Second challenge...they picked my art again!...man, how cool is that? I get to see my artwork basically ON my FAVORITE show ever?! Yes, please! The last challenge was the 'Unconventional Materials' challenge, always one of my favorite challenges each season...and truthfully one of the main inspirations for my recycled jewelry pieces! The winning look by Ayana (Team Name, 'Ballin' on a Budget'...how fun is THAT?!) featured newspaper and fun brown fringe in the design...so I made sure to add some newspaper in the background of my fashion sketch, and I even used old cassette tape pieces as my version of the 'fringe' on her garment.
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I was invited to participate in the 'Speak Their Names, Revisited' show at Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery in downtown Lake Worth. I felt honored...and knew that I wanted to create a brand new piece for this specific show. So I did. The piece is much larger than I usually work- 24x48 inches. I had a canvas that I have previously painted of Hendrix's 'Voodoo Lady' on it. I had actually scratched the words out while the black acrylic paint was still wet. I left the painting as my surface without putting a layer of gesso over it...because music has a way of bringing folks together so it kinda made sense. I painted a young African-American girl with natural hair that fades into the black background with her eyes closed, later hinting at tear stains by adding some watered down acrylic paint. She is sad, but not broken- just deep in thought about lives lost. I used the butterfly to symbolize those lives lost to senseless gun violence, as butterflies are often a symbol of the soul in my work. |
I finished up my 'alphabet of affirmation words'...and then Hurricane Harvey hit...and devastated Houston, Texas and the surrounding area. Every news outlet was showing pictures of the flood victims...and the rain just wouldn't let up. I guess I have family in Texas. Momma said that my biological father has family near Dallas, some other cities, too. I guess I met them when I was a baby but I don't remember. I have driven through Texas on our cross country travels, spent some time in San Antonio and most recently, Austin. And I have met some great folks from Texas, many of my 'cheer fam'. John's cousin, his wife and daughter also live there- in the Houston area. But even if I didn't have my own ties to Texas, however loose, the images I saw of the flooding pulled at my heart strings. So I did what works for me- I made some art, using the colors and some of the elements of the Texas flag, wrote some positive thoughts on the pieces and put out a prayer for all those in distress.
Then I created a piece based on my hope that 'better days are ahead'...because I am an optimist and I always hope for the best. And I know that those flood waters will recede, and folks will slowly piece their lives back together, but not without many tears. I hope that all the craziness in the world can just pause long enough for us to extend hands to those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. And I have faith that will happen. |
My last piece of the series is meant to kind of sum up everything. I found a quote by Mother Teresa that basically spoke to my intention behind the works I made this month;
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
—Mother Teresa.
Choosing my word each day has really brought me joy, just thinking about putting a positive word, or thought out into the world, paired with my good intentions...yep, enjoying this series. In the past few days I have thought about the words self, truth, uplift and today's word- VIVACIOUS, shown below;
...oh yeah, Project Runway...
Thanks to Gina I partnered with eleven other artists, each giving away a treasure to a winner from Instagram! Total of 12 artists- total of 12 prizes! Really fun! My winner was a mermaid lady all the way in AUSTRALIA!
These are my two excuses;
Excuse 2, Back to School: Well...summer can't last forever, I reckon! It's back work mode...year four at Lake Worth High School and I am excited! My colleague, Brent, and I both had a productive pre-school and first week back and we're looking forward to collaborating on some fun things for our students this year. I get to teach the AP and Portfolio students this year in addition to my 3D classes so I can't wait...and ya'll KNOW I am looking forward to more RECYCLED FASHION with my Fashion Club! Yay!
So now...lemme introduce my August 2017 series....
Wait! First, here are some themes from the month of August 2012-2017 just for fun;
August 2013, theme was 'cycle'...went through a kinda chaotic, and stressful time
August 2014, theme was 'Frida Kahlo'...one of my fav artists! #FridaArtJLG
August 2015, theme was 'hats'...worked in mixed media #ManyHatsJLG
August 2016, theme was 'Shrinky Dinks', remember those? #ShrinkArtJLG
Oh, August. One thing is for sure, August is always a busy month. It's the end of summer and beginning of the new school year, the final chance for last minute travels. In the past two years for the month of August I have 'played' a bit more, taking a break from the more intensive themes like 'Frida', which required some research and more planning...yep, I just had fun. My hat series was all collage and mixed media, more stylized and the shrink art series was something brand new to me...well, as an adult! I like that every August is so different.
The theme for this month is positive words, #AugustAffirmationsJLG
To prepare, I wrote out the alphabet and then created a short list of words with positive connotation, even if just to me. There is no rhyme or reason as to the grammatical form/function- just as long as it makes me feel positive. Each day, I go in alphabetical order and choose my word for the day, think about the image I want to create...and I make it.
Why? Well, this has been a very turbulent summer in the country and in the world. I make it a goal to stay informed on all that is going on...but I get overwhelmed. I get angry, sad...I can just feel the negativity bombarding me...so had a thought back when I was standing in Austin, Texas...next to the love of my life, listening to one of the most positive folks I know- ol' Willie Nelson.
"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results."-Wille Nelson
After doing this whole 'daily art' thing for over five years, I have figured out a few things that help me maintain my sanity- especially when it comes to juggling my art and going back to school. One thing that helps me is to manage my materials. I have learned that it is good to consider what art materials I am using and consider ease of set up/clean up and travel. For this month I chose to work with oil pastels and later added watercolor, I keep a set of materials at home and also by my desk at school in case I have a minute during my lunch.
So that's it. Positive words. Active lines, block rendering. Oil pastel and watercolor resist.
...and positive thoughts and love put into each piece, my tiny request to the universe for more light and less dark.
'da Muse in 'da NEWS!
FAAE Press Release
Herald Tribune Article
...and even some LOVE from my Alma Mater!
So a while back I applied for this residency program, and late in the spring I found out that I was selected. What is it? It is a three-week block of time for five Florida arts educators at the beautiful Hermitage Artist Retreat in Englewood, Florida. This year they chose three visual artists and two writers- I was fortunate enough to be one of the artists chosen. (if you are curious, the application process included submission of an artist statement, a plan for the residency time, work samples and letters of recommendation, open for Florida teachers ) This is actually one reason why we didn't travel much this summer, because I had this planned, so we kinda just hung out at home mostly...I digress.
First off, meet the 2017 FAAE STARs;
...and it was off to Englewood.
Hermitage Tour
There is also a small studio and two bathrooms on the first floor to the left, then another bedroom and bathroom upstairs, that's where Katie stayed. We also both worked in this space at different times.
The room that I was assigned used to be the old kitchen. (Side note, I actually had a very vivid dream one night that I was standing in that kitchen- dying fabric of all things!) It was really bright with a view of the ocean, a closet area and a private bathroom.
In addition to the living quarters there were three artist studios literally a stone...er...make that a SHELLS throw from the house. I set up shop one of 'em, mostly worked on my paper cut series there...and took naps in that super comfy chaise lounge!! The three studios were all connected inside but you could close the door for privacy. There were sinks in each studio and also two bathrooms in the building.
Week 1...getting settled in
Wedding Dress Re-Vamp!
Week 2...gettin' into the work flow!
Week 3...final week!
...another thing...
...that's all, and that's NOT all.
So thank you FAAE and to the Hermitage for selecting me to be a part of this, and for being such an inspirational space. Thank you to Sandra for the quiet talks and our time on the beach, at the shores edge, and for reciting your words that final night with such confidence. Thank you to Gerald, my studio mate, for talking art and channeling my favorite college drawing professor. (...who visited me in a dream during my time...I am telling you- the place is special!) and also for motivating me by your work ethic. Thank you Brian for being my workout buddy, for making me laugh til my sides hurt and for allowing me watch your reclamation process- you did it, you really did. You are one of the most articulate folks I have ever met...and silly, and pure of heart. And thanks of course to my sweet friend Katie... we now have two art related experiences together- you motivated me to go to the gym, to grab my needle and sew, and to get in the ocean...at least a little.
The thing about the STAR program is...it's not just a program. It's an experience- now a fond memory. But it is also a spark in the educators chosen, a spark that will light up each of our classrooms. And I am proud to have been a part of it and to pass that light on to my students.
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