Creative Collaboration

When I was asked to join a collaborative arts group on Facebook with other female artists several weeks ago, I was intrigued but apprehensive. I know a few of the women, most of which are in the San Diego area, and was impressed with their creativity. As an artist and art educator however, one does not often "allow" another artist to manipulate their work. My Kindergarten students are especially territorial. If you alter their work in any way, they act as though you violated them in some way:) I totally get their protective "stance" but I also understand that great minds and great artists...working together, might possibly produce great learning and awesome results. And so, much to my delight, that is exactly what has occurred.

Read below, group coordinator and artist, Grace Matthew's explanation of the group entitled :Provenance, History and Process.
I am part of the Barnum Animal subgroup.The experience has been wonderful,whimsical and pure fun! The amazing thing is, Grace has secured an exhibition site in Escondido, CA. where the results of our "play" will be displayed.These ladies can alter my work anytime! Check out the blog listed below for updates and images of works in process.It has been a pleasure seeking inspiration from like minds. There is much to be learned from being a good "sharer," :)Hey MH, I'll see you in CA!

"The Collaborative Art Group began on Facebook (FB) on February 22, 2009. The group has sixteen members and is divided into three subgroups; Abas Nightingale, Barnum’s Animals, Dreamers Garden. Most members are new to FB and are learning the logistics and nuances of posting, using the bulletin board and making comments on images. The group has officers with titles like Chief Pretty Officer, Social Secretary and Random Chaos for ALL Officer. Many of the artists know one another and more than half are based in the San Diego area. It’s an old-fashioned mail art group where every member of a group will work on each piece circulating in that group but this group has been updated with the digital community, provenance and enhanced communications that Facebook can offer. Artists usually work alone so creating a community forum were they can see images and comment on artwork is very gratifying. The members are involved on different levels some are missing in action while others are posting pictures, messages and commenting on the images daily. It feels like we're taking part in a Dada game or experiment. The group is closed to keep the size manageable."

Several of the members have agreed to participate in an exhibition to be hosted by the Escondio Municipal Gallery in 2010. http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=72301463221&h=BHrte&u=ntw1m

Jude's work at Rulon Art Studio and Gallery

RULON ART STUDIO AND GALLERY
and
NEEDLES & PINS QUILT & FABRIC SHOP
CELEBRATE
“NATIONAL QUILT MONTH”
Join Us for
“COMFY, COZY AND QUILTED”
where Local quilters will display and sell their quilts!

Show will also include artist Jude Harzer whose paintings feature quilts as backgrounds.Jude's work will remain on display for 3 months.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Opening reception on Friday evening,
March 27th
6:00 to 8:00 PM

1428 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, New Jersey
856-241-0368 www.Stitchinrie@comcast.net

Carol Saylor

Every year, the Art Educators of New Jersey celebrate "Youth Art Month" and have held a particularly special event at the State House in Trenton, to recognize young artists throughout the state for the past several years. Organized by AENJ executive board member, Carrie Davey, the YAM ceremony is both organized and impressive.A special feature, included to inspire talented NJ high school artists, is a presentation by a practicing professional artist. This year, Pa. sculptor, Carol Saylor, succeeded in inspiring an audience of students, their families and teachers as she shared her story and her work.

Carol Saylor's life and art are especially moving because she has managed to create a stunning body of work as both a blind and deaf artist. A mother of five children, Carol had to put her work aside many times throughout her life because of her own physical challenges and because of other tragic personal events which included the deaths of both her youngest child Alice at the age of 33 and her husband who both suffered from cancer. Carol also shared the responsibility of raising Alice's three surviving young daughters.The audience was captivated as Ms. Saylor spoke in a rich and self assured tone, matter of factly relating the unfortunate events of her experience and how they influenced her art.

Following her presentation many audience members approached Carol and myself with words of gratitude and awe. Carol's story is truly one of determination,persistence and passion. She sees "obstacles" as mere challenges to be overcome. She did emphasize that an incredible sense of humor is necessary as well. She is sharp, honest and wildly talented.

As we sat at her kitchen table late yesterday afternoon,discussing life and art over tea,I realized how fortunate I am to know this dynamic and strong woman, my dear friend, Carol Saylor. To read more about her art and her life, please visit her website at : http://www.carolsaylor.com/

Kona (aka "Batgirl")

Tia, I think Kona may be painting worthy. Hmmm....I don't usually create animal portraiture but her ginormous ears are quite appealing. Let's hope she grows into those extremely large auricles and then I can stop calling her "Batgirl." :)

Go Fish!

Dream Series: painting in process

My dining room art studio is reflective of my recent state of mind...overloaded,noisy,chaotic and colorful:) I won't post images of the absence of any clear horizontal surfaces. I have spent weeks,sorting and searching and how funny that I return to my most treasured sources of inspiration. Every square inch of my work will forever be inspired by memories and dreams. I haven't painted much this past month and a half but when I began this week, my son came over,paused to see my subject matter and then commented," Joe(his most recent term of endearment for me),just paint some damn fish!" He is fresh but also ridiculously funny! :) and despite the fact that he may be right in terms of me creating something specifically to "sell", I think I will stick to what I do best. I love my dreams and after the weekend I will post news of upcoming exhibits. There are several!:)
Do what you love and success is sure to follow!Of course that depends on your concept of "success" (i.e. happiness). So basically, I get to dream and paint...lol...not a bad gig:)

Look Skyward, Taste Flight

"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return. "
~ Leonard da Vinci
This quote was sent to me by my daughter who has been living in Florida, bravely discovering who she is. Although only eighteen, she is perceptive, confident and strong. I laugh at how well she knows me. She has been my inspiration and my muse. She knows where my heart lies, my strengths and weaknesses. We fight like sisters but love deeply as mother and daughter.

She was an instrumental guide on my path to rediscovering my art and my sense of self. Children are amazing that way. They keep it real, keep you grounded but inspire you to want to be better and become more...much more. So it is funny that I received this bit of wisdom from Tia today because just yesterday, after spending months, resisting,regressing,reassessing and prioritizing( my usual thinking TOO MUCH), I realize, there is no going back. Our goal should be to fly,learn and grow. Often that equates to moving on and moving forward.
I know I have been unbelievably blessed...I hope that my children "look skyward and taste flight and soar!"
Thanks T-Bunny.You have a way of reminding me to never weaken:) Love and peace, Camel oxoxo

Day Dreaming

I recently read Elizabeth Scott's article about strategies that are most effective in relieving stress, inspired by connecting with your "inner child." Children do seem to cope with stress much more naturally and Scott cites the number one method for stress relief as "daydreaming." She writes,"as a child, most of us spent time just making up stories in our heads. Day-dreams about fun times, being the best at something, or just lying in a beautiful field are all things most kids know how to create, and do so naturally. Your inner child can keep that creativity alive while reducing stress, increasing wellness, and creating inner peace with guided imagery and visualizations, both proven methods that can easily be part of just about anyone’s stress management bag of tricks."

Daydreaming is my specialty. I participate in this activity so frequently, that the distinction between fantasy and reality is often "blurred." I wouldn't have it any other way. I paint my dreams and based on research, should be relatively stress free. I know those that know me are rolling with laughter. Perhaps marathon running paired with daydreaming provides total relief. LOL! It's all good!