My first artist residency application: Scuola del Vetro Abate Zanetti

I’ll find out in a few months if I get to go, there is an application process that takes some time. This is the place: http://www.abatezanetti.it/

The rules include: Participation is also allowed for those who do not specifically deal of sculpture since the residencies also want to be a way to meet these materials. Projects will be carried out by artist with the assistance of master glassmakers and potters. It is not
necessary to be able to use these materials.

My project: Use blown glass to create vessles for a sculpture that includes living plants, hydroponic water pump system, and indoor growing lights.

This residency came to my attention because of the http://www.premioartelaguna.it. They have a short list for the 1st selection here: http://www.premioartelaguna.it/index.php/component/content/article/1-ultime/804-risultati-prima-selezione.html

It’s fun to keep tabs on the process. I’ve been thinking about doing more sculptural stuff for years, and why not try?

Sketching out my portrait of Tara, a female Buddhist bodhisattva

Getting started!

My friend on Facebook had an image of Tara and it reminded me of some sketches I have been trying to work with – so I was inspired to start my own portrait of Tara tha female Buddhist bodhisattva – my own modern fusion version of various inspirational sources.

Tara (Sanskrit: तारा, tārā) or Ārya Tārā, also known as Jetsun Dolma (Tibetan language:rje btsun sgrol ma) in Tibetan Buddhism, is a female Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism who appears as a female Buddha in Vajrayana Buddhism. She is known as the “mother of liberation”, and represents the virtues of success in work and achievements. In Japan she is known as Tarani Bosatsu, and little-known as Tuoluo in Chinese Buddhism.^[2More Info on Tara? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_%28Buddhism%29

 

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20 year long stained glass project finished!

I started this window 20 years ago as a kid. I’ve finally finished it! My first stained glass window

Polymer clay inspired adornments for the modern day nature goddess

Recently clay has become a fascination and with it the craft of body adornment making! Beads, necklaces, hair stuff, glasses holders, and bracelets… whatever sounds fun. The inspiration to work with clay came from this book: Art Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques

My Ideas:

There is something interesting about a polymer clay (synthetic) nature inspired adornment...

 

Working with new materials is fun – always a challenge and never simple! It’s helpful for me to have a concept sketch to keep me inspired… because it’s easy to become lost and give up. Inevitably my concepts change as I learn more about the materials and what looks good/works well. Mostly trying new materials is an opportunity to build connections the brain and keep fresh creative energy blooming!

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Family Portrait, process steps from drawing, to iPad, to paint and back again

I’ve been working on a portrait that includes 2 people, 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 birds, 1 gecko, 1 bunny, and 1 fish. This family portrait is about 3.5 feet wide by 7 feet. I started with a small concept sketch in my sketch book. I did the first layout of paint outlines, in black paint on the canvas at actual scale, based on the sketch. Then I took a photo of the canvas and use my iPhone to collage actual images of the animals and people on top of the painting. Next I sent the image to my iPad and used the Adobe Ideas app to draw on top of the photo collage. I used the digital sketch as a reference for the 2nd round of painting.

You can see the evolution from the original idea to its current state. I plan to repeat this process at least one more time before I’m done. Currently I think I’m about 1/2 way done. The next few stages will go more slowly and the adjustments become less dramatic the closed to finished it becomes. More updates to come!

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Sketching the next 2 paintings, fire hooper and family portrait

My blog, 2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 8,000 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 7 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

January 2012 Desktop Calendar (free download)

My 2012 calendar art for the iPhone and desktop art is free for your use.

Newsletter subscribers get notified via email with a link for each months calendar.

 

1440x900 - Click to download full size

 

960x640 iPhone size - click to download full size image

“Graphite Objects” for the artist who has everything

Graphite Objects are very unique and fun drawing tools for anyone who enjoys pencils. Highly recommended!

They have a current line, along with limited edition, past, and custom shapes. I have the HAND. The whole object is made out of graphite and can be used to draw with.

HAND

Drawing with the HAND graphite object.

Here is an image of the FROG… there are many more on the website: http://www.asbworkshop.com/home1.html#

Make glass art? Santa Barbara Art Glass Class

I give a high recommendation for the glass class at Santa Barbara Art Glass.  Here is their pitch: Let Saul and Gina Alcatraz put their years of glassblowing expertise to good use, mentoring you through the process of wielding rods tipped with molten glass, adding color to your piece, and shaping your creation into a vase, tumbler, paperweight, or another wonderful keepsake. A big thanks to my mom for getting the Groupon that got us there.

Like all creative processes, there are many different materials and tools involved in glass blowing. Below are a few pictures from the glass studio in Santa Barbara.

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I have a few ideas about creating hydroponic glass sculptures. My imagination has gone crazy with a combo fountain/chandelier/bouquet idea. Here are some early sketch ideas…