Art Doll - Wired I

This is a mixed media art doll that stands about 8.25" high. Materials used are wire, wood, found objects, clay, fabric, paints

Collage Boards

These collage boards were created from cardboard, gesso, prints, acrylics, cheese cloth and found objects. I glued a piece of cereal box to the back of the cardboard for added strength. Some areas had the top layer torn off and other areas were left alone. After tearing away from the surface, I randomly brushed gesso over the surface. Again some surface area was left untouched. After the gesso dried, I applied acrylic colors in layers using dry brush technique and washes. Depending on my mood, I would take a damp cloth and wipe away areas. You can also take a razor blade and scratch areas away. The first collage board was finished with cheese cloth around the edges. The cheese cloth had been dyed in a bath of coffee to achieve that antique color.

The theme was Winter and I think the first and last board convey that. The middle piece is more grunge or graffiti.

Today we celebrate 8 years together and everyday has been a blessing!

Assemblage - Katsina I

Haven't posted in a while, so here is a peek at my current work in progress. My wire dolls are evolving little by little. My goal with this piece is to combine the wooden piece on the left with the wire sculpture, and I need to figure out the connection. The wooden piece on the left was a wooden dowel that my hubby shaped for me on a lathe. He is terrific at woodworking! It's very handy to have access to someone with that type of talent. He has also created some of my bases for my dolls and he refuses for me to name him as a collabrative artist in my work. Should I be taking that as insult or compliment! Sometimes he doesn't understand my work but is %100 supportive. He's a great guy with talent!!!!

I've been taking a peek at some mixed media jewerly artists work and it is amazing to see some of the techniques they use in their work. It's actually very inspiring and I try to figure ways to incorporate some of their techniques into my art dolls. I wish I had the time and money take a workshop with some of them. I will have to make do with reading and looking at magazines, books and blogs. One jewerly artist's website that I love to visit is Richard Salley. He does some amazing work and he has a really great tutorial you can view that takes you through step by step on creating one of his pieces. I love his use of cold connections in his work and I did try one in his tutorial. It was a challenge to keep your wire even and centered while you were bending and hammering away.

Assemblage - Chained Angel

This angel assemblage was created from part of an Altoid Tin, found objects, metal, chain and clay. I haven't used painting much with my pieces, but I do like the effects I got with this piece.
The blue colored metal behind the figure is a technique of aging metal I used on a piece of bronze. It is an ammonia and salt recipe I tried from Linda & Opie Obrien's book titled Metal Craft Discovery Workshop. This book is filled with interesting techniques!

Post Cursillo

Today I begin my 4th day!
A Big Thank You to those beautiful women who shared and gave so much of themselves.
You are inspirations!!
God bless each and everyone of you!

DeColores!

Collagraphs

Collagraph Print "Spirited Horse"

I spent the good part of yesterday afternoon printing in the studio and demonstrating for people who were visiting our annual print sale. We had a great turn out in regards to the number of people who attended. I was just thrilled to be in the studio and printing several new plates for 4 hours. The time went by way to fast.

Collagraph Print "Untitled"

This is an 8"x10" collagraph plate that was printed in one color. It's a bit busy design wise but there are some interesting things going on. This piece was inspired by Native American Mixed Media Artist Tony Abeyta.