Little Things Are Big Things

This is a big thing. I got into the show It’s All About the Little Things at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery. Strange to say but I didn't actually know if I got in or not until I showed up at the opening. I had suspected at least one piece would get in (as a member you’re almost guaranteed at least one), but all three? Yep.

There they were in the corner, looking pretty cool actually. Well, at least I thought so. A few other artists approached me with nice comments on my work so they must have thought they looked alright, too. Of course then I wanted to know all about their work, their process, their inspiration. I was immediately reminded of how wonderful it is to talk to other artists! I stayed until nearly the end. Maybe I didn't want it to end.

That goofy smile was on my face until my head hit the pillow.... my work got into a gallery!

Written Drawing Translation I | Etching | Fall 2011

Eucalyptus Leaves | Soft Ground Texture Print | Fall 2011

Five Square Drawing Two | Graphite | Spring 2011

Printmaking

I remember it being pretty intimidating, my first printmaking class in undergrad – the big open room with well-worn presses, toxic chemicals, ink-stained basins, warning signs of do’s and don’ts. It seemed to take forever to do one thing and I’m sure I goofed up a lot. There’s this vague recollection that as a graphic design major I didn’t quite belong there. But I must have liked it and done alright. Three of my prints are still hanging in my parents’ house.

I find myself again taking a printmaking class. This time it’s in etching and intaglio at The Art League School in Old Town Alexandria. My eagerness has replaced any intimidation despite the same set-up. It’s messy and there are still plenty of scary chemicals and so many steps to get from plate to press to paper. The results are luscious, though – the bone black marks and feathery grays on velvety paper.

Unlike in undergrad, I do feel like I belong. Probably the difference is that I know what I want to do now – translate my written and line drawings into the printmaking medium. I’ve only done one image so far, a translation of one of my written drawings. I had no expectation of how the print would turn out but it was wonderfully different.
Take a look.

The print.

Detail of the print.

Original written drawing.

Detail of the original drawing.

The etched plate. I used a scribe to etch in the thin and thick lines on the plate that had previously been coated with an acid-resist hardground. For more details on the process, I found this short summary on etching.

A tracing of the original drawing. That’s how I transferred the original drawing to the coated plate. When run through the press the graphite is picked up on the plate and the imprint is what I followed to etch.

Next up, aquatint. Stay tuned, this is fun!

Patterns & Transitions

Has it really been five months since I last posted a blog? A lot has happened in that time. John and I moved to DC. I’m just now getting my studio days back. A lot to say on that, but first photos!

In April we went to Morocco. My gravitational pull towards patterns and textures is unrelenting. If you want a glimpse of our trip as well, here’s the photo essay.

In July we were in Santa Fe for the International Folk Art Market (and to visit John’s parents), and while there went to one of their museums dedicated to folk arts. It was an impressive place and the pictures capture all that inspired me – color, patterns, textiles, stories and symbols on textiles, untrained forms and clear expressions.

I expect my next blog to have more verbal expression as I begin again in a new place and studio space amidst all that is happening. In the meantime, I hope my photos can speak for me.

Winter Sketches

This past winter was tough. There was just too much snow and cold for much too long and somewhere along the way my spirits slumped. While I put all my remaining energies into training for a half marathon in mid March (did quite well, actually: 2:03), little was left to inspire me to be in my studio in any consistent way. The images below are of two occasions in which I did do something. Not much, but a little something.

One weekend morning I curled up in a chair in my studio with a sketchbook and pencil in hand. A lot was going on in my mind, I was feeling down, but there were no words to express what I was feeling. For an hour I just drew, letting my hand visualize thoughts and feelings, page after page, until I finished the entire sketchbook, 28 pages in all. Below are some of the more interesting ones, with the full series here.

A month later I was was seeking inspiration from the myriad of stuff in my studio that I've collected over the years. I came across my grandmother's buttons, a small but hefty box which is only a quarter of her stash, the rest divided among my mom, sister, and niece. There are unusual and fanciful ones, delicate and beautiful ones, chunky and gaudy ones. They are from different time periods, of varying sizes and materials, and all hues of color.

Sets of like kind were strung together. It was interesting to see what marks they could make. Others were big loners that made great imprinted marks. For the full series, go here.

The days flip between warm and cool, sunny and cloudy. But it's spring. It's spring and I feel rejuvenated and inspired again...