Through The Keyhole

"Make" Journals for Artfest 2012

 8"x10" acrylic on canvas panels

"Make" Journal Covers

I'm prepping for the last Artfest, gathering my supplies, planning meetings with friends that live elsewhere, making my packing list, and making journals for the art gallery.

I've been painting 8"x10" canvas panels for journal covers that I'll be binding to sell in the art gallery.  They'll be filled with 140lb hot press Arches paper.  Luscious!

What will you do with your one wild and precious life?

I love this last one so much I may have to keep it.  It so clearly expresses the stillness I seek and the joyous uproar that is my life.

 

 

Food Photography @ The Pantry

I took a food photography class taught by Ashley and Gabe Rodriguez at The Pantry At Delancey.  It was such a lovely day.  I went for the lighting and styling tips. 

I also learned a bit more about my camera and photography equipment.  The best part though might have been the delicious lunch and meeting all the Seattle area food bloggers there.

 

And the props.  Oh, I love the props.  It requires thrifting.  What could possibly be better?

I had to pick up a few lovely treats while I was there.  Who doesn't need a Weck jar with long Madigascar vanilla beans hmmm?  Or a bit of delicious olive oil?

Check out my class mates.
Hannah Morgan http://www.panaceafood.com
Galen & Kim Maynard http://www.kitchencollaboration.com
Alex Wu http://www.yumsandloves.com
Rachel Dedrickson http://www.foodpearl.com
Stephanie Thompson http://www.twicecookedhalfbaked.com
Dawn Klinghuffer http://www.firstlookthencook.com
Hannah Cordes http://www.bluekaleroad.com
Amy Lechner http://www.cookbeautifully.com
Jennifer Love http://writemyselfahappyending.blogspot.com/

On a related note check out this lovely bit in the New York Times 

The Deedle Story

I began making my own journals this year using a binding technique that I learned from LK Ludwig at the first Journalfest, one of the retreats that Teesha and Tracy Moore used to put on.  I believe this binding is based on a Keith Smith.  It is so easy to copy by just looking at it that it's become my go to binding.

Every three months or so I get together with a group of women from around the Northwest for a long weekend of art journaling.  I painted the canvas boards and bound this journal during one of those weekends.

I had a spare text block bound that I'd decided not to use in another journal I made for a trip last summer.  I happened upon a set of garden encyclopedias at the flower and garden show last month that looked like the perfect size so I brought one home with me.  Turns out it in fact was perfect. 

I'm getting ready for the last Artfest 2012.  I hadn't planned on attending until I heard it was the last one.  There was no way I could miss the party it is sure to be.  I was fortunate enough to get into amazing classes.  Two are journal making, one with Orly Avineri and the second with Misty Mawn.  LK's teaching a different journal making class there as well.  I think Teesha is still accepting registrations for a bit longer.

Journal Covers

I started painting journal covers last night. It's difficult to leave them for the day job I tell you! If you're able to get some making in today I am officially jealous.

The Remains of the Snowmen

 

Loved coming upon the remains of these snowmen.  Such a sweet reminder of the fun that was had.

Art On The Street

 

Road Trip (part 2) Keep Portland Weird

Day two of our road trip included a stroll around Nye Beach (Newport), lunch at Ona Restaurant (Yachats) where my fabulously sister cooks the most delicious food, a short hike at Cape Perpetua where we discovered the remains of a Conservation Corp Camp, agate hunting on a nearby beach, and yummy dinner with my sister's family. 

Day three found us headed home with a stop in Portland.  Browsing at Powell's, not to be missed truffle oil fries at Little Big Burger, and sweets for the road courtesy of Voodoo Donuts.  Imelda May serenaded us much of the way home.

 

Road Trip (part 1)

A long weekend and an upcoming birthday for a very important someone often leads to a road trip in our family.  This weekend has been no different.  Complete with gorgeous knitting, delicious food and tea, art, beaches, and relaxing.  Lots of relaxing.

 

Bloom True Seattle

I don't know how to paint but I very much want to.  It was on my Mondo Beyondo list this last year to learn more about it.  Also on my list was taking a workshop with Flora Bowley.  I had the great good fortune to be able to take Flora's "Bloom True" workshop at Teesha & Tracy Moore's Artfest Annex last month in November.  What an amazing experience.  I love learning techniques that I can make my own, incorporating into my own style.  I'm not at all interested in learning how to make a copy of someone else's work.  Flora's teaching style turned out to be perfect for me in this regard.

What really resonated for me was the curiosity and gentle open heartedness with which she encouraged us to approach our work.  The frosting was a quiet moment of gratitude, a bit of yoga, wonderful music, and fabulous classmates. 

Work in progress 30"x30" acrylic on canvas

It turns out my camera and I weren't exactly seeing the same thing during the workshop.  I was having so so much fun.

Work in progress 30"x30" acrylic on canvas

The same painting, day 1 and day 2.  It's evolved even further and I think it may be finished, less Flora like, more me.  I'll share another time.

Work in progress 30"x30" acrylic on canvas

Work in progress 30"x30" acrylic on canvas

Second painting, day 1 and day 2.  This one is giving me fits.  Evolving but I'm struggling to bring back the parts I like.  Lots and lots of struggle.

I was finding it difficult to keep hold of what I learned so I've signed up for Flora's online class that started last week.  The challenge is carving out time for the assignments.  It's been a busy couple of weeks around here.  And I'm feeling pretty fried.  I need to get past that and break out the paints.  Soon.

Posts from class mates can be found here and here and here and Teesha's is here.

Mail Art

Post card love headed to an east coast friend in need of art.