(February 1st) Tonight, I am just happy to be back in my studio.
(January 31) My husband told me to not talk about the weather anymore, but it’s freaking cold! I have to apologize to the people waiting for packages this week. Mail services is limited because of the temperature. I also haven’t had child care all week, so my communication hasn’t been the best. I hope to catch up when my husband is home this weekend. Thank you for your patience.
View the collection at the September 7th Art Hop, 5:00-8:00 at Ninth Wave Studio in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
My 100 Days of Color
For years I have painted in a monochromatic style, or with a limited palette. In the spirit of #the100dayproject, a challenge that encourages a creative project for 100 days, I focused my attention on color. I began the project with a set of metallic watercolors, ink, mica, 18k gold leaf, and glass. After exploring the watercolors for a couple weeks and struggling with their limitations, I decided to design my own watercolors using non-traditional pigments.
Why Insects, (along with arachnids, and other critters)?
Insects are beautiful creatures. They sparkle, they shine, they glow. There are 10 quintillion of them on the planet (that’s 18 zeros). And they are essential to our ecosystem. We need them to live. For all of these reasons and more, they are a worthy, and inspirational subject. For years I have attempted to capture their beauty in ink and have struggled, because it cannot compare to their reality. I decided that the work had to be more than a traditional painting to achieve a closer representation of their beauty. By hand making my inks, I was able to create textures, variations, and sparkle inspired by the actual characteristics of certain insects (with a bit of magic thrown in!). I use several different textures in each ink. I use glass and mica where their would be fuzz and shine on the insect.
What are the shapes?
To me, they represent the sun and moon, other interests of mine. They also represent movement, usually movement upward and forward.
What are the inks made of?
Everything under the sun (almost). I started grinding my own pigments when I was 15 years old. I don’t know why I was compelled to do it. I have always had a fascination with process and I wanted to know how everything was made. But, those pigments sat in jars for 15 years, unused. When I realized I should be making my own inks, I revisited the idea. I use a lot of glitters, because they not only replicate the metallic characteristics of some insects, it also implies innocence and the wonder we experience as children. This is a theme I would like to further explore. Now, I am even grinding up my grandmothers old costume jewelry to create new inks. To me, this offers a feeling of intimacy between artist and collector. I am exploring solar changing pigments and glow in the dark pigments, as well. I grind up stones and crystals, mica, recycled plastic, I will try anything.
My Experience with #the100dayproject
I have to admit that the project transformed into a project more about texture, than color. But that was the exciting thing about #the100dayproject. Seeing an unplanned, happy accident turn into something that works. I suggest everyone, professional, and novice attempt a 100 day to experience the clear progression of skill, technique, and idea you can achieve by practicing something every day. Not to mention, the comforting (although sometimes unnerving) experience of ritual.
For years I have painted in a monochromatic style, or with a limited palette. In the spirit of #the100dayproject, an Instagram challenge that encourages a creative project for 100 days, I am focusing my attention on color. For this special project, I am keeping each painting I make, and will display them as a collection at the end of 100 days. Follow my journey on Instagram!!
I have received a lot of inquiries about these paintings, though, so I want to make them available to you! That is why I am offering you a limited time opportunity to purchase a painting like the ones from my series. Your painting will have all of the characteristics of the paintings listed, but each one will be handmade specifically for you. You will receive the painting ready to frame in a 5''x7'' mat. I also offer custom framing options.
I have been doing custom work for quite some time, but now it's formal. If you are interested in hiring me for something custom, please visit this page and let me know what you have in mind. Thank you!!
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