the educational recycle
center: http://www.exclrecycles.org/ I found some foil and
felt insulation which the kids stripped the foil off, then attached
to some foam circles with one sticky side.

My hubby had found a roll of foil tape left on the grounds at
Jazzfest. It was perfect for helping secure the strips of scales
and adding detail to the LONG tail.

Glass eyes and foil eyebrows helped the dragon see.

Wings? - Plastic inserts from flower bouquets
from Wilson farms looked promising: http://www.wilsonfarm.com/
The kids agreed so I drove out to Wilson farms
and asked for two more inserts. They were intrigued
that we were making dragon wings. The plastic slipped
nicely over the extended branches.

"But what is a dragon without a nest and eggs?" the
kids asked. So work went on. Fortunately the nest
woven from Bittersweet vine resting in my studio was
available to be morphed once again into a participatory
project. The kids stripped more vines and wove
them in, added shiny Mylar, and nesting materials .

Had to make sure the dragon would fit:

Next the eggs - The ostrich egg I had in my studio was an
appropriate size. The kids wrapped it with plastic, then
with wet plaster bandages. When the plaster was hard, we
sliced it open, removed the real egg, and added paint.

and finally, of course, baby dragons had to begin to emerge.
Sculpted foil provided claws and tails...

Kids decided on a final name: Sedred, the Fire Biter Silver
Dragon. It took a ride in our van...and was displayed
in the Community Creations exhibit at the African
American Artist in Residency Program's gallery in
Jamaica Plain: http://www.northeastern.edu/daas/initiatives/aamarp/
The Gardner Museum is under construction
so this year the exhibit had a neighborhood venue which
means it can be there for a whole month.

I love seeing kids revel at their work in a true gallery setting.
It made a fun center piece for the exhibit. The other
groups did paintings, collage work, pop up books,
and ceramic treasure boxes - all distinct and wonderful
and reflecting the museum trips. The reception honored
the children efforts and the Museum's commitment
to community involvement.

Dragon finished, HYCC kids and I are on to a project
in landscaping architecture which has to be finished
up by the end of the school year.

Adventure on...Wendy

Mardi Gras float warehouse

2011-06-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Before leaving New Orleans, we took the tour over at "Mardi
Gras World" the only Blaine Kern Studios warehouse which is
open to the public: mardigrasworld.com I had not realized that
this one organization creates almost all the materials for the
53 different Mardi Gras parades . Only 14-18 artists are
employed full time so needless to say they are busy all
year long. Each Krewe has at least one "signature" float
which "roles" every year, but the rest of the floats (There
have to be at least 10 - maximum of 15) roll only once. The
sea serpent below is one such signature float. Look closely and
you'll see me about to be licked by the serpent to get a sense of
scale.

Here is another image to show scale.That's my hubby
who is around 5'11".

Only the bases are kept, everything else is dismantled, taken apart
and painted over with white to begin again. The tour takes you
by the work stations for repainting, sculpting new Styrofoam etc.

The warehouse was filled with mythic creatures from last year
and previous year's parades...so needless to say I was a happy
camper!

Since my father used to ride in the Krewe of Hermes parade, I
enjoyed seeing the floats up close and personal, inside and out.
This image shows the inside with hooks for the necklaces
thrown and ropes which participants hook on to belts to make
sure they don't fall off!

As we were walked next to the floats, I looked
closely at the materials used. The glistening gold on the
floats looked like gold leaf. I confirmed with one of the
artists that I was correct. Strips of gold leaf are lightly glued
on so they dance in the breeze and leave behind a trail of gold.

At the end of the tour, you can wander to your heart's
content through the warehouse on your own savoring
parts from previous years' parades which wait to be
converted into new items for new floats..

After Mardi Gras World, we wandered over to the Ogden
Museum of Southern Art: www.ogdenmuseum.org
We enjoyed the photographs of juke joints in one gallery
and sculpture and paintings throughout.
Then ended up over on Frenchman road to listen to music
connected with a fund raiser for the Japanese Red Cross.
Japanese drumming, jazz, and zydeco.

We left New Orleans feeling like we had just begin to
know and understand a bit of the city. We definitely
hope to return.

The drive back home through the devastation of the
tornadoes in Alabama, Tennessee and Virginia was
sobering. When we saw images of the tornadoes
which hit Massachusetts this past Wednesday,
we were reminded of the uncertainty of life. The
New Orleans philosophy of living in the moment
came to mind.

Once home my focus was helping the children
at Hawthorne Youth and Community Center
finish their dragon sculpture. Process photos of that
project next post!

Adventure on! Wendy

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2011

2011-05-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

"Only in New Orleans" - the phrase used by Irvin Mayfield at the
concert on Wednesday before Jazz Fest: nojazzfest.com The same
could be used for the fest as a whole. Where else can you wander
for 3 days between 12 stages with nonstop performances from
11Am to 7PM including Zydeco, Gospel,blues, main stream jazz,
folk, Haitian drumming, storytelling, Mardi Gras Indian
performances and more all while viewing a Contemporary Craft
Show, a Louisiana Art Show and a Haitian Art Celebration. Not
to mention spend the evenings in New Orleans listening to more
music! Then, return on Thursday for four days to start all over
again with different artists and performers. I had heard of friends
participating in Jazz Fest before, but did not understand its scope
and incredible richness!

New Orleans has long felt a special connection to Haiti. This year
Jazz Fest showed support and involvement by inviting Haitian
artists and musicians to set up in the Congo Square area of the fest.
Didier Civil was one of the artists there: didiercivilartsjacmel.com

The Contemporary Craft Show tents are set up by the WWOZ Jazz
tent, the Gospel and Blues tent and behind the main Acura Stage
There are only 60 Contemporary Craft exhibitors which makes for
a intimate show in a huge setting. There is no electricity and
creativity in display is encouraged. I brought along some bright
material to spice up my booth. We lucked out this year with the
weather - not too much wind (read dust...jazz fest is at the race
track), no rain and not too hot.

Awards are given. "Most Unique Work" went to Woody Jones:
woodyjones.com Woody was there with his wooden
"Mechanical Amusements" including his big Head which filled
up most of his corner booth. You can see it on his link.

"Best of Show" went to Lewis Tardy for his steel sculpture:
Tardysculpture.com Here is a snapshot of his booth:

The show includes photography and painting. We enjoyed
the photography of Frank Relle: www.frankrelle.com
especially his houses encrusted in vegetation. That's his photo
on the cover of the book : Nine Lives:Mysery, Magic, Death and
in New Orleans by Dan Baum.

With jazz reverberating all around and an enthusiastic energetic
eclectic crowd, I felt more at home at Jazz Fest than at
many shows. I've often thought about the connection of the
improvisational way I approach my work and the passion my
parents had for jazz and imbued in me. As with jazz, in
my approach to art making, you listen, build on experience,
but mostly trust in the flow that propels you forward.

The most surprising part of the fest for me was watching
the Mardi Gras Indians walk by in their amazingly
crafted feather and bead regalia. The costumes are exquisite.
I was unfamiliar with the depth of tradition they represent
and have been doing a lot of reading about the story behind
the Mardi Gras Indians since I came home. (The photo at the
top of this post is of one of the many performance by these
groups. )

Just when I think my work is getting intricate, I look at
their work! Talk about inspiration to incorporate story
and really go for it!

I'll definitely apply to Jazzfest again next year. If accepted,
I hope we can arrange to attend before or after having
a booth. I'd love to wander, savor the performances
and absorb the energy in a relaxed fashion.

Next week's blog post - our trip to the warehouse
where the Mardi Gras floats are made!!

Adventure on! Wendy

New Orleans - prelude to JazzFest

2011-05-11T10:00:00.003-07:00

"Only in New Orleans" was Irvin Mayfield's frequent refrain
when we were listening to him at Lafayette Square Wed.
eve before Jazz Fest. We arrived in New Orleans a day
and a half early to explore and savor the city a bit before
setting up at the Contemporary Craft Show section of
Jazzfest: nojazzfest.com

During one part of the concert, students joined
him. The 10 year old trumpet player and 16 year old sax
player pictured above with the band show the future of jazz
is alive and VERY well in NOLA. At the end of the concert,
a brass band led the crowd through the town down to the
Royal Sonesta Hotel where Mayfield's club is located. We all
became part of the classic "second line". One image I won't forget:
a woman on a bike twirling her purple parasol brought from
Colorado, hoping she might have a chance to dance with it.

Sights and sounds in New Orleans are complicated,
sobering and celebratory. We saw the excellent exhibit
"Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond" which just
opened up this past October in the French Quarter
at the Louisiana State Museum :
http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/katrina/index.htm
The experiential exhibit plunges one into the reality of the
experience for New Orleans residents, details exactly what
happened and why, gives historical perspective, and highlights
the resilient character of the people who live in the region.

There is new construction and rehabilitation of structures
in many neighborhoods, but plenty of areas where damage is
still very apparent. As we wandered in the "Garden District"
I looked at the ancient oak trees whose gnarly roots were
protruding and seemingly taking over the sidewalks.

These are trees which are there to stay, hang on deep
and persistent. I reflected on the depth of connection
and persistence of the folks for whom New Orleans
is home and will always be.

Thanks to the suggestion from Boston artist friends that
the best gumbo in New Orleans is served at Dooky Chase's
restaurant at 2301 Orleans Ave, we went there for lunch.
We expected and tasted the excellent gumbo, but had no
idea we would be walking into a place so steeped in history
and tradition, especially for the African American Community
in New Orleans. The restaurant was flooded, as was much of
the immediate Treme neighborhood during Katrina, but Dooky
and Leah Chase , not exactly youngsters, did not give up.
The restaurant, open since 1941, reopened in 2008...only for
lunch and special events for now while they wait for the rest of
the neighborhood to catch up. Again those deep roots that hang
on tight holding the fabric of community together.

This includes honoring and displaying extraordinary art.
Eating in the restaurant is like eating in a museum.
My favorite was this one by Dr. John Biggers (1924-2001)
entitled "The Upper Room" :

I plan on spending some time investigating the work
and imagery of Dr. Biggers. This trip made it clear how
many well known artists I had ashamedly never heard of.
But after all, learning and discovering is the point of travel.

We entered our hotel that night preparing to set up for
the show the next day filled with story and music, but also
feeling extremely fortunate. That Wednesday when we were
savoring New Orleans, massive tornadoes were sweeping
through the path we had driven through the day before.
Another reminder of how quickly life can change.

Next blog post.. Jazzfest!

Adventure on! Wendy

Taking Myth and Story to New Orleans!

2011-04-22T06:08:00.001-07:00

New Orleans here we come! I'll be participating in the Contemporary
Craft show at Jazz Fest in New Orleans, April 29-May 1:
www.nojazzfest.com Tent F.
For the occasion, I created Racontee, the storyteller:

Racontee travels with a variety of masks (one
of wet-formed leather, the others ceramic), two books
including a mini leather dragon book and special story
shards in the teller's leather trunk.

To intrigue folks to search me out, I'm advertising in the
program book. Here's my ad:

There is no electricity in the tents in New Orleans, which can
present challenges since my backdrops are usually black.
To help light bounce, I've purchased some glitzy material to
drape over my usual black. The black leather eye journals,
card holders and mythic figures which I am bringing along
really pop when laid on satiny bronze color material!
I'll post images from what should be a very different looking
booth, when I return.

Hope anyone near New Orleans will come on over..
fantastic music, great food, an art experience not to
be missed and an important community to continue to
support.

When back home, I'll share more images from earlier shows
as well as report in from Jazz Fest. Since I sold out of my
"eye" journals and card holders in NYC, I've been bustling
since back in my studio. Sorry posts have been delayed! I'll
try to make up for that in May!

Journey on. Wendy

More images from 2011 ACC Baltimore - Dale Rogers

2011-03-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

More images from ACC Baltimore..

Just when I begin to think I' m working in a large format,
I'm assigned to be in a booth across from someone like
Dale Rogers!...Puts me in perspective really fast!..
Dale's cor-ten steel and aluminum sculptures are
definitely LARGE scale...the sculpture of the children
which Dale set up in the aisle between booths is a mock
up of a much larger piece installed in a public play area.
I loved seeing kids playing around it (including
Dale's children) and viewing my dragons through it.

Check out Dale's website to see his sculptures
installed outdoors and see photos of him working
in his studio: dalerogersstudio.com.
He shares personal reflections on his blog: dalerogers.blogspot.com
I met Dale through the Paradise City Arts Festival
shows. It's been fun watching this young sculptor's
career take off.

Off to finish taxes now...more images and reflections
from ACC and NYC show soon.

Journey on! Wendy

Images from ACC Baltimore - Michael Schunke, Deborah Rogers and Kirsten Stingle

2011-03-22T07:22:00.001-07:00

My dragons in Baltimore had lots of good views. Wudaineon loved
being across from Michael Schunke and his amazing glass.
www.nineironstudios.com Michael's work is beautiful and his
booth a joy to be near.

As usual (and what I always hope for), I met some artists
whom I had not known before. One such artist is Deborah
Rogers. She was in the "altcraft" section of the show . When
she arrived they had not set up a place for her. Fortuantely
she had brought along this small stage set-up, perfect for her work!

New to Baltimore, but hardly a new artist, she has
shown across the country (including at the Smithsonian
show). She used to be a painter and her approach to her
"narrative sculpture" made from various self-hardening
clays and found objects reflect her amazing decorative ability.
She uses colored pencils to get much of her detail!

Deborah's uses facebook to actively publicize
her work Check out her facebook.com page under:
Deborah G. Rogers

Another new (to me) artist I found at the
show with a strong sense of storytelling in her work is
Kirsten Stingle: www.kirstenstingle.com

Kirsten has a fine arts degree in theater. Not hard to
guess that when you are in the presence of her dramatic
intriguing work full of gesture and emotion!

Check out Kirsten's website for the full scoop. You
will see she's going to very busy with shows and
exhibits this spring and summer!

I'm busy getting ready for my next show:
www.craftnewyork.com April 1-3, but will try
to share more Baltimore and Atlanta images soon.

Journey on! Wendy

On to Atlanta! ACC Show March 11-13

2011-03-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

The Atlanta American Craft Council Show is next weekend,
March 11-13 at the Cobb Galleria. Info at: www.craftcouncil.org/Atlanta
Krystuli pictured above will be prancing there in my booth #1206
along with other relatives, friends, eye journals and
more. We'll keep the conversation going about how one "sees"
the world. Krystuli will be watching:

As will "Tadaah!" - who usually prefers this way of
viewing the public, but occasionally stands on his/her
feet proclaiming "Tadaah":

Tadaah was inspired by a young friend who asked if I had
ever made a figure standing on its head. He followed up
with the question, "And then where would you put
the eye?"

Wudaineon, the leather dragon, posed for a photo
shoot at Baltimore. Here is the image of this gentle close to
five foot long creature looking for a new home taken by
Bob Barrett www.bobbarrettphoto.com

Wudaineon almost found a new home in Baltimore, but thinks
Atlanta would be a good homestead as well!

Today I'm putting final touches on a new "Dragon Names"
book. The number of names in the dragon shaped book is up
to close to 400 now thanks to a few additions from my
grandchildren. It's great having like minded family members!

If you're in the Atlanta area, please come on over to the
show...bring a few dragon names with you!

I will share images from ACC Baltimore and ACC Atlanta
when I return home to the studio.

Journey on. Wendy

Baltimore American Craft Council Show Feb. 22-27

2011-02-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

All eyes are on ACC Baltimore!! As usual, I'll be there!
Thank goodness no big snow storms seem to be brewing.
It is always an unbelievably spectacular show, so I
encourage any and all to come. 700 exhibitors for retail!
Really quite an amazing treat for eyes and soul. Please
come by my booth # 1909! For complete show info go to:
public.craftcouncil.org/baltimore

Speaking of eyes....I'll be bringing along a new series
of Journals following up on my investigation of
Eyes as windows to the soul. Here are a couple images:

I'm having fun playing with different varieties of
eyes from glass moutain goat, African lion, red fox,
pheasant and more. I'll have both 6x8 and 4x6 replaceable
journals in these and other styles. Even some new card
holders with eyes! I'll also have some of my figures
with eyes in less than ordinary locations inspired by
my trip to Uruguay.

New creatures also arrive before Baltimore. Here is
a new one in process, tenatively named
Krystuli. Leather and beading will be added
before the show, maybe even a face on the sides!

Come see completed Krystuli at ACC Baltimore and
help me figure out Krystuli's story!

Wudaineon the dragon is looking forward to
seeing Baltimore for the first time as is her
dragon friend, Snarval!

Safe travels everyone!!!

Journey on! Wendy

Part 2 - Reflections on Florida symposium on Art and Faith

2011-02-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

More poetic reflections on www.lovefest2011.org .
Part one was about my listening to the stories embedded
in nature in Winter Park...now on to the symposium.
Mretrac, my phoenix greeted participants at the entrance
as did some of my other work and paintings by Diane McPhail.
Sonja Weber Gilkey's rope sculptures were displayed
inside the main room.

"I am amidst
Elders seeking, learning, relearning
Men and women together listening, questioning

Communing, gathering strength
To move forward, make a difference
Learning to articulate thoughts
Sharing experience and scholarly understanding

Young people searching
Wanting to believe in the sacred
In something more, something good
Something that will offer community
Help make sense of the world

Looking to find their way
Among the many paths

Swirling currents of sounds and words
Drift up through and around the room
Dance in and out of rope sculptures

Over and through paintings

Brush by phoenix wings and dragon spokes

Encircle a community of spirit.

I absorb the stories."

Journey on!.....Wendy

Florida trip inspires poem- part 1

2011-02-11T11:04:00.001-08:00

My trip to Winter Park, Florida, for the symposium
www.lovefest2011.org last weekend landed me in a
landscape and gathering full of story...
A poem emerged...here is part 1:

"I awake to call and response of birds
Echoing through moist air.
Early sunlight reflects off
Back of alligator gliding by
Circling lake in ancient morning ritual.
Tree branches rustle with movement
As romping squirrel defies gravity.

I walk to witness
Cedar nubs emerging through sandy soil
Creating eerie villages.

A cormorant swims with comical dip and glide
Sits on dock railing drying wings
Happy to pose for photos.

Ospreys circle above, see prey
Dive with death defying speed
Plunge into depths, rise again.

Large creased smooth nuts lie in thick grass
Waiting to be picked up, or eaten.

Soft, energetic Spanish moss twists, twines
Attaches to itself and to offering branches
Transforming lakeside into magical landscape.

Autos add rhythmic click, click, click
As wheels stroke the brick street.
Plane overhead shakes scene
Reminding of balance of worlds.

I listen for the stories..."

Next week's post - more about symposium, my
presentation and the rest of the poem.

Journey on! Wendy

Interstitial arts and preparation for Florida symposium: Lovefest2011

2011-01-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

As mentioned in my last post, on Sunday, Jan. 16, the Board of
the Interstitial Arts Foundation met at our house for an all day
planning meeting. Since we are scattered across the country,
our monthly meetings are teleconferences, but we try to meet
face to face at least once a year. Pictured above from left to right:
Ellen Kushner, Delia Sherman, Larissa Niec, Katya Pendill,
GeoffreyLong, Erin Underwood and below myself and Felice
Kuan with Deborah Atherton - via paper drawing and iphone.
It is a fascinating group to work with as you can see if you go
on to the IAF website and click on "about" and "team":
www.interstitialarts.org
We spent the meeting visioning IAF's future and elected
Larissa and Felice as new IAF Bd. President and Vice
President. (Ellen and Delia, co-founders of IAF decided
it was time for them to step down from offices. )
I joined the Board in 2006 with Ellen and Delia's
encouragement after discussions at Mythic Journeys in
Atlanta. I've loved being pushed to think outside the craft
show/art box and have learned a great deal about the world
of writers, use of technology, and realized more than ever just
how many creative individuals seem to thrive in the interstices
of art! The IAF does a good job of encouraging me to explore
realms outside my comfort level -those places where learning
happens.

Next weekend in Winter Park Florida I will be venturing
into such a world. I'm participating in a conference
organized by Florida based Gladdening Light called;
Lovefest: A symposium of Art and Faith www.lovefest2011.org
As you will see if you click on the link, they have invited
progressive Christian theologian, Marcus J. Borg marcusjborg.com
to lead the conference. In addition, four artists have been
invited to participate to share our views of the
interconnection of art and spirit. Painter,
Diane McPhail, textile artist, Sonja Weber, singer
Virginia Shenck, and I will be on a panel moderated
by Jan Richardson janrichardson.com Saturday
afternoon. Later, each of us will present a 1 1/2 hour session
exploring our creative journeys through image, movement
(Sonja uses yoga) and song (Virginia) reflecting on sacred
influences, mentors and inspiration.

I've been reading a lot of Borg to have a frame of
reference for the conference. Since I quickly saw that
understanding the metaphors underlying stories
was crucial to his view of religion, I knew this is someone
I will enjoy getting to know. On Sunday he will talk about
"Thin Places" - where the worlds of reality and non-material
reality meet and the veil between is lifted. It has occurred
to me that it is in those thin places that many writers,
singers, dancers, artists thrive...not unlike the interstitial
spaces the IAF talks about. As I look over my life and
my work, I realize it is in exactly those thin places that
I feel most at home....open to spirit and material reality
at the same time.

When trying to explain my art, I often think of
Isadora Duncan's quote: "If I could tell you what it meant,
there would be no point in dancing it."...but next weekend
I will try to use both words and art. I'll definitely report back
in my next blog post.

Journey on!....Wendy

Arisia and a ribbon for Wudaineon

2011-01-19T11:24:00.000-08:00

Jan. 14-17, I participated in Arisia "New England's largest and
most diverse Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention" This year
it moved to the Boston Waterfront Westin from the Cambridge
Hyatt providing more space...but also some rather confused
participants trying to navigate the hotel..and some surprised/
startled sedate hotel staff confronted by costumed attendees.
(Not as high a percentage in costume as at Dragoncon. But
quite a few none the less. Attendance is around 5000.)

You never know what you might come across at these cons.
I was intrigued by this sculpted "Cast Iron Theater" piece by
Hilary S. L. Scott set up between the art show and dealer tables
area. See if you can guess what it is actually made of:

For a glimpse into the world of the imaginative soul (a
former professor of political theory) who created it
and MANY other cool things, check out Hilary's website:
www.eclecticsculpture.com He's located in Somerville MA .
I'm definitely going to try to connect with him!

I set up at the art show as I did last year. When I went to
pack up unsold items on Sunday evening, I was surprised to
discover a big blue ribbon next to Wudaineon the gentle
dragon. It was for "Best 3-D" art piece. Wudaineon
seemed very pleased!

This year, I was a panelist for various panels: "Interstitial
Arts: A Discussion"; "Fostering Creativity"; "3-D Art Basic
Materials and Methods (covering electronic and physical
3-D);"Paths for Professional Artists" and I led a "Working
with clay" Crafts for Adults workshop.

One of the fun aspects of being on panels, is learning about
new materials, ideas etc. Well known illustrators and animators
Brianna and Frank Wu were on the 3-D art panel. It was
fascinating to see the programs and technology they work with.
(Of course it convinced me more than ever that I like to use
physical materials. I couldn't imagine sitting at a computer for
the hours necessary to do computer animation!)Brianna and
Frank are working on a video game for an ipad based on her
artwork.

Jen Hunter was assigned to help out for the clay sculpting
workshop and via emails before the show, convinced me that
folks might want to create something they could keep. That
led me to investigate paperclay. I knew that fantasy artist
Forest Rogers (www.forestrogers.com) sculpts with paperclay.
and wanted to see what it was like to work with. I bought two
varieties from the site: www.paperclay.com I purchased
some of their "creative paperclay" and the slightly harder
"diamond" version. Participants seemed to like the feel
and manageability of the paper clay and the detail it could
handle. It air dries to a hard surface which can be easily
painted. You can add to a piece already dry by putting on
a bit of moisture and adding more paperclay. I still cling to
my preference for natural clay...but always good to learn
about new materials. Might try some out with the after
school kids I work with. Here are two sweet items made
by participants in the workshop:

It's fun to experiment outside your field. The mini boot
(1.5"x 2.5") is by writer Delia Sherman (deliasherman.livejournal.com )
and the head by writer Sarah Smith (Sarahsmith.com )
At Arisia, I picked up Sarah's new book The Other Side of Dark,
a historical mystery involving the old Pinebank mansion in
Jamaica Plain, MA. I had the treat of reading the manuscript
before publication so was especially pleased to see it in its final
book form. I definitely recommend it as an intriguing read!

The Arisia staff ended up providing self-hardening clay as
well so some participants sculpted with that. Bears seemed
a theme for one table. The woman's shirt seems to help
explain their choice!

For those who just wanted to strickly "play" I also
provided some of my low fire white clay...

Glass artist, Josh Simpson was the Artist Guest of Honor
this year at Arisia. I've exhibited at shows with Josh for many
years and know that besides being an amazing artist, he's
a great story teller and photographer so I made sure to
take some friends to his lecture on Saturday night. He talked
about his Infinity project. For 25 years he's been placing
or getting friends and others to hide small glass planets
around the globe hoping to mystify future archeologists!
(Check out his website for a full story of the project:
joshsimpson.com ) He ended his lecture with photos sent
that day by his wife, astronaut Katie Coleman, from the
International Space Station where she is on a long duration
mission. We marveled at how technology keeps families
together even out of our atmosphere...and saw how gummy
bears are eaten in space!

On Sunday the Interstitial Arts Foundation Executive
Board met at our house...more about that in my next post.

Journey on! Wendy

Happy New Year -First Night Parade

2011-01-04T13:48:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! May 2011 be filled with adventure,
fun, and peaceful quiet moments for reflection...

For several years now I've co-facilitated a project with
Hawthorne Youth and Community Center in Roxbury leading
up to participation in Boston's family friendly First Night
Parade. This year as last I collaborated with local artist
Lisa Lee. We work with the after school kids on Wednesdays
all Fall and lead community workshops on Saturdays.
Participation with HYCC on First Night has been a
neighborhood tradition for many years. I really enjoy the
multi-generational aspect of the community involvement.

This year our project theme was "High Flying Flags".
The challenge - what material would be 5 year old to adult
friendly, hold up if rain or snow and offer good canvases for
creative energy. After considering everything from ripstop
nylon to interfacing, we settled on room darkening shade
material - light,easy to cut,no hemming, waterproof, and
impermeable so that designs could be created on both sides
using paint,pen, markers, stitching, lots of glitter and glue.
Here are some of the kids starting their flags:

The idea was to have the flag in some way represent
the individual making it...Some kids opted for nods to
national origins,others names of their school , their
passions or tributes to special people who had died.

Some children went for the simple,

others really delved into the materials...as
this young lady who LOVES layering.

Lisa and I made flags too..She likes asparagus and
motorcycles. Mine, of course, needed a dragon:

The nun from the convent up the street who also works
with the kids, made this beautiful one.

Besides the individual pieces, we always make a large banner
or other art piece for the parading. This year kids and adults
helped create a two sided 4'x9'banner. The First Night parade
is always about LOTS of glitter and sparkle and hot glue!

On New Year's eve afternoon, we set at the Hynes auditorium
and put on finishing details:

And after months of creation - we march!

I forgot to say the kids also decorated plastic capes...
a favorite of the boys:

Fortunately this year the weather was warm. We were 48
strong in the parade!

We're already thinking about First Night 2012..Lights?
Pinwheeels? Proposals are due in April!

But next up for me is participation in the Arisia
art show and panels there : www.arisia.org -
Boston Westin Waterfront Jan. 14-17.

Journey on! Wendy

Holidays - Tradition, story and memory

2010-12-20T07:30:00.001-08:00

Holidays are a time of tradition, story and memory.
I love hearing tales of special foods, activities that
families share and how they choose to decorate their home
during holidays. Our family bakes two special breads for
Christmas morn - a brioche usually shaped like a Santa
(photo above)and a Norwegian julekage. Both recipes came
fromSunset magazine in the late 60's...and we've been making
them every since. One tradition associated with the julekage
is to make the dough, divide it in half and bake two loaves.
Then one is given to a friend or relative...so on Christmas
you are sharing the very same bread. One year we tried to
send the bread to my brother in London. Only it took too
long to arrive, so became moldy...now we stick to sharing
with folks nearby.

That same brother in London started us on the tradition
of Christmas crackers....the British poppers with paper
crowns, silly jokes or riddles, and tiny toys. They guarantee
that Christmas night is filled with laughs and giggles...
and recognition that life needs levity as well as seriousness.

We as many families have a Christmas cactus..which if we
are careful blooms in late December. But our Mama
cactus has been passed down through the generations..
My husband's great aunts found a small Christmas cactus
discarded by a flower shop in Roseburg, OR around
1910....They "rescued" it and its been growing and
producing cactus generations every since. The original
"elder" resides in our kitchen with an offspring nearby.

I enjoy Christmas trees, especially for all the memories
stored in the decorations and the stories that are shared
in a family as they are placed on a tree. However,
now that we tend to travel to be with our children, we skip
or only have a small tree. There is one decoration that
continues to get more elaborate in our home - our nativity
scene. I made the original figures when I was about 10.
We always set up a small scene as I was growing up. There is
something about the scene that has always appealed to me -

Then in 1994 we traveled to Ecuador for the wedding of one
of our daughters. We were introduced to the tradition of nativity
scenes in Cuenca, Ecuador. Some which filled whole backyards
including mini volcanoes, living plants ,etc. Each scene was
clearly a labor of love by everyone who set them up. Ever
since then, our scene has expanded in both concept and items.
It covers the top of our piano.

Every piece in the scene is a story shard..connecting to
travels of friends, our children, ourselves. Others were
gifted for special occasions. Some are new, some old. Each
represent connections to people and times shared. The
tiny animal band I made of clay when I was around 11 is there.

The three kings of the original scene long ago disappeared, so
in our present version, these three musicians (gifted to us from
Peruvian friends) are the "kings".

When one of our daughters traveled to Greece, she didn't
find a piece for the scene...so brought back a few rocks (from
Atlantis perhaps?)

For me,our scene represents family and the hope and joy
which should be celebrated at the birth of each and every child
in the world. Some infants will grow to be extraordinary
individuals whose stories will impact the world in major ways
But every child has the potential of offering his or her unique
gifts and our job is to nurture possibility.

May this season however you celebrate it, be filled
with warmth, family, friends, tradition and lots of story sharing!!

Peace, Wendy

American Craft NYC show Nov. 19-21

2010-12-16T10:11:00.000-08:00

It's a busy holiday time of year for all of us..but I wanted
keep my promise of talking about the new NYC show
I participated in Nov. 19-21: www.americancraftshownyc.com
The image above is my booth.. Snarval and Wudaineon
welcomed customers into my space. My set up was simpler
than usual in part because the show provided black pipe
and drape for us. This meant I could use less of my set up
materials. I kept the focus on my figures for this show. I
plan on using a variation of this booth for ACC Baltimore in Feb.

For a new show, I thought it went well. There was
a wonderful eclectic mix of fine art and craft with an equal
spread of very established artists and emerging artists.
Live musicians set up in various areas to perform, large
paintings were painted on the spot, ceramic demonstrations
pulled in customers, and there even were live professional
models in an area dedicated to figure drawings complete
with chairs and pads of paper. (The figure drawing was
the favorite part of the show for my niece's 8 year old
daughter!). All in all the show had a rather funky, fun
New York City edge to it which I rather liked.

I have less images to share than usual since I forgot my
camera, but was able to borrow one to take a photo
of my booth...and that of Valerie Bunnell, a good
friend and awesome figurative artist: www.valeriebunnell.com

I met Joanna Gabler who exhibited her photography
at the show: www.naturetransfigured.com Joanna
writes: "Art is and always will be a sacred gate
between the invisible and the visible". I was
especially drawn to her "gateways and passages" series
dedicated to a friend who died recently. Check out
that section of her website...the second image is the
one that invited me in!

Since I was staying down in New York to celebrate
Thanksgiving I had a few days to wander. When down
in Chelsea I happened upon the Rubin Museum of Art
on 17th street between 6th and 7th Ave: www.rmanyc.org
The museum is dedicated to the art of the Himalayas
and surrounding regions and is a breath of calm in
a bustling city. I spent the afternoon there
looking at its various exhibit..check out the website..
and watching a group of school children sketching
objects in a Tibetan altar and talking about why they
selected a specific object.

Then went over to the Lyons Wier gallery to see
the exhibit by Jan Huling: www.janhuling.com
who describes herself as a children's book author
and beadist!...Yes, beads, beads, beads..with humor!

I also spent some time at the Museum of Natural
History and its exhibit exploring the similarities and
differences between the brains of humans and other
animals and went to my favorite area of the museum
which has masks from the Pacific Northwest. The
creativity and humor of the art enthralls me.

Returned home bustled for a local holiday show,
finished up some orders (including a new journal cover...
with a phoenix!...stay tuned..may be a new series!),
worked with after school children and community
on a First Night Project (images on a future blog post)
and finally am doing some holiday baking.....

I hope your holiday preparations are filled with
lots of sweet scents and fun!

Journey on! Wendy

Creating Sacred Spaces - Medicine Wheel Productions

2010-12-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

I'm just back from the American Craft Show NYC and
will share sights and impressions...but first want to
lift up Michael Dowling's Medicine Wheel installation
for World AIDS Day, December 1. Michael is an
artist of vision who believes in cooperative work
and community involvement. Medicine Wheel Productions
website gives a glimpse of his extraordinary vision and
work: mwponline.org

For the past 19 years Michael along with many volunteers
has turned the Boston Center for the Arts' circular brick
building into a sacred space for a 24 hour vigil of memory,
sharing, and offerings of music, dance, and poetry.
The installations rotate focus on the four elements, earth,
air, fire and water. This year was fire. The image above
shows what greeted you as you walked up the stairs into
the cyclorama this year: self-portraits (of Michael's students)
carved into plywood, red ribbons, and shrines.

Each year the main element are the 36 pedestals with
shrines arranged in a large circle. Visitors are encouraged
to add photos or mementos to the shrines which are put
into the pedestals at the end of the vigil. The pedestals
contain 19 years of such memories and thoughts.

This year removable gray walls assembled inside the brick
walls were covered with black 1" mesh. Buckets of red ribbons
were set around as well as piles of red ribbon arranged
in the center of the space for people to cut into lengths.
Designs were started on the walls...but were added to
over the 24 hour period...red AIDS ribbons shimmering
in the light holding the circular space.

Anyone could add their designs to the walls.

Over the 24 hours artists, musicians, and performers
share their work, food is served, and quiet conversation
and meditation takes place. I've attended the vigil every
year I've been in town since it began, have helped when I
could. Last year, I spent the entire 24 hours there. This
year I was there only a few connecting as always with a
small group of friends who celebrate another year of survival
of the daughter of a friend born HIV positive 21 years ago
and remembering my brother and so many other friends who
did not survive.

Michael works with many youth and in particular with
a group of young men in recovery. This year they created
these full clear body sculptures. They performed
with them early in the day - something I wish I had seen.
The sculptures are made of clear tape.. body part, by
body part and then taped together with some red ribbons
inserted inside. Simple materials, amazing result!

In our busy world it is often difficult to find venues
to share, stop and just breathe. Thanks to Medicine Wheel
Productions, I find a moment every Dec. 1.

Next week - New York show and New York moments.

Journey on! Wendy

Dragons and eyes for New York City

2010-11-17T08:09:00.001-08:00

Finally as promised..some images of what I've been working
on....with a little "before" and after. First the new dragon
named Wudaineon by our 9 year old granddaughter who was
just here for a visit. The head as it began - wood and
eye attached via apoxy sculpt:

And the finished head - spokes are wet-formed
goat rawhide:

hind quarters...and end of tail...have to come to
New York to see it as a whole!

Actually I hope to so some serious photography in NYC
..and have a complete image for you on my return..or at
a minimum one of my booth there! Wudaineon is between
4 and 5 feet long.

I'll also have new figures at the show. I've continued
to play with the concept of eyes...and how we "see".
Here are two in beginning stages...

At the last show, a young fan asked if I ever thought
about having the figures stand on their heads. Hmmm
interesting. Thought I'd play with that idea.
Here is the finished head stander.

It's named,"TaDaa". As a friend pointed out to us
this weekend, sometimes if you stand up, stretch
your hands in the air and say "Ta-Da!" the world
seems a happier place!

This new figures "sees" with her/his hands,
feet, chest, and back of the head! Look closely.

Please anyone in the New York City area...come
on over to the American Craft Show NYC at the
Javits Center this Friday-Sunday. Full info at:
www.americancraftshownyc.com I'll be in booth
# 132. Would love to see you!!

With Thanksgiving approaching...I send my
thanks to all of you for joining me on this
internet journey .

Journey on! Wendy

Hot Flash! book by Pamela Hastings

2010-11-11T06:19:00.000-08:00

I promised images of new work in my last blog - and I
will post some soon, but last week my copy of this
new book by my friend, Pamela Hastings www.pamelahastings.com
arrived in the mail. She sent it to me as a thank you
for my contribution to it.

Pamela and I met in the 70's when we were both doing
the craft circuit. I stayed, but she moved on to doing
a vast array of activities including doll making workshops
on and off line, getting trained as an occupational
therapist and more. We reconnected at a doll show
a number of years ago and she told me about this
project and asked if I would contribute to it. She was
reaching out to women artists and writers she knew to
reflect on the concept of "Hot Flash!" and to reflect on being
a women in this age we live in. Some of us responded to
her questionnaire, others contributed poems, thoughts,
insights, stories, images of artwork and ourselves and
even a few recipes! In all, over 60 women ranging in age
from 20's to 80's are represented.

The result is a fantastic compendium of stories and images
and insights into extraordinary individuals. Pamela
explains the organization of the book in this way:
"I have collected and arranged these contributions in a
non-linear way, like stories told around a late-night bottle
of wine by long-term and new friends. Long ago I noticed men
meeting each other share accomplishments, women share
stories. Welcome to your large messy collection of new friends. "

Pamela goes on to say, " I hope this book will start and continue
each of you in your collecting, listening to stories, making ART
out of your experiences. Couldn't all the Energy of Hot Flashing,
of experiences exploding, be harnessed to save the planet..or
at least our Selves! "

It's taken eight years to complete and worth every
hair tearing moment along the way. I certainly plan to get
to know some of these new "friends".

To get a glimpse of some of the stories, check out
Pamela's blog:
http://pamelasjournal.blogspot.com/2010/09/hot-flash.html

This book would be a great holiday gift for any
dear friend or yourself!! It can be purchased through
Pamela's website.

Now back to stitching a new dragon...

Journey on...Wendy

Studio nests and altars

2010-10-30T07:23:00.001-07:00

Some artists work in pristine open spaces or so I hear.
I don't know any such artists. My friends seem to have
studios and work spaces filled with bits and pieces of
work and life. "You work in a nest" is how folks have
described my space. It is true my studios have almost
always been upstairs, perched amidst the trees. Here
is a short photo tour of where I work. You'll notice
I didn't make any attempts to clean up before inviting
you in. You're getting a look at reality. My studio is
in the house where we live. It used to be on the third
floor next door, but there was a house fire, so I moved
the studio into our house. As our children grew up and
moved out, my hubby and I took over their bedrooms.
My main studio is in a room at the top of our stairs which
we divided into 1/3 and 2/3 for three children. I've
left it divided.
So here we go, climb our stairs with me:

and walk in - that is a mirror between the two spaces.

My work table is straight ahead along with shelves,
bins of leather, inventory, and a shore photo titled "the
aesthetics of chaos"...seems appropriate!

This is the wall I face when I work:

The poster is of :"The Tate by Tube" - given
me by one of our daughters when we were visiting
my costume designer brother in London in 1989.
The shelf I face when I work contains this small studio
"altar" - each item has a story and special meaning.
I find that most people and perhaps especially artists
gather small "altars" whether they call them that
or not. My studio walls have some other altar areas.

Below is the right side of the workspace. Upper left
shows the opening to the larger part of the divided room.

I have a fondness for images of older women!

Turn around (carefully it's a small space) and you'll see
my view outside facing the street. I haven't repainted
since our daughter slept here when young.

To demonstrate how long we've lived here. That oak tree
in the background was a tiny seedling that we let grow
instead of pulling it out. Years do fly by!

Walk around the wall, into the larger studio room. There
used to be loft beds in here, but now we just keep a single
bed for extra sleep space for friends and family. The window
straight ahead looks out on our greenhouse where I spray
paint and do felting. Yes, that is a big 4'x5' nest perched by
the window. It is connected to a long mythic folk tale I am
writing.

This is the reverse side of the work table wall - The costume
designer figure is a tribute to my brother. He died of AIDS
in 1990 along with so many other creative friends. I like
having photos of him in the studio..spurring me on.

To the right as you walk in is a wall with shelves with beads
and miscellaneous tiny things waiting until their creature or
figure calls them!

The wall is filled with tickets from shows, photos
of friends dear and lost, a favorite redwoods photos,
event buttons and a bit of everything else.

The greenhouse is down the hall. You can see it
is a multi-use space. There is some Swiss chard
growing in there now plus herbs drying.

I use the far end. Someday we might even finish the
space! My husband's business is creating beautiful
wood and glass sunrooms....only he finishes the ones
for other people. Old story of the shoe maker and his
children...Of course I could paint the walls if it
bothered me.

Finally - one last piece of equipment: my
kiln in our basement:

There you have it. The aesthetic chaos from
which my creatures emerge!
Hope you have enjoyed the tour...
Next week...images of new work for NYC!

Journey on! Wendy

Myth in Metal at Paradise City Arts Festival: Robert Alan Hyde and Mark Groaning

2010-10-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

As promised last week, more mythic work from the
Paradise City Arts Festival, only this time in metal.
First,Robert Alan Hyde : www.robertalanhyde.com
Robert is on the right in the photo above. This was the
first time I met Robert and saw his truly astounding
work. Arlo Guthrie has referred to Robert as a "living
master". I was drawn to his sculptures such as this
"Shaman":

and to his mythic masks:

Here is a quote from Robert's website:
"With torch, steel, copper and brass, Robert sketches a
unique vision- blurring the boundaries between reality
and fantasy.His forms, founded in his acute observations
of humans, animals and nature, are shaped with masterful
skill— enlivened with enchantment and imagination."
Definitely check out his website to see the amazing range of
his work and vision. And if you can, see him and his work
in person at the November Paradise City Arts Festival show
in Marlboro: www.paradisecityarts.com
Robert won "best of show" for his sculpture in the
sculpture garden in Northampton.

Another metal sculptor at the show with imagination
and vision was Mark Groaning:

A visit to Mark's website: www.markgroaningstudio.com
will show you all the materials he uses as both a painter
and a sculptor....expressing himself "as the Universe
moves me to do so." There is a cool video on
his website demonstrating the range and fun.
I, of course, focused on his dragons climbing and
soaring in Northampton:

Mark will be also be exhibiting in the November
Paradise City Arts Festival show in Marlboro.

Inspired by all the amazing individuals and art in
Northampton, time to get back to my work - a new
dragon and evolving new species. My next exhibit:
The American Craft Show NYC Nov. 19-21:
www.americancraftshowNYC.com

Journey on! Wendy

Mythic creatures at Paradise City Arts Festival - Lisa Hey and Jillian Barber

2010-10-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

It was gorgeous weather last weekend in Northampton for the
Paradise City Arts Festival. Crowds and sales were up from
last year, so the atmosphere was positive and energetic.

Snarval, the dragon was there...looking for other
mythic friends. We definitely found some!

Lisa Hey, who was exhibiting for the first time at the
Paradise City Arts Festival, had a booth not far from
mine. It was filled with mythical felt sculptures.

Lisa's magical one-of-a-kind sculptures are created
completely through the time consuming process of needle
felting, using the sturdy built up felt as the armatures.
Her blending of story, mystery and vibrant color is a wonder.

I loved the rabbits with antlers! They reminded me of some
of the characters in the tales my Dad used to tell!
To learn more about Lisa, her process and work, go to her
Etsy shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/ursasuzanne Or better yet, go
see her in person at the next Paradise City Arts Festival show in
Marlboro, MA in November. Info at:www.paradisecityarts.com
She told me about a wall piece she was working on for
that show which sounded astounding!

Shows are also about connecting with old friends.
Jillian Barber, www.jillianbarber.com and I used to show at the
same fairs years ago, but our paths hadn't crossed lately. Jillian
is both an award winning photographer and ceramic sculptor.
Fortunately we were able to reconnect last weekend. Jillian's
booth was filled with wonderful ceramic mythic creatures as well
as masks and other sculptures.

Her ceramic sculptures are intricately carved often
with textures of antique lace and shells, then painted
with under glazes and fired multiple times. I especially
loved these two creatures:

But it wasn't just women bringing along the myth
at this show...next week's post will lift up two male
artists who added to the magic with their metal
sculptures.

Journey on!

A new series of figures begins -come to Northamtpon to see!

2010-10-06T07:30:00.001-07:00

This coming weekend I'll be exhibiting at the Paradise
City Arts Festival in Northampton, MA. Details at:
www.paradisecityarts.com
The image above will be found in one of my new figures.

"Where do you get your ideas?" is a question I am often
asked. Usually I cannot pin point the source or kernel of
an idea. Often I just start playing with materials
and creatures emerge sometimes with complete stories.
I have found if you open yourself to the creative energy
swirling in the universe, it has a way of finding its
way of becoming manifest. Other times I sense when an
idea is brewing and am intrigued to see how it will evolve.

Such was the case after I saw this costume in the
Museo del Carnaval in Montevideo in April.

The human face peering out from the center of the over-sized
figure jostled loose the phrase "The eyes are the window to
the soul"...It sunk in and wouldn't let go. Then, I went to
the exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts here in Boston, "the
Secrets of the Tomb 10A". The eyes painted above the mythic
doorways to let the spirit of the departed pass through pulled
me in. I've also done a lot of thinking about how children
just want to be "seen". They want you to look in their eyes
and see inside. I realized eyes were definitely going to be
important in a new series of figures brewing.

I began playing. This was the first figure which began
to take shape:

The stone in the head and belly came from the beach in
Uruguay (as did the three stones in the three headed creature
shown in the last blog post.) I found the "eye" lying on my
shelf - part of a pin I had purchased long, long ago. I also
found the sack of crystals I bought when exhibiting at the
Boskone 47 nesfa convention last February. Here is the
finished head:

And finally the rest of the body...with the eye
peering out from the belly through beading...

What exactly is the figure's story, or even its name? I'm
still working on that, but I know it is just the start
of a series. Stay tuned...and if you're in the Northeast
please consider stopping by my booth #616 at the festival
this weekend in Northampton to see this new figure, its
three-headed friend, other creatures and leather books
and, of course, Snarval, the 6-foot leather dragon!

Next week I'll share some images from the Paradise
City show!

Journey on!

Roxbury Open Studios Oct. 2-3

2010-09-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

This weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 11-6, local
artists are opening their studios to the public and/or
gathering in central locations to display their work.
We celebrate the exuberant artist filled community in
which we live. Complete info for Roxbury Open
Studios is available at: www.madison-park.org/ros
I set up in my home studio and invite everyone in,
displaying my art and letting folks see the studio
from which my creatures and other work emerge.

As promised in my last post, here are a few
images of items I just finished for Open Studios.
First some ceramic masks:

These one-of-a-kind masks are 3 1/2 inches across,
a comfortable size to fit in my hand as I create them.
They are sculpted from low fire white clay, fired, then
finished with various paint layers and beading. They hang
on the wall via a leather wrapped wire attached to the clay.
I have a fondness for avians, but sometimes bears,wolves,
monkeys and other creatures emerge from the clay.

I acquire feathers from various sources, but lately have
been using feathers from two parrots named Harley and
Cyrano.Their owner generously shares their feathers.

This slightly larger beaded bear mask is 5" across:

Since networking is so important these days, I will
have a good supply of my double pocket leather card
holders(also useful for those times you don't really want
a purseor wallet - just a card or two and a little cash.)

And of course that 3-headed creature I mentioned in last
week's blog post. It's 16 inches tall. some new species
definitely showing up this Fall! Here he/she/they are/is:

Perhaps the folks who drop by will help me discover
the story behind this figure. I have some ideas, but
it's always fun to hear the thoughts of others. I'm also
working on a new figure with an eye in its belly.It will be
finished for the Paradise City Arts Festival Columbus Day
weekend in Northampton!(Image in next week's post.)

Naturally the above will be accompanied by a good mix
of Star Wandering folk, Caretakers, Stump Critters
and assuming I can get Snarval,the dragon, to come
down from the redwoods, he will be here too along with
some dragon books to keep him company.

Anyone in the area, please stop by. Hot cider,
homemade cookies and good conversation await!

Journey on over! Wendy

Outdoor sculpture at Maudslay State Park

2010-09-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

I love it when artists get together to have fun, push themselves
and share it with the public.Such is the outdoor sculpture exhibit
at Maudslay Sate Park in Newburyport, MA. This is its 12th year
coordinated by Bert Snow. This year 34 artists have joined the
effort, some professional,some just trying something new. My
friend, Martha Bergeron, had thought about joining for years,
but this year "went for it". I had the treat of spending my
birthday afternoon at the State Park enjoying Martha's ,
everyone else's, and the beautiful surroundings. The theme
this year was "Trace". That is Martha's horse sculpture above
title "Peace/Power".It's made from saplings, mostly collected
from those trimmed in the State Park itself.

Martha writes: "How can we trace the influence of a moment that
turns our path? I saw horses for the first time as a toddler,
amazed at how big and strong they are, yet so gentle and graceful.
I trace my life-long obsession with drawing horses back to that
moment of awe...There's more than just a trace left of the child I
in the adult I have become."
The exhibit is up for just two weeks..closing this Saturday,
October 2. But it will live on in the website: www.maudslay.ning.com
Here are images of some of my other favorite piece.
First "Leave a Trace" by Bettina Turner. That is an apple
tree decorated with chalk spray:

Next John Ashsworth's "Stix" - Really this one needs to
be experienced...walk in and among the sticks..He explains
he is playing on the idea of "Pick up Sticks"..The sticks
are 16 ft. long!

And - have you ever thought about zipping up a field:
Joe Fix calls his work "Intermesh". "inspired by the
complex yet elegant mechanisms that have evolved in the
natural world. The components of nature fit together
more harmoniously than the best engineered machine."

A number of the exhibits were kinetic..so need videos
to appreciate like Bert Snow's Ghostnado which called
to adults and kids alike to pull on to see the birch
branches wiggle and wave...or Joyce Audy Zarins
beautiful "Kalmia" a dead Mountain laurel..which
rotated as the wind swept by. Others were musical...
encouraging playing or listening as Craig Colarusso's
solar powered sound installation.

Definitely a treat all around...Started me thinking
about the possibility of creating sculptures which
could survive outdoors...at least for a while. Dragons
in trees perhaps?

Next weekend is the annual Roxbury Open Studios...so
Wednesday next week, I'll post a few teasers of what
you can see if you drop by...including a 3-headed
creature!

Journey on! Wendy

Niki de Saint Phalle sculpture project in D.C.

2010-09-16T06:06:00.001-07:00

Just outside the National Museum of Women in the Arts
is a median strip filled with Niki de Saint Phalle's
amazing mosaic sculptures. That's the three graces
dancing above. Niki's work is the first exhibit
as part of the NMWA New York Ave. sculpture project.
The sculptures will be there through the end of October...
Here's press release on the project from Niki's Charitable Art foundation website:
http://nikidesaintphalle.org/press/20100224_nmwa

I had the fun of wandering among them
with two of my granddaughters before we entered the
museum. Since Niki called her monumental female
sculptures "Nanas", it seemed especially appropriate
to bring along my granddaughters who call me Nana.
They know I would love to ride a dolphin too!

It also was fun to view them with my 7 and 9 year
old granddaughters since they are heavily into Greek
mythology (Thanks to the Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson
series.) Of course they thought Niki's "Serpent Tree"
looked more like the Hydra. They could see how Niki's
work was inspired by exuberance for life and and
intrigue with myth.

Niki's life story told in a video in the museum
and how she felt art "saved" her is full of pathos.
But bottom line, this extraordinary and gutsy woman
has left us a heritage of amazing, energy filled public
sculpture. I only wish she knew what we know now about
the dangers of certain paint chemicals so that she would
not have had to suffer lung problems for so many
years before her death 8 years ago.

My favorite part of these sculptures are that they are
fountains!! Look closely at the detail above and you'll
see the water spouts on arms, head etc. The water
isn't turned on too often - just enough to keep the flowers
watered apparently..but fortunately was on when we first
approached New York Ave.

Nana duties taken care of for the moment, I'm back
in the studio working for open studios and shows...
more on that next week!

Journey on! Wendy

JuYeon Kim's "The In-Between" at the NMWA

2010-09-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes trips offer surprises. I spent the past 10 days
in the VA/D.C area for "Nana camp". Summer camps were over,
and school had not yet begun, so I offered to fill in the gap.
I expected it to be days of just savoring grandchildren and
family, which it was,but there were a few unexpected surprises.
A major one, was seeing the exhibit by JuYeon Kim entitled "The
In-Between" at the National Museum of Women in the Arts created
in collaboration with students from the Savannah College of Art
and Design where she was artist in residence this Spring. That’s
her photo with a student above working on figures for the
exhibit. She was trained in ceramics in Korea, but received
other degrees in the U.S. and has much more than ceramic skills
to call on.

Our older granddaughters(7 and 9)and I had planned a trip
to the NMWA. When I checked on the website, I saw the title
"The In-Between" and my IAF identity perked up. I'm always
looking for those exploring the interstitial worlds.

I went on their website and read these comments by and
about JuYeon Kim:

"When I came to the United States, I felt complete culture
shock. I was struck by the duality of thinking between
cultures, how every belief or custom has an opposite. Most
wedding dresses in the West are white because the color
symbolizes purity, but in many parts of Asia, white symbolizes
death. I wanted to explore the space between those polarities."
Seeking to bridge the gap between divergent cultural traditions,
Kim began studying the bardos the "in-between" space in Tibetan
Buddhist practice." This was an exhibit I had to see!!

Here is the link to the write up on the NMWA website:
http://www.nmwa.org/exhibition/detail.asp?exhibitid=208

The exhibit is primarily made up of two amazing meditation
spaces - one of 108 strips of cloth embroidered with figures
and narrative fragments hanging from plastic rods. These in
turn are suspended from three metal circles creating an 8'
diameter floor to ceiling enclosure. One enters through the
plain white exterior strips, then passes through embellished
gray to white past, present and future layers to the center.
The other is a hexagonal structure made from hardwood panels
with low to high relief gray cast figures attached inside.
Kim explains that she intended the essence of each to differ.
She sees the layered enclosure as more female and
the wood structure more male acknowledging how "men and
women think differently." (Hmm...could have some good
discussions there!) Both are filled with a mixture of
realistic and mythic images. Check out this link where Kim
is being interviewed about the exhibit. It includes in
process photos:
http://womeninthearts.wordpress.com/2010/06/23/juyeon-kim-discusses-the-in-between/

Unfortunately photos weren't allowed in the gallery.
But photos alone can't capture the feel of the spaces she
has created. Kim explains that she likes to create
spaces which bring one back to "the basic question of
who we are." She's done other work in caves in S. France.

The exhibit is only at NMWA until Sept. 13. I highly
recommend anyone in the area to hurry on over to experience
it. After DC, it will move down to Georgia. For those
of you who can’t make either locations, I found a few
additional images on the web. Click on the gallery section
of the following link. It gives the specifics of where and
when the exhibit will be in GA - Savannah and Atlanta.
http://www.scad.edu/exhibitions/view/juyeon-kim.cfm

I could have spent a long time in each of the spaces,
absorbing their energy and seeing what thoughts were
stirred up..but Nana duties called. I’m certainly going
to keep a look out for any new pieces this extraordinary
artist creates!

Speaking of extraordinary women...my next blog will be
about the Niki de Saint Phalle sculptures outside the
NMWA. Photos were allowed there!

Journey on! Wendy

Joan Rasmussen and Wendy Hill at Ann Arbor

2010-08-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

At each show in which I participate, I hope
to meet artists I have not encountered on the
road before. Two such artists I had the opportunity
to find on the "path" this year in Ann Arbor were
Joan Rasmussen, www.joanrasmussen.com
and Wendy Hill, www.marvinhill.com.

Joan's booth was just a couple down from mine:
She creates articulated figures full of humor and fun
by combining original ceramic elements with found objects.
I loved the way she used chalk to write the
descriptions on the walls!!

Here are a couple closeups of fun, colorful pieces:

Joan calls her studio "Sum of its parts Studio". She
writes: "as a native of New York City, one of my
earliest realizations was that we are one of many. My
approach to art and the figure incorporates this awareness.
With each new piece I draw upon a limitless resource of
characters encountered. Often, the end results are
compilations of traits or features from persons with whom
I’ve crossed paths; sometimes real, sometimes imagined,
and sometimes I’m unsure."

One look at Wendy Hill's booth at Ann Arbor
and you'll immediately understand my attraction
to the work! It is filled with wings, myth and mystery.

All the images were drawn and carved by Marvin, who
sadly left this world in 2003. Wendy's contribution was
the printing and hand coloring with watercolors. Together
they sold their limited edition fine art block prints at shows
for many years. Happily for us, Wendy continues printing
and coloring and bringing them to the public. Many
consist of intricate assembled hand colored pieces.
Here is a favorite..with wings and central face.
(My apologies for my reflection!)The pieces in the booth
were beautifully framed. All are full of story!!

The title of this is "She climbs through"...hmmm
to what? to where? I was definitely tempted by
this piece:

Check out Wendy and Marvin's website for many more images
and themes!

I hope everyone has had a summer filled with
savoring art!

Journey on! Wendy

Felt and Sculpture at Ann Arbor - Miriam Carter and Kimberly Willcox

2010-08-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

One of the best aspects of doing art shows is connecting
with artist friends and checking in re life and art.
Many of us have grown up together as a craft community,
participating in the same shows for 20-30+ years. I
love seeing the artists I know come up with new ideas,
push creativity a bit further. In turn I return from
shows more committed than ever to strive forward myself,
stepping even deeper into the sea of creative energy out
there and seeing where it might take me. We also check in
with each other personally. Since we live scattered around
the U.S. and beyond, shows are the one place we can touch
base in a non virtual way. Facebook, blogs, emails and
phone calls are great, but for me, none can replace the
importance of being in a person's physical presence.

Two of the artists I was able to talk to a bit at Ann Arbor
and whose work I admire fantastically are Miriam Carter
and Kimberly Willcox.

Miriam and I have known each other for many years, but over
the past couple years have connected on a deeper level of
spirit and art. Here she is at Ann Arbor:

I've had the opportunity to spend some time with Miriam in
her amazing woodland home in New Hampshire, appreciating
the care she has put into the home and landscaping and
just sharing time. She comes from a long family tradition
of felting. Her scarves, hats, and garments are a gorgeous
fun sensuous treat!

Also, Miriam has been my felting mentor. Her teaching and
encouragement to "play" helped me learn all sorts of
hand felting techniques some of which have been incorporated
into my work. An example - the nuno felted silk wings and
"flames"of this phoenix I created, titled "The Rising":

Kimberly Wilcox: www.kimberlywillcox.com
was also in Ann Arbor. The imagery, tactile perfection,
and imagination of kimberly's sculpture amaze me
more every time I see her work. Kimberly describes
her work as a "contemporary spin on primitive form".

Kimberly writes: "My ideas stem from the world around
me, a blend of conscious and sub-conscious imagery."
She works in many media, but at Ann Arbor she exhibited
her three dimensional figures from transformed materials.

Hopefully the snapshots above will encourage you to check
out her website. The stories and explanation of her
sculpture are definitely worth savoring as well as the
excellent photos. Unfortunately, while at Ann Arbor
Kimberly and Kevin received a call informing them that
their Florida workshop had a bad fire. A lot of us have
experienced fires over the years, so we know the
challenges this presents. We artists are a resilient
lot, and know they will get through this as they have
other disasters, but our sympathy goes out to them.
They have posted a way to help on their website.

Next post - two new-to-me artists I met at Ann Arbor

Journey on! Wendy

Stories and dragons at Ann Arbor Art Fair

2010-08-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

Snarval and I drove to the Ann Arbor Art Fair
where we shared conversation and stories with customers and
other artists July 20-24. The Painted Room by Elizabeth Erdrich
on CD helped with the 14 hour drive there and The Magicians by
Lev Grossman on the way back. My booth location was under a
huge tree and thanks to a nearby flower bed, I was able to
open one side altho I "technically" did not have a corner.
For the first time,I had the show provide the tent for me.
The tent was sturdier and more waterproof than the one I would
have borrowed from a friend. Since I don't do many outdoor
shows, I do not have one of my own right now. Images below are
two versions of the booth. The wind picked up requiring the
phoenix and other winged creature to be moved. They enjoyed
flying around, but not everyone loved them jumping into their
hands!

I asked folks who visited the booth to share any ideas they
had about Snarval's story. Water dragon, fire dragon, lava
dragon were species suggested. Considering how much water we
experienced during the show, I'm leaning toward water variety.
We had rain 3 of the 4 days, with torrential downpours two eves
closing the show a bit early. Gee, wonder why I'm not too partial
to outdoor shows. I thought about removing Snarval from the
booth one night, but decided he would protect everything.
Seems he is a good protector since the 60-70 mile/hr winds
didn't develop either night they were forecast. The tornado
siren went off requiring us all to seek shelter one eve, but no
tornado arrived. Weather the first day, Wednesday, was
beautiful and nicer on Saturday than expected with clear skies
to pack up. So all in all not bad..another show survived!

I love engaging folks at shows and Snarval certainly drew folks
into the booth. One young person came up with the idea that
perhaps Snarval used to be a hot dog, went into a time machine
and came out a dragon. Another thought perhaps as a lava dragon
he was burned and needed a mask over his head. There seemed to
be a predominance of people who felt Snarval was a he rather than
a she. One young man had a discussion with me about bi-gender
snails. Another storyline offered was Snarval had been evil and
shooting fire inappropriately so a wizard made Snarval's head full
of holes so he could not breathe fire any more. One child was
sure he could explain the look of Snarval's head. It was obvious
that Snarval had gone into a log and become stuck. You have to
love what thoughts attending art fairs stirs up!

Speaking of stories and storytellers, I met some wonderful ones
at the Ann Arbor show. Two of my nest dwelling story nurturers
went home with story creators. One of the major reasons
I still go to shows is to see the creatures which leave
leave my studio find their friends. As I have said before,
once I've finished a piece, I know it belongs to someone else.
My job is to help that connection. I'm a strong believer that
art objects have an energy of their own and reach out. Seeing
that connection occur is magical.

Because I was at the show by myself, I wasn't able to wander
and savor all the art of the 4 simultaneous shows in Ann Arbor.
The show is beautifully run with lots of volunteer help,
offering short breaks,water,glasses and ice, but I still
had to stick pretty close by. But I was able to discover
a couple new (to me) artists whose work I love, and
connected with a couple long time friends. Next posts
will be about those artists.

Journey on! Wendy

New leather dragon "Snarval"

2010-07-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

As promised...here are some photos of Snarval completed.
First Snarval's head:

Thanks to facebook friends who let me know the "wood" is
Cholla cactus...from Arizona not North Dakota!..and yes,
there is a glass eye in there! Spokes are wet-formed rawhide
as as with my previous 10 foot dragon.

A peak at his back foot with appropriately festive beaded
leg band.

Crawling up our staircase..on the outside.

And finally a couple of Snarval's entire self
from front and back!

The lighting in our front hall is not very good, so Snarval
requested a trip outside to check things out and show
off his splendor. (I'm not really sure about whether Snarval
is a he or she yet..still listening.)

Snarval's belly textiles show off much better in good light:

Then on to checking out our tomatoes.(we've given
up on the orderly front garden thing, and settled
for vegetables instead.)

Snarval thought they needed water and weeding!
(We took care of both before I set off for Ann Arbor.)
Finally,reluctantly Snarval climbed back into the house
to be packed up to take the ride to Ann Arbor.

I will encourage folks at the Art Fair to help
me figure out Snarval's story ...I'm not sure
whether the dragon is a cloud or water dragon
or some other species. It's fun to engage folks in
developing a legend at a show, especially children.

I'll be sure to take photos of Snarval in Ann Arbor
and share what stories emerge. And , of course,
I'll share news of some of my favorite artists there.

Please, if any of you live near Ann Arbor - come on over
to see Snarval in person. My booth is no. A306 - in the
"Original" Art Fair. Show is Wed. - Sat. July 21-24.
Info at: www.artfair.org Four fantastic days with four
fairs running simultaneously with extraordinary artists!
Just one request: Any of you who have it in with the rain
and wind gods...please tell them to be gentle this week!

Journey on! Wendy

Stairs and Dragons

2010-07-14T05:53:00.001-07:00

In February, when I created the 10 foot dragon for my customers'
metal spiral staircase, a friend asked what I might create for a
regular staircase. Good question, I thought, then set the query
aside. Until recently.
As I was trying to think up a special new piece for the Ann Arbor
Art Fair July 22-24, I took a look at the staircase in our house:

What might go here? Another dragon perhaps?
After all there is a Thai dragon at the base.

and so I started to play. I wasn't sure how big
it should be, but 5-6 feet seemed about right:

Next, up to the studio to see what materials I had for the
head. As those of you who know me are fully aware, my
studio is filled with all sorts of collected, gifted items, and
some which just seem to appear. I found a piece of strange
wood perhaps from the farm in North Dakota where my
hubby's dad was raised. We think it was among the
things brought back from Oregon when my mum-in-law died.
Definitely dragon head material!

If anyone knows what type of wood this is, please
let me know!

Next to the wood were these deer antler tips gifted me
by a friend who shows up at shows with all sorts of strange
and wonderful goodies for me!

Dragon horn material? Why not!
I had been wanting to use some of the old hand stitched
textiles made into a purse by artisans in Afghanistan which
I purchased at a fair last July in NYC when our granddaughter
was born. So I grabbed those as well.

I covered the basic wire armature with polyester, then muslin
as before and finally black leather. Then we headed off
to play with grandkids in Virginia and NYC for a week.
They are used to me showing up with strange items in the
van. I told them they could help name the new creature.
They came up with the name Snarval. I said it was probably
a water dragon, so my granddaughters immediately decided
the dragon's claws sculpted the sea creatures and underwater
landscape.

I did some stitching in Virginia, but most work was postponed
until I was back home.

It will be completed to display in Ann Arbor (my booth
number is A306) so be sure to check back in for my blog
next Tuesday to see the completed dragon. I'll put up a
post just before the show opens and then report back after
the show.

Now back to beading, stitching and claws!

Journey on! Wendy

Artist books and Small Ceramic masks

2010-06-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I'm participating in a local
summer arts festival organized by our ArtRox collective on
July 10. I'll mostly be displaying my small work there. Such
as this little book:

I've always loved making small books. Most of my storytelling
figures have one or more with them. Above is one of a miniature
version of my Legend of the Pudding Stone People complete
with 2" x 4" beaded leather pouch incorporating a piece of pudding stone.

I've also had fun with more elaborate books playing with themes
such as this one titled "Out of the Fire" - That's a detachable
dragon inside the book!

Here is another. My tribute to Brother Blue the legendary
Cambridge storyteller who did so much for the growth
of storytelling in the New England area and beyond. It
incorporates his phrase, "From the middle of the middle of
me to the middle of the middle of you".

And finally a couple of the small ceramic masks (4" across) I'll
be showing. They tend to come out around this size because 4"
is just the width of my hand. A ball of clay fits there nicely to be
sculpted out.
An avian:

and a bear:

I hope everyone has a fun, safe 4th of July!
Journey on!

Leather card holders and journals

2010-06-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

Although sometimes I love the challenge of making really
large sculptures, small is beautiful too! Lately I've been
concentrating on making small items to be available for a
July 10 festival organized by the ArtRox collective to which
I belong.

Networking seems more important than ever these days, so
I've been hand stitching suede lined black leather
two-pocket card holders. One side for your cards,
the other for those of the people you meet. Measuring
4.25" x3" they allow for individuality. I've had fun
with varying styles:

Classic with sculpted swirls and colorful suede lining:

black leather with painted swirls:

And for the more venturous -ones with faces:
humanoid:

animalistic:

and bird and/or dragons wings on the covers:

The card holders are also perfect for putting a credit card
or subway pass on one side and a few dollars when you are
going out and don't feel like bringing a wallet. Whatever
their use, they feel soft and luscious since I use Japanese
black plongé. Appreciating that the economy hasn't exactly
really turned around yet, I've kept the price super reasonable.

In case inspiration strikes when you're out , I've made
replaceable leather journals in similar styles to bring along.
Standard 4"x6" or 5.5" x 8.5" sketchbook/journals slip in and out.

I've also been working on artist books with leather pouches
and some new small ceramic masks with beads...I'll
show images of those next week!

I hope everyone's summer is full of adventure.
Journey on! Wendy

Buenos Aires -Brightly painted houses, artists and tango..

2010-06-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

We spent the last four days of our South American trip in Buenos
Aires -a bustling beautiful, complex and culture filled city with
contrasting neighborhoods,artisans selling everywhere and
amazing public sculptures including the iconic 23 meter high Steel
and aluminum flower designed by the Argentinian architect,
Eduardo Catalano. It opens at sunrise and closes at sunset in the
middle of a 40 meter reflecting pool in the UnitedNations plaza.
Check the web under Floralis Generica to see lots of images.
The internet is filled with images of Buenos Aires, but I'd like to
share just a few from our wanderings. First - if any of you are
thinking about a new paint job on your house, check out these
two houses from the Boca neighborhood:

Apparently the tradition here was to use left over paint from
ship building...Then the idea caught on and stayed to flavor
this district..definitely a contract from other neighborhoods!
Our house does need some paint...hmmm

Artisan fairs were abundant the weekend we were there.
The one we spent the most time wandering was in the San
Telmo district. We walked blocks and blocks up Calle Defensa
on our way to the Plaza Dorrego where each Sunday (yes -
every Sunday!...at least in decent weather) there is an antique
market, artist fair, and plenty of Tango demonstrated.
The street was filled with street performers,

puppeteers, musicians, singers, an invisible man.

and artisan booths on the street and on side paths. I loved
Lucas Per's artist books incorporating metal, leather and
stones.(His card reads: www.artelegendario.com but I
had a hard time accessing it.) I also talked to Mercedes
Bascary for a long time. Mercedes makes primarily small
figurative sculpture with a great sense of movement and
gesture.For images of her work, check out her blog: www.mbascary.blogspot.com
Here I am at another favorite artist's booth - Victor Pacini:

Victor uses exclusively recycled materials and does wild fun
pieces. His website is: www.victorpacini.com.ar
To see lots of images check out his blog: www.titiri-mundi.blogspot.com
I'm going to have fun following his work!

Back to leather work - With the motto "Contemporary design
inspired by antique techniques" I saw beautifully crafted
and designed leather bags in one booth. Their principal display
is at the Dos Semillas shop at Carlos Calvo 421. To
see images of that work check them out on flickr: flickr.com/people/dos-semillas/

And speaking of antique techniques - Here is a sample of the
leather displayed at the Plaza Dorrego antique market:

Tango music drifted around the plaza as we watched couples,
old and young perform and learned to appreciate the passion
and amazing variety of styles of Tango.

And so our trip ended...images, memories and inspiration to
be integrated into our life and my work. I can never
predict what will show up soon or down the road after such
a trip, but look forward to being surprised when it does.

Now back to home studio life and to making work for a July 10
summer Festival the ArtRox collective I'm part of is holding
nearby. I'm experimenting with small items for that...will
share images next week of what I'm working on.

Until then, journey on! Wendy

Fantasy Courtyard Model by HYCC kids

2010-06-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

As promised this post is about the work I've been doing with
the Hawthorne Youth and Community Center's programs here
in Roxbury. For quite a while now I've been working with the kids
(ages 6-11), other artists and sometimes broader community
members on various art projects including several First Night
parade projects, prayer flags, handmade paper and for last three
springs 3-D architectural models (in '08- a Dream Theme Park
in '09- a community cafe including a green roof for growing food).
Once completed, the children give a presentation about the
project to the community and the model they create is displayed
in our local library over the summer.

For many years HYCC along with 7 other community groups has
also participated in a Community Creations program connected
with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, or "Isabella's House"
as the kids call it under the leadership of artist, Johnetta Tinker.
(If your name is Isabella - you get in free for life!)
The kids work on art inspired by some aspect of the Gardner
museum. At the end of the program, their work is displayed in
the special exhibitions room for one week-quite an honor. I've
told them many professional artists never get to see their
work in such a famous museum.

This year their model architectural project was combined
with the Gardner museum opportunity. The challenge put
before them (and me!) was to create a 3-D courtyard model
inspired by their Spring visits to the Gardner's courtyard. For
those of you who are unfamiliar with the Gardner - it was built
like an Italian Renaissance villa around a sumptuous courtyard.
Museum website is: gardnermuseum.org for the
fascinating history of Isabella and of her art collection.

The photo above shows what the courtyard looks like in the Spring
complete with 3-story trailing nasturtiums.

OK - 3 story walls (there are 4 total, but we decided 3
was enough and besides the museum is really on the first 3),
mosaic (the Gardner's has Medusa in its center), sculpture,
plants, benches - a lot to think about - idea: inspired by,
not exact model (thank goodness!).

Kids preliminary work involved looking at courtyard images,
building courtyards with blocks, drawing and a couple
visits to the Gardner where they observed and did some
small art projects. Back at the center, they decided what
needed to go into "their" courtyard - a mosaic with their own
mythical figures ,walls, flowers, sculptures, windows, paintings
seen through the windows (including a few empty frames to
honor the empty frames left there after the infamous theft
of major works) and of course inhabitants! We decided on
a rough scale of 1" = 1 foot.

First the mosaic - Using tile left over from a previous mosaic
playground wall project from years ago (I love folks who don't
throw out materials!),they worked out general tile designs
laying tile on paper first, then glued down their tile designs to
a 3 foot by 4 foot piece of plywood.

The creature on the right is called "Vudo, the cloud controller".

Then lots more tiles, and grouting:

And the "grass" - cut out, glued, and stapled.

Sculptures, benches -(low fire white clay - sculpted, fired,
and painted like marble, rather than glazed), plants,bushes
and fountains -cardboard and tissue paper. We had thought
about a real fountain with real water..but thought better
of that - this time around anyway!

The walls: cardboard interior wall with cut out windows,
exterior wall with 2" space between - foamboard. Attached
together with small square foamboard slotted pieces.

Kids used texture paint (with pumice) to add relief to columns
(I'm not sure I'd do that again!), then a base coast of paint and
finished with acrylic sponge painting to create "marble" effect.

Next coloring in flowers...and adding nasturtium vines
of thread and tissue paper.

But what is a courtyard without inhabitants. The two
fifth graders in the group provided animals, aliens, and
super heroes each representing one of the students in the
after school program. There was a lot of discussion about
who should be next to whom in the windows. We printed an
image of Isabella from her portrait to look out one window
and they made painting for the walls. In her will the real
Isabella specified that nothing was to be changed in her
museum. We suspected she might be a little startled to
find alien battle scene paintings and soaring super heroes!

The final model - HYCC's 3' x 4' x 3' fantasy courtyard
completed at the community center:

and on exhibit at the museum:

All in all a fun project. The museum even decided
to use the image of the model on their community
creations exhibition page pleasing the HYCC's director
and the kids! connect.gardnermuseum.org/site/Calendar/887192921?view=Detail&id=104941

This Friday they will give a presentation of the model
and then it will be moved to the Dudley Branch library
for the summer.

Next week...a short report on the end of my S. American
trip -artists I saw in Buenos Aires and a bit of tango!

Journey on!

Gaucho leather and silver and artisan markets in Montevideo

2010-06-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

In an effort to understand some of the history of craftsmanship
in Uruguay,we went to the Gaucho Museum in Montevideo
actually combined Gaucho and Mint Museum. It is housed in the
Palacio Heber whose entryway you see above with the building
reflected in the modern one across the street. Built in 1896 it is
an intriguing eclectic high Victorian structure with both Italian
and French influence and worth checking out just to see the building.

I suspected that the longest craft tradition might be related to
leather and silver work connected with Gaucho life. At the
museum intricate carved leather saddles and bridles are
displayed but I was most taken by the silver...and of course
the bird imagery in them.

Most mates for drinking yerba mate are made
from gourds often with leather covering, but in
the 1800's these silver ones were made for special
occasions!

The one above which I purchased from a street vendor
is more typical (if a bit small - I wanted it to fit my
hand) of those you see being carried everywhere along
with a thermos of hot water.

The Gaucho museum also had an abundant display of
stirrups of a variety I'd never seen and intricate
spurs. Look carefully and you can see the fantasy
bird in these spurs from 1840.

An extra treat at the museum was the retrospective
of Norman Bottrill on the second floor. I'd never
seen Bottrill's work and was fascinated by his
pen, ink, watercolor and acrylics which depict
a world of fantasy with an edge of mystery, satire,
and sad depth. I was disappointed not to be able to find
any books with images of this very well known
Uruguayan painter. Googling him will show you
some images. It's definitely worth a search!

Enough of the past, I was looking for present
day artisans in Uruguay. I had been disappointed
by some of the craft shops we had seen outside of
Montevideo so was pleased to find the two stores
managed by the Uruguayan Craftsmen Association.
mercadodelosartesanos.com.uy
The cooperative Mercado de los Artesanos has
small display areas representing 300 different
workshops in Uruguay. Artists share staffing the
2 locations. I talked to a couple of the artists
about how the shop worked and managing
in the present economy. It's difficult there
as here. (In case you're upset about the price
of gas these days. It's about $6.00/gallon
in Uruguay!) We brought home this
8 1/2'" wire sculpture by Gustavo Genta.

Gustavo works in Montevideo, but exhibits in other
countries as well. He writes:" I make lamps and light metal
sculptures. Each lamp is of unique design where colors,
movement and transformations play with each other. I love
adjusting lights and metal in a near equilibrium that evokes
a feeling of tranquility, yet recalls the weirdness of the
irreal world around us." Check out his sculptures and lamps
on his website and you'll definitely see what he means!
http://www.gustavogenta.com
I'd love to get a bigger one of his sculptures someday!

Since I've been home from Uruguay, I've been spending
a lot of time helping the kids at a neighborhood after
school program complete their own fantasy project -
a model of a courtyard inspired by their visits to
the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum complete
with mosaic and superheroes....Images in my post
next week!

Journey on! Wendy