My Trip to Mars

I apologize for the poor photography. On the left is Phobos 26"x26 and on the right Deimos 24"x24" collage, acrylic, cellophane papers, silk, netting and photo collage, hand and machine sewing and glitter. Several years ago I became fascinated with space travel...certain planets and moons in particular. I embarked on a study of scientific information, mythological and personal creative reactions. My first planet was Venus and I produced two pieces and sold them at a group show...promising myself my next planet of study would be Mars. At the time new information was being reported daily and photos as well. Mythological Mars the God of War was an intense figure. Two of Mars actual moons are named after two of mythological Mars sons. I proceeded a long stream of conscious writing about these two sons/moons and produced these two pieces. I had them and a few other space type collages in a group show but I never actually produced work from the standpoint of a Mars landing or exploration.. My interest waned on actually reacting to Mars so I put it on my list of "things to do, places to go" for a later time. I think it felt like everyone was visiting Mars and my vision felt disturbed by current discoveries....another time!

Art Making/Research

Yesterday I spent a good bit of time printing from the old collagraph plates, mostly focused on the cups, saucers and teapot. Mixing sepia toned and greyed blue inks over splotched papers.
This is my writing that is guiding these large canvas pieces.

Placing this hand on the secret heart.
Listening to the soft beat of the rhythm long known.
Time for the enfoldment nears.
Jaw set against last minute tears.
Wings encircle with comfort.
Enfolding, enveloping arms on this moonless night.

1. "Crowned child of the wind" 2." Daughter of the Light" 3." Woman of the Altar" 4".Star among the sky". I believe my piece "Altar for Miriam" answers the third suggestion and now the "Crowned Child of the Wind" is the next effort for me. My only beginning was printing these plates. I have no desire to draw a child's image but I think I'd be pleased to capture a/my child's spirit. On that note, I've been researching Rufino Tamayo. Always loved his portraits and feel he was the master at capturing essence. Art making is such a rich and rewarding experience...the places one goes in the name of creating! I'm bubbling over from all the ideas and plans and right in the middle of shopping and pumpkin pie making! Somehow I'll get to it all as celebrating gratitude with family is as important as the studio work. Tomorrow I'll bake the pie, and meet with friend Deena, work on some basic approaches on the canvas. Thursday is Thanksgiving all day and Saturday my son arrives and we celebrate again!

Altar For Miriam

24' x 36' canvas, acrylic and collage. Finished all but a coat of varnish. I haven't completely fallen in love with the piece but there are parts that are beloved. The paint rag circle, hand sewn to paper (15years ago), the little gold clock from the 'Mars Series' (10years ago), parts of the urn from the 'Sacred Vessel Series' (5years ago), hands, compass plate all from my favorite collage stack and the columns and altar table made themselves. Actually I have at least three boxes of collage material, fabric and trims, found items and old work remnants. The writing from the meditation has narrowed down to lines/titles/suggestions. This one simply being as" Altar For Miriam." The next one that intrigues me on my list is 'The Crown for the Child". A bit of a puzzle but I'll find the time, open my collage boxes and begin again. I do know I am drawn to fabric and the old collagraph plates. Remind me to tell you about my "Trip to Mars Series"! ha

Also need to stop art life and make a grocery list, go shopping and do a little pre-Thanksgiving baking. I am amazed at how many restaruants, grocery stores cook complete dinners to be ordered and picked up. Dinners with all the trimmings and perfect for one or more! We live such busy lives and not everyone likes the cooking part of these holidays...it seems to be a good idea! I am not roasting a whole turkey as we both like the white meat so I will pay a little more and order the turkey breast...everything else will be traditional.