*

::back+back+back::

2011-10-16T10:03:00.006-05:00

little by little i plan to do some catching up around here. it's time to get back to blogging! or so i say. now that i've had a good long break from posting regularly, something inside of me is telling me it's the right time to share.

the last several months have been quite the whirlwind, between marrying, getting a new job, settling and recalibrating, blogging has taken a serious backseat.

to start things off, i wanted to share a bit more from our wedding. from the beginning i wanted to work with a neutral color palette. mister fm and i decided on gold, silver, bronze and copper. we collaborated on every bit of the printed aspects of our wedding. starting with the engagement party invite to the wedding celebration program. i decided i would create a paper quilt collage that would reflect our personalities and individual interests. from there we started with the engagement party invite, then the 'thank-you' notecard, wedding invite, rsvp card, and finally the wedding program, each piece building upon the last.

i am most proud of what we were able to create together. of course we'd had practice collaborating before, but this had more to do with us, together forever. so, i spent a whole lot of time looking at other wedding printed designs, inspired to create a custom refined look for our event. mister fm took my collage and sketches, defined them, adding the graphic minimal modern touches i was looking and hoping for. it was his idea to incorporate the (texas) stars, lightning bolt and cloud. i liked the idea of adding diamonds and "c" waves to frame the individual bits of information. i think we came up with something that we could live with and grow with and build upon. i have this feeling we'll be collaborating again soon. after all, every day this married life is about collaborating.

so, time flies and now we're here, four months in. this weekend i have been working on cleaning and reorganizing our living space. our apartment, combines our living and work space, which i prefer anyway, but it's a grand balancing act. since mr. fm has been at the annual aiga conference, i have been thinking about how to make our home a better place to rest and relax, create and work. i'm looking for spaces of serenity and for spaces that evoke creativity. so today, i'm going to look for some better organizational storage, and see what i can come up with.

we don't have any immediate plans to move, so i'm only interested in making our space livable, effective, efficient, warm and simple. for me, it is exciting to share the space, we have time to grow, there's no sense in hurrying through these early days in our marriage.

okay, so again, look for more updates. i want to give it 100%, that means lists, ideas, new art, new pictures, you name it, phantomcrimes is back!

welcome!

=wedding=if you know what i mean=

2011-05-04T09:55:00.008-05:00

on saturday my bridesmaids hosted the loveliest d.i.y. shower for me at my mother's home. due to the severe weather we'd had last week, many of us still were without electricity on saturday. so we gathered in the brightness of the morning. it was the most precious time, almost unbelievable to me that in a month i'll be a married girl. we dubbed the shower theme as "the no power shower." there was coffee and pastries from the coffee shops, a homemade quiche', and some incredible pico de gallo made by mom's latino friends. the decorations, made by my sister suzanne and bestie katie and provided by my aunt cathy were amazing! from the red tissue paper flowers and centerpieces to the silver and gold velum flowers on twigs to the mexican party banners, all were so beautiful.

my dear sister's in laws made the invitation for shower and gathered the food and paper ware. the entire day came together in a spectacular fashion. it boosted my excitement and allowed me to see friends i don't often get to see. in other wedding news, we started to decoration making process now, which i'm excited to share soon. we also have our invites mailed, and my first dress fitting was last week. we'll start packing mister f.m. up, getting ready to move him into my apartment, which oughta be super fun fun. we've got a plan that i'm excited about and think will work for the immediate future.

i wanted to make a whole bunch of this garland for the wedding reception but decided against the many hours it would've taken. instead a chose a nice white paper garland from bake it pretty. i also got several stars from luna bazaar. they are huge, let me tell you! i had no idea, but they're absolutely gorgeous!

in other non-wedding related news.

my friend kvs and i are creating/making bags from my (she is sewing + i am advising or something like that) ::on the fence:: banner material. we're still working on 2-3 prototypes and other sorts of things but we'll be launching and selling limited edition pieces, so keep checking here for updates.

i am also planning on having a large art sale in the next week. I plan to post new art work on etsy and mark down prices. Please be sure to check in daily for new deals on new art work. i am ready to begin a new series of work and start a brand new commission piece as well.

art.a.ma.jig is right around the corner and a summer full of painting, collaborating with my brand new husband, bike riding and market shopping. these days are life, these days are like a sunny day. i have several more things i want to share but until then, enjoy!

+wedding+progress+

2011-04-04T22:10:00.002-05:00

it's like this i guess, or so i have heard. that when a wedding is in the works life takes you for a ride. well. there's been progress and lots of it. i wish i had time to post all of the great things i have found along the way. the dresses, the suits, the bouquet, the cake, the venue, the engagement photos. i wish. i wish. i had more time in the day. except 4 bridges is right around the corner. best guess is that i'll be here more often after the greatest art fest of the year. until then...we went to a great little wedding expo and had some sweet little photos taken. i'm so excited!!! 60 days to go ;)

+engagment invite+

2011-01-17T12:20:00.003-05:00

i have decided that i'm am going to share bits and pieces of my upcoming wedding with the world via my blog. it has been forever since i have written about anything much more outside of creating and making art. i cannot deny how excited i am, how thrilling these moments are, how fun it's been collaborating with fernando and celebrating with family and friends. it's just too awesome not to share a bit of all with my few and far between readers. those of you who still exist i hope you enjoy.

so to catch and get you caught up on all the most recent news...in a list form, which i love love love the most. here and briefly are the details as of today.

1. date of wedding - june 2011 - it's going to be an evening wedding, outside on a mountain

2. small wedding - 100 people on the guest list

3. engagement ring - includes a 100 year old diamond that was my great great grandmother's, she lived until she was 101, can you believe that?

4. dress found & ordered - i am so so so excited about this one!

5. engagement party this past weekend was incredible. our dear sweet friends threw us this amazing party. we had it at the chattanooga choo-choo in the victorian lounge. photographs coming! fernando and i collaborated on the engagement party invitation. i created the collage, as seen in previous blog post, he incorporated the invite text. being that fernando is originally from texas, we think stars are cool!

6. colors chosen - metallics here we come! can you say, "gold, silver, copper, and bronze"? cannot wait to show you all what we're going to be working on for decor.

7. i've chosen an etsy shop for the headdress/headband and grooms ring. cannot wait to show you all.

well for now that's about it. i have got a couple art project in progress too! woohoo!

.en.gage.ment.

2010-12-20T12:02:00.002-05:00

this is the first phase, first layer of our engagement party invite. nano is working on the rest today. i cannot wait! i'll keep you posted as i've made more plans.

also working on commission and logo designs for couple of friends/clients. with christmas right around the corner, i'm taking a tiny break. what can i say...

::first solo show::color inspired

2010-12-01T07:30:00.002-05:00

i'm gearing up for my first ever solo show, quickly approaching this friday december 3, 2010. i'm showing at leo handmade gallery, a fantastic shop offering local handmade "everything." i think i ought to blog more :)

clothesline + new art

2010-10-18T22:00:00.002-05:00

hi folks! i spent the weekend at our clothesline art show and am just now catching up on things here. it has definitely been a minute. i have completed several new pieces. the piece pictured above is my above my newest. i haven't quite decided on a title, nothing seems to be hitting me right. i've got words and thoughts about this piece and what it felt like while making it, but nothing, as of yet, is coming to the surface. for now i have been calling it ::snow lightning trees:: i really have absolutely no idea why. it's rather a bother and not worth the fuss.

i am taking several of my new works to a photo lab this week, to shoot some higher quality images of them. after that i plan to update my etsy shop.

i have a holiday show coming up on november 13, two new canvases ready for paint and a solo show coming up in december. i rather doubt i am going to have much time to update but i will try as hard as i might.

i find that my life is changing, it always does but these days, life is directing me in ways i have never quite experienced before. where some things seemed at one time blurry, they are now becoming more clear to me, more in focus. goals i have been reaching for and working toward seem to be growing increasingly closer to achieving. i have these sneaking suspicions and have no idea what i am really suspecting. i think mostly i can see and hear and feel inspiring things, affirming words and sense some echoing truths about where and what i am supposed to be doing. and as fantastical as it may sound i sense all this through making my art, painting and drawing. just the idea of creating something has begun to lead me in ways i never really spent time imagining. and it isn't as if i've got a whole lot of time to spend contemplating these matters. i am still working a full time job, still making art as much as i can in the evenings, still reading as much as i can, still seeing the family and friends. additionally i've begun writing for a local online news source; chattarati.com. its a way for me to go and study art, review and critique, then put my thoughts down about what seems right and worthy. it is a completely new feeling of fulfillment i never would have cared to think about. now i feel like writing about art all of the time and hunt for the next opportunity to write about a new show or exhibit. i am not even sure i am all that good of a writer but it seems to me that having been given the opportunity in the first place, i might make the best of it. and it's delightful.

i never knew that experience could be added up and that by a certain point in time i'd find myself in a place of peace about the vast majority of things that never mattered in the fist place. and that's not just because life as i know it right now is or has been all that easy, it's just i feel i might be getting better at listening to myself, the inner self, i mean. and something about making art makes me feel like i can hear better. i believe that makes sense. for now at least and that is all that matters. i ought to wrap up here, the night and the book are calling my name now. sleep well.

::our clothesline art show::

2010-09-22T10:55:00.002-05:00

on friday october 15, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Our Clothesline Art Show will have it's fourth annual artist reception. on saturday october 16, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. the historic Krichbaum House will be open to the public to view fine art works from; Maria Cardillo, Cat Collier (obviously, that's me!), Katie Ward Knutson, Laura Pettit, Jennifer Kring, Linda Thomas, Kelly Wilkes, Valerie Fleming, Danielle Fox, and Marcie Sherman. Catering will be provided by: Bello Cibo - a new Northern Italian Cuisine catering business in town. we're totally pumped. and ready to pull out all the stops this year.

i've been extremely busy, busier than i think i've ever been before in my life. the list of things to do keep mounting. but all of it is good. like really good stuff. i have been making new art work, writing the chattarati, biking more now that my new boyfriend has a bicycle, cooking more, and spending time with friends. of course clothesline has taken some time, but mostly these days are good. like hosting a small group of ladies every sunday night, studying and talking, sharing and listening. as a group we're planning on visiting a shepherd, a beekeeper, and go to a wine stomp. i've got a megaillion ideas swarming, fluttering around in my head and one by one i'm checking them off my list. for instance, i ordered a whole new set of mini moo business cards this morning. i've been thinking about my upcoming solo show at leo; regardless all is great!

there's also; planet altered - C.A.F.E. Grant Supper (community arts funding event)

or what about submitting to chronicle? or getting a studio space at the rivoli? or say, hey, maybe i should finish my sketchbook for the sketchbook project! or submitting my work to blanket magazine might be fun. i'm also working out the kinks in my head about applying to get into next year's 4 Bridges Art Festival. that's a whole lot of stuff flitting about in this old head of mine. any thoughts...

::weekend worthy::

2010-09-12T20:44:00.002-05:00

it is now sunday night. i feel like this weekend is worthy of at least a little post. other than the fact that it was an absolutely fabulous weekend, i'd have to say seeing this beautiful rainbow stretched across the sky on saturday morning really felt delightful. i have not seen a rainbow over the western sky like this before. sitting out on the balcony, seeing this, made it for me completely. just made it! the gallery hop and rivoli's art party was awesome! i had a blast. utterly exhausted and looking forward to starting new art work this week. going to bed early tonight, plan on catching up on my reading for a bit. hope to post a little bit more in the future weeks, as i complete new art for upcoming shows. be back soon. good night now.

Rivoli Art-n-Party!

2010-09-10T09:54:00.002-05:00

tomorrow i will be showing my art work at the Rivoli Art Mill from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. i'll be one of several incredible artists sharing the space; matthew dutton, michael jenkins, katie ward knutson, kimberly alducin dereuter, julie whitehead jones, teresa reynolds-hulse, anne dickson bailey, jerry allen, wendy morgan, whitney nave jones, charles, niznik clendenin, and steve terlizzese.

i am definitely excited! i'm looking forward to displaying my work in a new venue, meeting new people and connecting with all my fellow artist friends. i just finished a new piece, though pretty small, it was an extra canvas i had lying around i thought i would whip something up real quick like. more trees!!!

i've got plenty to keep me busy these days. currently planning upcoming Our Clothesline Art Show, then a solo show at Leo Handmade Gallery during the month of December.

in the meantime, i'm donating a piece of art work to both girls inc. and to hope for the inner city. keep your eyes peeled for more work in progess, as well. just about to begin a new piece! can't wait!

have a great weekend folks!

cat collier::the art of - newsletter july 2010

2010-07-22T06:21:00.001-05:00

Cat Collier::The Art of

Newsletter - July 2010

Upcoming Shows::Events::Projects

July 22nd::Art.a.ma.jig 2010
Art.a.ma.jig is a unique fundraiser for the Arts & Education Council that combines the culinary and fine arts for an evening of exploration with chefs, artists and community members. The highlight of the event is the silent art auction featuring 48 works by local artists, all created around this year's event theme..FIERCE!
Can't wait? Take a Sneak Peek of ::Fearless Fierceness:

August 7th::Sundown in St. Elmo Show at Umbra Essence
Sundown in St. Elmo is a community-wide open house held on the first Saturday of the month from 6-9pm. Come out and enjoy artist receptions, live music, restaurant specials and more from the great local businesses in St. Elmo! Events will take place from June thru October so stay tuned each month for all the latest happenings!

Come visit with me and find your favorite piece of Cat Collier art as Umbra Essence hosts an artist's reception for yours truly. Enjoy light refreshments on the garden terrace during my reception and discover a piece of art that speaks to you. Showing with me at Umbra is Sarah Hiles of Artizen Metal - Metalsmith.

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Future Events
Fall 2010::Our Clothesline Art Show
The Ladies of Our Clothesline Art Show are working on this year's show. Stay tuned for details on date and featured artists. Don't miss this annual weekend-long event and celebration of local artists.

December 2010::Leo Handmade features Cat Collier
Leo Handmade is a retail shop and gallery on the Northshore featuring handmade (and often locally-made) products exclusively. The space features work from a different artist or duo monthly and December 2010 is Cat Collier month at Leo Handmade. Come check me out, yo!

Keep Up
It's easy to keep up with what I'm doing...
Check out my pics on Flickr... You can read my thoughts on my Blog... See what I'm doing right now on Facebook... or simply get in touch and write me an email at catcollier@hotmail.com

::fearless fierceness::

2010-07-15T19:21:00.002-05:00

a little less than a week ago i completed ::fearless fierceness:: for the Arts & Education Council's upcoming annual Silent Art Auction; Art.a.ma.jig. as soon as i knew what the word or theme was i decided to try my hand at painting cacti. i knew i needed a lot of time, so i got started as soon as possible. i felt like creating the type of work, i'd never tried before, something i'd never seen except for inside my head. i knew that i would be challenging myself to create a highly detailed work that might not actually be all that successful in the end. i began searching for an image or a photograph that might help pull the ideas out of me. i found this and this. that and cut out maps i'd seen somewhere began serving as my inspiration. but my work is all pretty much free hand painted. i do trace from a stencil some of the time but with this piece there ended up being a lot of fine line work that took a steady head and hand, mental concentration and energy. i had no idea what i was getting myself into. needless to say i barely slept for two weeks straight.

in the end i decided to leave a lot of the under painting of paper uncovered. the dark colors i felt were just as beautiful and almost serve as shadows, allow for depth. i have never done this before, left so much exposed and i do feel a little exposed. a little vulnerable here at the end. but i have decided to be fearless and fierce about my decisions, in my art, technically speaking. to have a work that is both very detailed and very open is what i hope i am as a person. i think i might be a complex person, that the details of my life are like a map, but i think i am also open, honest and authentic. for me it is a different way of looking at my art and how i make and create what i feel is going on inside my head. i feel confident that what i was meant to learn from creating this piece is exactly what i needed. and to question or doubt is foolish mistake.

with that said, i am relieved and am looking forward to seeing how my fellow artist have delved into creating something fierce.

really quick. i am working on creating an email newsletter with information about my upcoming events, shows and exhibits. if you'd like to sign up for that newsletter please leave a comment with your email address and i'll make sure you receive all updated information about where you'll be able to see my work next. if you'd rather; email me at catcollier@hotmail.com

i also wanted to mention with a tinge of excitement (still). that i wrote my first article for chattarati; chattanooga's best online source for news and opinion. if you have a moment and would like, read the article and if you're in the area, might i suggest you seeing the exhibit. it's fine!

::feather trees::

2010-06-05T07:26:00.003-05:00

about a week ago i finished ::feather trees::. this one took some time, an exercise in precision cutting. i am pleased with the way it all came together in the end. and will probably take a break from cutting paper for a minute. each of the feathers is approximately 11" tall on a canvas that is 12"x 36". other than having cut each feather out by hand, which took up the bulk of the process time, the other elements were basically the same. although instead of splatter painting the piece after i was complete. i decided to "splatter" in a pattern of circles. using a stencil to trace circles of dots was something i came up with on the fritz because i thought splatter painting would be a little too much. i'm excited about using the technique again. also can't wait for all of you to see this one in person. it's seriously intricate!

just wanted to pop in real quick. say hello! and have a great saturday.

full swing::upcoming

2010-05-23T08:04:00.002-05:00

what can i say? life around here is in full swing, all but dull moments. one might think i'd fallen from the sphere but the fact of the matter is, i am absorbed in the speed of which these days fly by. summer is here with a map. the stops along the way are piling up like rest areas, along the well traveled highways and bi-ways. stuck in traffic headed to the coast. i have been working on this new piece for quite some time; it's been the detailed cutting, a detour i didn't expect to take but that's been well worth the extra gas it's taken to get there. i am calling it ::feather trees:: because to me, each of the trees each seem like feathers placed on a pedestal. i am actually almost through now with this leg of the journey and will be wrapping up my stop here shortly.

i bought my very first cactus ever, a couple of weeks ago, like a souvenir. it is for studying and remembering. the easiest way i could think of to understand how to go about beginning my next painting. the first stop, on july 22, i plan to submit a "fierce" work of art to the Arts & Education Council's annual fundraiser Art.a.ma.jig.

second stop, sundown in st. elmo on august 7. i plan to hang a whole new body of work at umbra essence. smaller works for those of you who have been craving an iced cold cat collier painting but haven't been able to afford the big gulp.

third stop, december! yes i am thrilled, cheesy excited about a leo handmade show for the month. i cannot wait. this one stop is the the overlook, a compilation of all the hard driving, traffic jams and all. between now and then i plan on keeping most of my work under wraps, so that those of you locals might experience a little surprise. i promise more cactus and a hint of constellations to come!

a fourth stop along the way will include a commission piece i'll be working on for a repeat client. this one ought to be full of adventure, they have asked me to paint another ::pretending tree::bitter water::. so far it feels a little like hitchhiking, before it became risky business. and not because my drive broke, but because of the anticipation, the thrill of speeding down the open road with a serious direction in mind. it's difficult, but easy for almost all the same reasons. attacking an image the second time around proves to be rather satisfying, like sleeping and dreaming while being driven along some desert road.

with all of that said and planned, there may actually be a little more room for a show here or there, maybe another clothesline. we will see.

::short cut::four bridges guide

2010-04-18T09:20:00.005-05:00

this weekend is the tenth annual four bridges art festival. on my way to and fro i decided to take a short cut and walk between a chicken factory and the old southern furniture building. the answers aren't always as pleasant. regardless there i found some yellow, blue and green to savor in my short cut, and tried to ignore the lingering smell of gutted birds, the pieces of which had to be avoided along the walk. is it beautiful? only if you ignore the truth. or is the truth beautiful? at least not in this case, i seriously doubt it. and yet there is growth in decay. right? like mushrooms, the places they grow.

the day was good; if i may be a bit frank, in regard to the festival; it's interesting to see that so many of the artists are repeat artists, meaning each year there aren't as many new artists chosen to show in the festival. so out of the 160 artists chosen, there are many i've seen over and over again. there is something really wonderful about that; to see their individual artistic growth over the years. i truthfully do not mind, but it does leave me feeling a little disheartened. or maybe it's that i feel like i must do better at investigating, discovering the new artists. i'm also not at all interested in see clothing or jewelry. that's just me, i'm not at all saying it's not art or it's not worthy to be in the festival. clothing and jewelry even beautiful, and made by hand feels more commercial to me, more of a marketable item, than say a nice painting or a wonderful piece of pottery. so i skip over the clothing and jewelry artists and look for more depth in what the festival offers.

i found several things worth noting; and had the fine opportunity of being yesterday's afternoon tour guide for chattarati.com. it was exactly spontaneous. i chose the artists because of my familiarity with their work or because they were new to the show, or because i feel they might be otherwise overlooked. i also must say, it is important, vital to study art, ask questions, in order to become a better artist. so the opportunity that chattarati gave me, served a multitude of purposes. feel free to check out the video content and don't hesitate to let chattarati or ava know what you felt or thought about the work you saw.

and maybe, just maybe next year you'll see me on the other side; showing my work. we'll see.

I AM HERE::On The Fence

2010-04-11T08:12:00.006-05:00

Proposal: I AM HERE::On The Fence

I have always wondered what it would be like to go back in time and be a young girl again. To see, and hear, and feel the things I experienced back then. I also think it would be interesting to be a young girl again, but experience what I see now, in the present. I have often wondered what it would have been like to grow up on the Southside, off of Main Street. To remember what the neighborhood was like. To have some idea of where this neighborhood came from in contrast to where it is that it's going.

My name is Cat Collier and I have lived in Chattanooga for 34 years - that is my entire life. For eight of those years I have called Southside my home, my neighborhood, my community. I am here because I believe in what Chattanooga has done and what it can do as a community. On a smaller scale, I love Main Street, I love being where I am and being a part of something bigger than myself. To have this opportunity, to share my "I AM HERE" Proposal with my neighborhood is an honor and a privilege. I have dreamed of one day sharing my art work with the neighborhood, seeing it on the side of a building or on a fence.

I have been working on a series of mixed media pieces comprised of trees. I call this body of work, "My Forest" and for three years I have focused on painting or growing "My Forest." The trees are often representational, abstract and imaginative - they are what I see in my my mind's eye. Likewise, I have always been intrigued by graffiti art and my trees are often inspired by the paintings an writings I see on the sides of buildings. The line and color of good graffiti is typically tight and bright. I see more than just writing on the wall. I see open and empty spaces, geometrical shapes and I incorporate those same ideas and elements into my own art work.

I completed "In The Depths-Blistering Trees" in 2009 and it immediately occurred to me that it could seamlessly represent Main Street. The original art work is the basis for a map of Main Street. The horizon line - the line running the length of the piece - represents Main Street. From Main Street there are eight primary cross streets - Riverfront Parkway, Broad Street, Market Street, Central Avenue, S. Holtzclaw Avenue, S. Orchard Knob Avenue, Willow Street, and Dodds Avenue. Branching out from these eight streets is a multitude of unique streets. Throughout these streets, there are a variety of important places - points on the map. Those places are represented by the bubbles that create the trees' foliage. In the bubbles, there are icons or symbols that serve as points off Main Street that are easily recognizable, historically relevant and foundational throughout the community. These bubbles overlap and intersect in the same way that we live, work and play in an eight street radius, along and off Main Street.

As children grow and learn about where they live, their surroundings shape who they become. Main Street has yet to see fully grown trees lining its sidewalks. Until that time, the map of Main Street serves as reminder of where we have been, where we are and where we want to be. It is both a tree lined street and a map. It is a means for understanding how we are all connected, how we grow, how we learn from one another, how what happens on one street, or branch, impacts other branches. Though simple, geometric and simply understood by children who will ask, "Where am I?" the map has a broader, deeper meaning of growth, connection and proximity. The map is a tool representing where are lives intersect. And it gives us all, as individuals, our own place as a part of the Southside.

The "I AM HERE" map of Main Street will be printed by National Print Group, located on S. Holtzclaw. Material used is 12 point vinyl, specifically for outdoor elements. The printed material will be cut, then installed in sections; attached to the fence with plastic cable ties at one foot increments. There will be no space of the fence left uncovered.

*Installation begins on Wednesday April 14, 2010 at 4pm. More pictures to come.

on letting go::splattered building trees II

2010-03-26T20:48:00.006-05:00

it is not often after completing a piece of artwork that i must immediately say good-bye and deliver it to its future owner, its future audience. it is usually the case that i have time to let a finished work grow on me, it has time to speak, time to talk and give back meaning. after completing a commission for a client, there's no time for me to grow with the work and become comfortable with it. even within correspondence between the client and myself about the work, a small empty feeling begins to surface. i am thinking now, am mindful of the fact that i have never tried to put this feeling into words, it feels awkward and vague to me to even try. for those of you who have lived to produce work and immediately turn it over, you might better articulate these feelings. i think i can mostly express what this feeling is not. it is not fear or anxiety, it is not even a feeling of selfishness. it might feel like conceiving a child, birthing, then watching the child take her first steps, or sending her to school for the first time. the feeling is one of joyful anticipation, a nervous chatty giddiness. it feels uncontrollable and full. it feels hopeful and restless. and when the art work has been delivered, handed over and it is known that the piece has found it's place, there is space enough for peace there for me. even if for just a fleeting moment.

i know very little about how it is that i am to let go, if in fact there is even a process or method to it. it may after all be impossible to fully let go. there is a part of me, the artist, that never leaves the work, i am in it and it is in me. my work and i go on forever inseparable, right? it is something to have a piece of art, a product of my own hands, have it hang on my walls for many weeks and months. to have time to dissect the work, define and refine it in my mind, even if i have literally finished the work. a finished piece that remains in my possession has time to give back, it has time to teach me a little bit more. i see how it is for many artists who strive and thrive off of having a work, always in progress, so that in a work always incomplete, one is always free to rearrange, reorganize, rework the work. of the few pieces of artwork, that remain in my possession, there are just a couple that i'll never look at again, never attempt to figure out, work out or learn from. they could be added to the thrift store pile for all i care. if i had to go back and rework these pieces, even if i felt like i had to go back, i think i would go mad. but the idea of letting go of work too soon is a conversation i am sure i'll continue to have with myself. it might just be that the art itself has the answers. i feel like that might just be the case with ::splattered building trees II::, that it has had it's fill of me and is ready to give something to someone else. i know in the midst of creating this one work, that i have begun to experience a desire to move away from creating/painting trees. i've begun to feel like i may want to make something different. this feeling too, is one for another days thoughts and a new unmarked canvas. time is my friend in this regard. there is no rush to make something that is not there inside of me already.

i have started the year off strong, i think, if i may say so. the opportunities have been great and more than what i could have imagined. though i feel more than ever the direction and path is clear. i have another piece, a work in progress, that i have had to put on hold for many months and plan to complete it in the next week or so. i am looking at the months before me and considering all of the many options. a couple of weeks ago i was notified, that my proposal for the On The Fence design competition had been chosen, one of eight other artists or artist teams in an urban public art competition. i am working with my friend, graphic designer, on the finishing touches and will have the piece ready for the print company next week. my plan is to install the work on a length of chain link fence, two hundred feet. the work will hang for a year and is my contribution to my neighborhood. my hope is to share my proposal, my work in progress, and a photo documentation of the installation in just a couple of weeks. i have seriously-seriously dreamt of having my work in the large, in public, on a wall or fence, since i think i saw my first real graffiti. i am so excited! and have tried really hard to contain some of my enthusiasm, because i wanted a big reveal so to speak. but thats all besides the point really. i feel exceptionally honored to have been chosen as one of the artists.

i am also thinking about showing in the fall. there are, as i said a few options, of which i would love to participate in each, but time will tell. i also still have in mind, to share my list of 34 things i do before i turn 35. so there it is. a longwinded update. i hope, my friendly readers, that you have a great weekend. soak it up!

::splattered building trees II::commission::

2010-03-22T06:15:00.002-05:00

whew! completely finished filling in this painting last night, calling it ::splattered building trees II::. it was too late to take any photos last night, waiting on the sunshine. all that i need to do is add a little more value into the foreground and around the trees so that these things become a tad more distinguishable. this piece has given me so many new ideas and i look forward to attacking something new very soon. i have maps and constellations on the brain. and am considering, really thinking about putting the trees to rest for a bit. i have a host of other things i'd like to share as soon as i turn over this piece to my client. so please feel free to continue to visit. have a great week and i'll be seeing you soon!

::aimless walk 010110::

2010-02-27T18:57:00.003-05:00

on new years day, katie and i took one of those aimless photo walks around our neighborhood. it was in one of those rare spontaneous moments that we found ourselves outside on a frigid but bright day, the first day of the year. a day that seems so long ago, already. i can barely remember what we talked about and if it weren't for the photos, i would have already forgotten about the time itself. i remember now, thinking then that we better take pictures of things we liked a whole lot, because it wouldn't be long before the new would be replacing the old. so much in our city has changed since we were teenagers, it's often difficult to imagine our city without the nice new things it has now.

behind my apartment building is a european volvo mechanic shop. it's the kind of place that looks dirty, rusty, overgrown and slightly out of place. except for the front door, the bottlecap awning over the entry off the sidewalk, i don't think i would have paid it any closer attention. it is this very shape that i love, that i wish i could add to my own dream home (one day), that i wanted to make sure and capture, in just the right way. it just feels so perfect, along with the stucco textured building surface, it makes the corner for me.

aimless walks isn't a new idea, hulaseventy may have the practice down like a real master. i had to add it to my list of many things to do. more specifically, and yet to be revealed, i added aimless walks to my ::34 things i do before i turn 35:: list.

today just seemed to be the day to share a little bit of my first day of the year. i took many more photos on 010110, and hope to share them sooner, than later. i took a walk today, between my place and the convention center. the weather has yet to warm, but the sun was shining and it felt like maybe more aimless walks were actually going to be possible, its just been a terribly surprisingly cold winter. even though i've enjoyed aspects of it being so cold, i'm eagerly anticipating the warmer months. i admit it!

::a major::

2010-02-24T23:04:00.005-05:00

january and february hit hard and in a very nice way. i had no idea the first weeks of the year would have looked and felt like this. i remember telling my mother before the new year, that i would need to spend some serious time mapping out my year. that if i didn't, i'd find myself in a canoe without any paddles. in january, you may recall, i completed a self portrait for the :not you: self portrait show in atlanta. i am glad to have had this opportunity, for the chance to create a self portrait, to take two atlanta trips with two of the greatest girls, to show amongst a wide variety of artists from all over the world, to meet travis and see his art in real life, and to eat one of the greatest breakfast. (more breakfast to come in the new year! a promise i've made to myself.)

i began the new year, as many others have, deciding spontaneously, to try and take a photo everyday for the entire year. come to find out my own 365 project, seems to have been exactly what the doctor would've ordered, had i asked. i'm a challenged non photographer. only a small percentage of my artistic self, desires to delve into the world of photography. i don't think there are any photography classes in my future and i am not sure i'll ever get my 35mm fixed or if i'll sink a few hundred dollars into a new digital this year. i'll never say never and could never have imagined how wonderful and immensely fulfilling this experience has become. i figure it's the best way i know how to record the year, a memory maker, that is so simple. i'm not going for anything big here, just mindful everyday of the journey.

at the beginning of february i was asked by the ensemble theatre of chattanooga to create a specific piece for 'mixed media:art inspires theatre inspires art'. i was given one of four plays, to read and then create a piece specifically representing the play itself. the artwork is then displayed in the performance. i decided to paint a tree within a house; title of the play: the dollhouse. i plan to see the show on april 1st. i was so excited to have been asked, couldn't believe it! and really am thrilled for all those involved. i needed to give a description of my planned, finished art, this is what i sent them for their review;

The Art Work is actually 24"x48" on gallery stretched canvas.

With all my work I cover the canvas with a layer of tissue paper, in strips of different colors. For this piece I have covered the canvas in a range of light pastel colors; pink, yellow, silver, brown and gold. Over that layer I have covered with white tissue paper. My goal is to make the color look human and fleshy.

The piece includes a house, inside the house will be a large tree. The tree will be crashing out of the house, 'busting' through walls and windows. The piece will be abstract but it will be obvious to the viewer that it's a house and a tree. With all my work the color of the tissue paper is typically the only color of the piece itself. The surrounding applied paint is dark, either grey or black, very neutral compared to the lighter background. The idea is that the house and tree will glow in a positive way and that the surrounding dark paint might fade out into darkness. The piece is very geometric and highly refined, so it may actually look as though it is a print or large computer graphic. There are many layers that may not be obvious from far away but the closer one comes it becomes clearer. So an audience will experience seeing something rich and deep and not have really any idea of how it was constructed/created.

The house and tree both represent a different kind of life, a different kind of living, different kind of love. The piece itself will represent the destruction of traditional family structures (the perceived and man made or built) and values. The house with walls represent a confinement, spoken and unspoken rules and roles, comfort and love too, with a roof and walls to protect. The tree also represents life and love; a symbol also of procreation, masculine (fraternal) strength (whereas when thinking about house/home you think maternally). The house is preventing the tree from growing, thus the tree is 'busting' out of the house. But the irony is that the tree is destroying the house from the inside out. Even as the tree represents a love, between these two men, the tree is hurt because of the house in it's way of growing but the tree is also hurt/damaged because of itself. If the tree decided to grow less or keep it's love to a minimum and not try so hard to be like a house (or like traditional love, by trying to have a family, a child), but different, then it would be fighting, it wouldn't be hurting. It seems the tree is trying to hard to please itself, creating something it's not ready for, not built to do or created to do. The house just won't crumble/fall, thus the conflict. So the piece is universally appealing with soft and hard suggestions.

i have also had the opportunity, to submit a proposal to the city of chattanooga; parks & recreation, for the ::on the fence:: design/urban art competition thing(y). i had only one idea, presented it to my brothers, asked my talented friend nano to help and sent it off last friday. i'm keeping my fingers crossed, ought to be notified in a couple of days. as soon as i find out, yes/no, i'll post up my idea, drawings/plans and a graphic work in progress.

and last but not least, started a new commission; which is due march 19; to look like ::splatter building trees:: but a whole lot bigger. i've got only one other work in progress which i hope to finish up before the end of the month. then i'm thinking some brand new stuff is in order. april is going to sort of be a vacation month anyway, will be heading to asheville to celebrate a family birthday.

and i promise to keep you posted.

oh nine::{stuff} addictions list

2010-01-19T23:22:00.003-05:00

my oh nine {2009} included a massive amount of stuff. stuff needed. stuff wanted. family stuff. work stuff. art stuff. friend stuff. learning stuff. visioning and revising stuff. getting rid of stuff. buying stuff. giving stuff and getting stuff. all kinds of different kinds of stuff encompassed my year. it's funny, stuff, that is. it either represents who you are or who you aren't. or both. we think about stuff and eat stuff. we'll stuff stuff and will use stuff to get more stuff. sometimes we have collections of stuff and other times we're about avoiding stuff. we're made of stuff and stuff comes out of us that we thought we could ignore. stuff turns us into monsters or buys us time. i've not seen it but there's a story about stuff. i think i am thinking about a different kind of stuff, not just the stuff i consume, but the stuff that consumes me. so it maybe ridiculous to some that i'd come up with an oh nine::{stuff} addictions list; meaning the stuff i will admit to being addicted to, let that cat out of the bag, though not completely and not without keeping some secrets.

i thought about creating a list of twenty six things i'm addicted to that each begin with the letter of the alphabet. i'm not going to. although, just out of curiosity i'd love to see what any of you, my meager readers, come up with. i may try it one day but today is just not that day. i am eager to get the list started and finished.

i am addicted to:

really really really pretty cheap paper napkins {as seen above}

flickr

twisting my hair when it is soft

purses to carry important stuff in

making art

cigarettes

afternoon naps

learning something new everyday

reading every night

the power of prayer

potato chips

craft and art paper, tissue paper, pads of paper and paper work

my nieces and nephews

great moments of solitude, though few and far between

writing personal notes or letters

small things

light, oh light. winter, spring, summer and fall light. lamp light and sunlight. moonlight and street light. hot and hazy light. light in color. i love light.

trees

people watching

baking chocolate chip cookies

the snooze button

so that about wraps up this list. i started to write something about love, about being 'addicted to love' and then i thought better. i just didn't feel like that's a subject of addiction i'd like to explore tonight. and not because i don't think love is great. it's just so complicated and addicting. for another time.

goodnight.

::peek::

2010-01-17T21:27:00.003-05:00

the first seventeen days of this month and of this new year have spilled out in a force. much like a strong soft motion meandering up the sidewalk i recognized it, had planned for it, saw it coming. when the fox theatre let out last night the street filled rapidly with bobbling umbrellas, blinkers and brake lights in a seemingly chaotic congestion. from above it played out like a great musical composition and brought a smile to my face. a happy contented grin. quite a sufficient way of viewing these last two and a half weeks. i can't help but thinking that in someways it's been the very best beginning of a new year, that i've ever had or can actually recollect. i guess we are all feeling a little more fortunate and little more safe and little more confident that we have survived. that the mundane minutes we pass over are really glimmers of great hope.

the past weekend was no less than a grand adventure, same as the week before and the weekend before. each day has given motion to the next and it feels delightful. like eating, like sleeping and waking, like painting or singing. or it could simply be that i've been invigorated by getting out of town, peeking in on the lives of other people. i saw a city through the eyes of two of my favorite people in the world. together we successfully found new furniture, framed artwork, met new people, got stuck in the mud, escaped the mud, nearly risked our lives while pumping gasoline, saw a childhood neighborhood, ate lunch for breakfast and took time to take photographs. we dropped artwork off and went to the art show, saw more graffiti in one place than we'd ever seen in our lives, saw da vinci's sketches and without really knowing it, saw atlanta through portman's eyes. what a joy it all was.

it all happened so fast these last seventeen days. on january first i spontaneously decided to give myself the assignment of taking a photo a day; i think it's going to really help me remember and sort through all the details, the small glimmering bits and pieces i might otherwise miss. feel free to keep up with my comings and goings throughout two thousand ten, by seeing my year.

to top things off i have indeed created the list to beat all lists; i'm still working on it but it will appear. it is my thirty something things to do before i turn thirty five. i cannot seem to be able to narrow it all down. it will happen, just like tomorrow.

::not you::self portrait show @ mint gallery

2010-01-13T19:01:00.002-05:00

i'll be heading down to atlanta again this weekend to see the mint gallery's show ::not you:: a self portrait show that includes work from seventy artists. i'm super excited to have been asked to participate in the show, my very first out of town show. i went down this past weekend to drop off my piece. my sister and i will hit the road together again to spend the day and night down there together. we are planning to hit the high museum of art up too. i'm in need of an art museum fix. need some of that da vinci, weingarten and portman, showing now, it feels, just for me.

the self portrait turned out as well as can be expected. i am super pleased with how it turned out. i have some favorite spots and feel like i won't be pursuing many portraits in the near future. i feel like sticking to my trees. the year has just begun but i'm as busy as ever. i am looking forward to the new year and trying some new stuff. until then, good night.

oh nine::read list

2010-01-02T10:09:00.004-05:00

oh ten promises many a list, this list, my oh nine::read list includes all of the books i managed to read in the last year. a good portion of the year i read the book clubs requested reading, regardless of whether or not i could attend the discussion, i read. my reading has never reflected a primary interest or subject although i have become more interested in the biographies. it may be of interest that i reread one of my books this year (can you guess which one?), which i never do. and i cannot remember the last time i read a book sitting up, my reading time is usually before i sleep, underneath blankets, between the hours of eleven and twelve. in no particular order i give you my oh nine::read list;

'the kristin lavransdatter' trilogy written by sigrid undset

'the golden apples' written by eudora welty

'naked' written by david sedaris

'what is the what' by dave eggers

'animal, vegetable, miracle' written by barbara kingsolver

'benjamin franklin' written by walter isaacson

'my stroke of insight' written by jill bolte taylor, PhD

'the yiddish policemen's union' written by michael chabon

'crime and punishment' written by fyodor dostoyevsky

'the odyssey' by homer

'the brothers k' written by david james duncan

'mornings on horseback' written by david mccullough

currently reading 'theodore rex' written by edmund morris

and for added interest; my next, plan to read, 'walking on water - reflections on faith and art' written by madeleine l'engle. my parents gave this book to me for my birthday; inside was this inscription:

dec. 23, 2009

to our dear daughter cathy on her 34th birthday from dad and mom

may your artistic expression bring your soul great joy as you reflect the image of the sovereign artist, jesus christ, from whom all things were created. we love you.

so it's january two of twenty ten; i am excited! there's much to do but that, after all is what a good many lists are for.

more art::BIG ART SALE!

2009-12-19T09:47:00.006-05:00

::telemamakhos{my far away fighter} was $300.00 now only $150.00. it's framed and ready to be hung. for the odyssey lover.

::bitter water//pretending tree:: was $400.00 now only $200.00. this 24"x36" tree is the perfect bright spot original painting. SOLD!

::sophia{my wisdom from up high}:: was $250.00 now only $125.00.

::criminal:: was $200.00 now only $100.00.

if you have questions about how to purchase or would like to see works in person please contact me at catcollier@hotmail.com. thank you and merry christmas everyone!

in a different light::BIG ART SALE!

2009-12-17T07:30:00.006-05:00

enough for everyone: BIG ART SALE!

::phantomcrimes BIG ART SALE!::

2009-12-15T21:34:00.003-05:00

holiday BIG ART SALE! see my etsy shop, then feel free to contact me for more information! my goal is to move some of this art, so that i can begin some larger pieces in the new year! help me make bigger artwork and surprise someone you love with a piece by cat collier! thank you all for your support and love!

::holiday handmade::

2009-12-10T23:43:00.003-05:00

hi guys! long time, uh? well, i should have known i'd be too busy and less interested in blogging than making more art. it's been non stop around these parts lately. lots of fun! lots of late nights, lots of great conversations, acquainting and reacquainting. so next stop; holiday handmade this coming saturday 121109 from 10 until 8; at gannon art center; we're bringing the arts and crafts back to you, just in the nick of time. so come on, you know you want to, bring yourself and a pal and come see what we've got in store. i'll have 12 total-completed works of art for sale, plus paper quilt gift cards in packets of 8 for only $20. in every spare moment of my time i've been working on a new piece but just can't seem to wrap it up quickly enough. it has involved an incredible amount of paper cutting, that's about my only excuse. i've got some wip images, i'll attempt to post up after the busy weekend. also keep a close eye out for upcoming last minute phantomcrimes art sale. many of you have mentioned wanting to make a purchase this year, send me your email address and i'll let you know when and how to go about purchasing during sale before christmas! thanks, all. and good night.

Southside Flats Open House & Art Exhibit

2009-12-03T07:20:00.002-05:00

boy oh boy, i really thought i could keep up and post a post everyday. and now look, december seriously has crept in and nothing.

::summer dregs~gold to green::

2009-11-08T10:20:00.002-05:00

::summer dregs~gold to green::
cd release party::installation and art by sarah c. nichols and myself on saturday november 7, 2009

it was one of the most inspiring fulfilling experiences. thank you carl cadwell, sarah, (n)fm, grant and to summer dregs for the best album of the year. the community is a beautiful ever changing momentum. the heartbeat of my life is in the integration of the arts>music&visual. yes.yes.yes.

::i.o.u - popcorn cake recipe::

2009-11-02T23:16:00.006-05:00

i wasn't paying attention until now; it's the ninth inning. i am finished painting for the night, discovering yet, that i've got a ways to go. painting may take the longest. i am definitely not about to begin counting the hours. so.

popcorn cake recipe:

1. i make a pot of popcorn the regular way on top of the stove. i've used microwave popcorn before but it's not as tasty, too buttery and salty.

2. in a second larger soup pot, i used the largest bag of off brand big marshmallows and melted them on very very low heat. be patient here, they're easy to brown and burn. it's not worth putting the mallows into the microwave, they'll just get huge and take up too much space.

3. once marshmallows are completely melted, thoroughly stir in handfuls of popcorn. if you'd like to sift through and find all unpopped kernels, feel free. if bitten into the kernels tend to hurt the teeth. there is no need to keep the stove on, just keep large pot on the hot eye, that way ingredients remain pliable. i used almost an entire large bag of m&m's and a large container of salted peanuts.

4. i do butter a 9"x12" cake pan, lightly and then dump the entire pot of mixed ingredients. with a wooden spoon evenly spread cake into the pan.

it's identical to rice crispy treats only for some reason, just a little more halloweenish. i have made the same with cheerios instead of popcorn and as i mentioned in yesterday's post, you may decide to try a healthier rendition by using sunflower seeds, raisins or craisins, maybe try peanut butter too.

philadelphia wins!

::wip.phillips family tree & halloween::

2009-11-01T18:37:00.003-05:00

so i decidedly passed on posting saturday and am getting back this evening to catch up. i got the ::phillips family tree:: tree completely cut out, the canvas covered in a tissue paper "under painting" and the tree and photos attached. i decided to soften the piece by adding a layer of gold acrylic, so that the plaid like lines beneath aren't as obvious. this morning i began the process of filling it all in with a parchment white acrylic. i also finally decided to go ahead and title the piece at the bottom; the phillips family tree, and dated 2009. i have never ever free handed or painting a cursive font before so i am pleasantly surprised with how well it is works and plan on using font or "script" in upcoming works.

i ended up hanging the cut paper tree all over my apartment and found i really loved it hanging on my lamps. i am thinking, at least, the cut paper could help me in future redecoration projects. i suppose i'll try my hand at it the next time there's a lull in the to make//to do list.

for our annual family fall party at my aunt's i decided to make and take popcorn cake. i hesitate to preface recipe by saying it's easy. four ingredients is easy, yes. but imagine fluffy popcorn and sticky marshmallow, it's difficult mixing but probably fairly kid friendly, i've never tried making it with little ones around and about, and super delicious. and without a doubt you could substitute the not so healthy with raisins, craisins, cheerios, sunflower seeds, or carob chips. i forwent the halloween costuming and partying and drinking and hangovering and went for my new book; 'mornings on horseback' by david mccullough.

i didn't even feel like changing my clocks until this afternoon; i've heard about people doing this while on vacation. i woke up at my normal time and got straight to painting. it's been a great first day of november. wouldn't you say?

::television sucks::

2009-10-29T21:39:00.002-05:00

not a whole lot coming to mind at the moment. just a whole lot of yawning and sighing and painting. and when i am reminded of how unique each day is, how not one cloud in the sky is exactly ever the same and how the sun moves throughout the year, marking the season. i can rest. sleep well fair friends near and far.

::what's hot + what's not::

2009-10-28T20:55:00.005-05:00

::what's hot::

so i have decided to join loobylu's what's hot + what's not this week, at least this week. can't make any promises to follow up next week. i have been thinking about it. what's hot? what makes me tick, what really defines the hot this week?

well, i have no idea if this counts as what's hot but, i feel like my family really ought to come in at number 1. family feels and pretty much seems like the coolest thing i could think of, lame, no! not a chance. many say about their own families that there's never a dull moment. the same could be said about fam collier. we work together, we play hard together, we party together, we debate and struggle with one another. there's growth and comfort and a deep respect for one another. conflicts have become rare and i suppose in their place, five grandchildren have appeared, almost out of nowhere. maybe that explains it.

second on my list of hot; is paper decorations! i'm dying to make. it maybe old news but it's still hot to me; loving the small objects thanksgiving paper garland.

i'm also pretty stoked about more paper cutting; found jenny lee fowler via flickr this week and am completely committed to my xacto knife, until death do us part.

a month or so ago, my mom and i went to a library book sale. i found two treasures. i wish i could wait until christmas to reveal but cannot. since i'm on hot and paper cutting/craft i've got to mention 'the christmas spider - a puppet play from poland'. i don't know that i've seen anything as perfectly sweet.

aaron tucker's work continues to be and inspiration. he recently began blogging. cutpaint securely wraps up my week of what's hot!

::what's not::

...is it just completely ridiculous to complain about the weather. the back and forth temperatures, the rain, the warmth, the cold. bottom line is that it has been downright unpredictable.

GIVE ME A BREAK! i am not buying the book. i'm not stuck on celebrity gossip either. i mean really! So can you guess what's not? i don't understand the point. NOT HOT!

last but not least. to be frank. i haven't been riding my bike as much as i would like. not hot, not cool. riding partner are you out there?

so that's it. that's all i've got. if you'd like to play along, feel free and share, just leave a link with a comment, or post it up at loobylu's.

goodnight.

::apartment living::silhouette&shadow

2009-10-27T22:04:00.002-05:00

the collected evidence is in. the findings in this case have been recorded, the proof is in the photos. the facts are faultless. i am not a photographer. i am an artist. i am different than a photographer, but the same because we are both artists. i never was, what i'd call a photographer and this is not a sad truth but rather something i have actually known for a very long time about myself.

the happy truth is that i love my little digital camera, it is just right, just enough for me. it gets the job done and fills whatever creative gap i feel in my daily comings and goings. don't get me wrong, i'm often tempted by the polaroid, the manual or the newest and badest nikon on the shelf. really though, i am perfectly satisfied, couldn't be happier. i'm still capturing the light, the silhouettes, the shadows and i'm addicted. seriously addicted but not like i am to making art or twirling my hair when it's soft or to chewing gum. it's a easy addiction that doesn't really require a whole lot from me in the end.

i also, often think that my artwork looks better in photographs, my apartment looks cleaner and brighter, really nice autumn light or morning light looks more real than real in photographs, sometimes. maybe it's the automatic manipulation that an image taken through the lens goes through that's addictive or fascinating. like i said, i'm definitely not a pro, it's not my number 1 passion but it is wonderful and fills me with good stuff. i love seeing lines revealed and disappearing in silhouettes and shadows, it's a simple as that. it comes down to line(s) and the positive//negative space principles, you know?

so...day 3. can i do this? it may mean i take a whole bunch of really so-so photos or it could mean i take myself back to the beginning and begin again. reinvestigate my photo taking history and see what i can see. who knows?

wip::phillips family tree

2009-10-26T19:00:00.005-05:00

with monday almost behind us here, i thought it'd be fun to show some of the process of putting together the phillips family tree. i feel like i've found my groove with this one. over the weekend the momentum just grew, so i've actually made more progress but alas, darkness falls earlier and earlier, thus poor photo ops.

but sticking with my personal decision to use what i already on hand, i decided to use martha stewart's labels and cut out the center in order to frame each family members face. this just felt like the right thing to do, especially after having done a little bit of research.

talk about easy too, i guess the only difficult part was trying to decide how to crop each face. lucky for me i had 16 labels and there are 16 faces. crazy!

i also pulled out the kenneth james fibres wallpaper sample book i got years ago and found the perfect papers. there are a few, each a little different but reminiscent of tree color and texture. after laying the family tree out on the back of the wallpaper i proceeded to draw a simple sketch of a tree around the framed faces.

there's been so little preplanning here, that it's been a delight to just move through this project with more ease than what i originally thought i'd have.

i plan to complete finish cutting out the tree tonight and get a nice "underpainting" layer of nice golden green and blue tissue paper mod podged to the surface of the canvas. i guess painting in and around might become the slowest part of the project. i am still debating on whether or not to incorporated any lettering toward the bottom that says "phillips family tree". i actually have an idea; and will just need to patiently get there, you know?

i might be even crazier to think i can finish before the end of the week. i'm absolutely going to pace myself and not kill myself without sleep. with that said, my coffee is growing cold and the xacto knife has got to be warmed up. and and and, so you think you can dance is on. did i mention i'm a little bit excited about this season! sssshhhh!

::apartment living::autumn light

2009-10-25T22:03:00.003-05:00

the weekend is now coming quickly to a close. it felt like a vacation what with the beautiful weather, autumn light and time to dwindle away. i forgot to bring along my camera for most of it, i missed taking the excellent opportunity to take any photos while with my nephews. i guess that means i will need to take them out again. but the nieces are next on the list.

i managed to make headway, the phillips family tree is chugging right along. i have taken a whole much of wip images and will be sure to show progress this week. with a week of much planning behind me, i'm looking forward to finishing this project within the coming week. i see it being completely possible. that is if i don't get distracted by all of the other little projects i'd like to try my hand at. for instance. i have fallen in love with molly's perfect hurricanes. i feel i must try making at least one of these before, well before i bust or something.

i'm also super glad that andrea has decided to post everyday. november is only days away, i'm not sure if i'm up for it, though. it's a nice idea and super inspiring but, i've never been able to post daily. i have never tried and am wondering if i should just give it a go, unofficially that is. for now. at least i've stock piled some photos, just in case.

recently found out that the paper quilt project is back! looking forward to see what dawbis comes up with next for the project. she was looking for 21 artists to fill in some of the gaps left in some of the months. be sure to to check it out! especially if you're finding yourself spinning out and need a hand getting back to creating something (everyday).

and one last thing; very excited to see this up&coming and her brand new website! keep up the great work heidi!

okay so, here's to posting everyday, finishing commission, then making something fun and fall-ish, and to another great week of weather. i'm crossing my fingers.

::apartment living::big happy puppy attack

2009-10-18T08:47:00.003-05:00

even though this week has just begun, i am looking at a booked calendar of a few meetings, a luncheon, and a few more meetings. two meetings to prepare for an open house//art exhibit event in my apartment building during mainx24. a meeting with the ever talented sarah n. and fellow jessica from createhere to go over installation plans for the summer dregs release party on november 7. there's luncheon my mom is speaking at on thursday afternoon and another evening meeting. i think this maybe exactly what i need. to be more active and productive in a variety of ways. it just doesn't feel all that bad. i like the hustle and bustle. putting the puzzle pieces together in a way that make sense and correspond. it leaves me feeling even more motivated.

i came up with a few more halloween decorations and have transformed my apartment for the autumn season.

and a couple weeks ago, i sifted through my closet and found a few things to give up at a friends clothing swap. i have a pair of brand new brown converse, that i've worn like one time that i need to either sell or give away. i think they are size 3??? i have some baking to do and of course i will be getting down to business, creating the phillips family tree.

i had the photo images resized to fit perfectly into the martha stewart labels i am going to use as frames, to hang in the family tree. excited about the idea
and am now pretty confident of the next steps, to completion.

i was gently attacked by a dog in my apartment building, which was surprising to me. the owner of the dog, let it off it's leash and it came bounding toward me in a big happy puppy sort of way but still, i felt a little unsure. the owner lady was pretty apologetic and all, no worries. i've just mentioned many a time to myself, how odd it is to me that so many of my neighbors have dogs, living in the tiny little apartments. they have no yard, no place to run and jump and play around in. what craziness. so. that is apartment living, for now. any thoughts on dogs in apartments would be much appreciated. should i carry around a bag of bacon strip treats, or what?

::on the wall::

2009-10-13T20:13:00.002-05:00

i promise if i had the time, the skillz, the wall, legal or not, i would be a graffiti artist. it must sound stupid right, i mean, who gives a flip? i want to hide in the dark corners, wait until the coast is clear and throw up all over a great big city wall. if only. i'm just a little white girl who dreams just a little bit, that she'd grown up understanding, developing and producing graffiti on the streets. my ideas in this context are completely romanticized and utterly embarrassing, because, really what do i know about being a graffiti artist. all i want to do is change the perspective and learn the ropes. all i want to do is bridge the gap between what is seen and what people hear about the "graffiti" genre of art. yeah, i know, it's been done, it's happening all over the world. just not on my street corners, not on the decaying dilapidated buildings in my city.

so much of my personal development as an artist came from drawing. i think that's true for most artists, though. my drawings directly correlate with my larger complete works. i would not say i am exactly limited by paper or canvas or by size or shape. it's more than that, the limitations are primarily, only in my head. even though my series of trees have taken me almost as far as i could have originally imagined i am still thinking about ways of incorporating new layers, new concepts, fresh perspectives. even if i only create trees for the rest of my life i will figure out a way, no matter what. i suppose as long as i'm drawing, my work will change and become what i see in my head. eventually. and if the opportunity strikes and i do find myself with a spray paint can in hand, i will feel really darn good about it.

this week's list consists of:

secretly making a birthday present for my bff.

cleaning house for autumn-ish g.n.o.

organization of all the little details of...stuff.

check it out the CD is here and it has my artwork in it!

and i'm working on posting more, can you tell?

::goodbye until we meet again::

2009-10-10T19:23:00.003-05:00

last weekend i decided to pack away my summer sunshine yellow eggcup collection to make room for autumn, i've never done this before. i am learning to pace myself and the seasons within my ::apartment living:: decor . i found my 'happy halloween' banner and hung it up and am using a ledge between my kitchen and dining//living room space as the focal point for the season. it'll be fun to bring out the yellow again next year and absorb the freshness in color again. for now i'm embracing the warm cozy feelings of fall. with the ever beautiful hues and tones of this time of the year.
i gathered a couple of pumpkins and a handful of tiny warted gourds today, along with an assortment of baking ingredients. i'm thinking another round of sticky buns might be nice.

this evening the sliding glass door to the balcony is open, the a/c is off. i'm imagining the there are autumnal city sounds, just as there are autumnal country sounds.

there's plenty of things that are keeping me busy. i feel like i've barely crossed a thing off my list of things to do. it's just all so preliminary. at least my shop is full, just in case, wink*wink*. and i've started the next commission piece; the 'philips family tree'. i met with v.d. this afternoon to talk about her commission piece. the color of her kitchen walls are to die for. i'm excited about starting the project. and will make sure to include w.i.p of both projects.

the website is coming along fine and dandy, summer dregs release party date + venue has now been nailed down, november 7. i've still not been to blacksmith's - to meet/hang my work. i am planning and open house/art show during mainx24 and am asking the clothesline ladies to participate. and then then then, i'll see what's next. possibly traveling over thanksgiving. am working out those details.

i am not as overwhelmed today, i spent the morning replying to stack of emails that had piled up. forgive me if you've emailed me and i've not yet responded. i promise i'll get back to you asap.

have a lovely evening, the beer in my fridge is calling my name.

wip::cool like fire::&::apartment living::supply storage

2009-09-29T18:59:00.002-05:00

so i started ::cool like fire:: before clothesline and am now wrapping it up, putting the last few touches on it before it goes into my etsy shop. i feel consistently inspired to create and paint trees. this time i shot a series of polaroids around and about the city and used them as the base for the "underpainting". from a technical perspective it worked out really well. there are visible seams but not enough to compromise the piece itself. instead the lines enhance and give a layer of texture. the triangle pattern is something i have been wanting to incorporate for a really long time. it only seemed fitting in a wintery snow scape, in which trees are bare and starkly mimic the triangle shape. i see how it could be perceived as being over simplified here, it's flat, i get that, but like i said i am still giving it a little more time, before the final sealant coating. i am excited to hear what people have to say about this piece. i know it's hard to say, without seeing it in person.
in the mean time. part of my apartment living also becomes my studio space, my supply storage. i intentionally moved into a larger apartment so that i could continue making art in my place without it barging in. part of what has made creating in the same space that i live in, which in itself is not all that uncommon, has been keeping things simple. less is more. over the years i have bought less and recycled more. the other key aspect of living and working in the same space is having storage that is accessible and workable. this family hand me down, wardrobe piece has made organization a breeze. i have got a few drawers for the smaller items, like ink pads, ribbon, stickers, envelopes and cards. i've used milk crates for my magazines and have kept my paper collection spruced down to two bins. there are cigar boxes for thread and needle, tins for buttons, smaller boxes//bins for vintage photos and vintage christmas tags, and small holiday decorations, like my halloween mailorder banner. one day i'll incorporate some cork on the doors as a means to display my inspiration(s). for now i'm all about some thumbtacks. i hope this is all i will ever need. recently i accepted an invitation from a friend to hit up a craft supply swap at our local leo handmade gallery. i dropped off a bag full of unused scrapbook paper, pipe cleaner, stamps, and paintbrushes. ah! it felt good to leave it behind. really good!

i'd love to see your supply storage ideas, it's my sneaky way of getting more ideas, as if there aren't a million and one ways to organize in the first place. and if you need a supply storage fix, check out more of my treehouse::apartment living:: photos!

until next time.

Etsy Shop Update::Phantomcrimes Is Back

2009-09-27T12:16:00.002-05:00

finally. finally. finally. i have updated my etsy shop. i can check it off my list! there are several new pieces along with several older works that have all been custom framed. they look beautiful, if i do say so myself. i am really excited because for much of the year i had just been creating a lot of work for various shows, exhibits and events. i have got two more pieces to add, along with a piece i am currently working to finish.

next on my list; order cards, make card packs, start the phillips family tree commission, meet with the next commission client, swap work at gannon art center, hang work at blacksmith's, and begin self portrait for atlanta show:not you @ the mint gallery. in between i'm sending off images to my kind friend, who is going to be creating a website for me, which i'm incredibly thrilled about. i just cannot wait.

i don't think i've left anything off the list, at least i hope not. happy day!

::san destination::

2009-09-19T16:57:00.003-05:00

it honestly feels like a thousand years have passed without, until this last week i gave in and gave myself a much needed, much desired vacation. thanks be to a couple of my good friends, my sister in laws, for a nice little break from the whirlwind life of construction, clothesline, and art making. words upon words have described the sensations of dragging yourself out of the norm to the side of the ocean. it's nothing new but it is everything and i needed the salt and sunshine, the sand and the pool.

i needed nothing but to see the great expanse, water upon rolling water. and nothing but a little bit of golf course action to get my adrenaline pumping. there were large turtles to feed and nieces too play and laugh with. there were crosswords puzzles to be played and shopping to be had. take out dinner and long dock strolls. i barely thought about anything the whole entire time, which for me is a dream and not a scary one but the kind that repeats itself from one deep sleep to the next.

i feel full and ready to reenter the race; full steam ahead. no amount of sunburn to blame, no amount of cloudy grey rain here to take away from this; the place and plan that is waiting for me off of main; on the southside of city in the middle of the mountains.

Our Clothesline Art Show::Wrap Up

2009-09-13T11:44:00.002-05:00

i have found myself stretching and wishing for a massage all morning. after an overwhelmingly successful clothesline art show i am finding myself ready with a massive list of things i must do. after the dirt settles and i get back from the ocean i promise (promise!) that i'll update my etsy shop, i'll post all works for sale on my blog here, i'll make new cards of as much of my new work as possible and i'll give all of the rest of my attention to the two commissions i've been asked to complete.

i find that after an event like clothesline that many of you have so much interest; questions and discussions, thoughts and ideas swarm and then, then there's this sleepy lull. i've never asked the hard questions, i've never asked before, what you wanted to see more of. this go around i feel i got the opportunity to talk with many of you and i got a feel for what people are looking for.

thank you. and in the meantime keep coming by, please let me know what you think about what i'm doing, your support is really encouraging and important to me. thank you and happy sunday.

::again there is plenty - two::

2009-09-05T07:46:00.002-05:00

whirring motion, sound and rumble

air that moves, pushes and tumbles

quietly beyond and past

a silence that now spreads out

softening sleep. awakening the rest

the deepest, close to death

where is it now,

where will it come from

first again there is the high pitch

city whistle, the machine cycle switch

on then off then on then off

it is close and can be heard

it will be here and plenty.

spending this day;

hanging art

hanging with special nephew CBC

making art

resting

reading

sinking into the long weekend

list making

hope yours is great.

::again there is plently::

2009-08-31T19:39:00.002-05:00

somewhere close to the middle of my neighborhood there's this parking lot with an abundance, filled to the brim yellow gold. close by in a building i heard the practicing tunes of a rock and roll band jamming out, instantly i began whistling norwegian wood and have had it in my head ever since. it just so happens to be my favorite time of the year, oh yes and there's plenty of the good stuff to go around.

while i'm waiting for my latest painting to finish drying, i thought i share some of this plenty with you, those who need it, read it.

currently reading: the yiddish policemen's union

could be reading: mixtape

will always enjoy thoroughly: shelteriffic

school is back; so is the after school program: mule

prepping for clothesline will remain the plenty of september along with a vacation.

::in the depths::

2009-08-30T21:29:00.001-05:00

::our clothesline art show::

2009-08-22T16:42:00.000-05:00

Our Clothesline Art Show

When: Opening Reception Friday September 11, 2009 from 6pm until 9pm and Saturday September 12th, 2009 from 12pm until 7pm (Join us for the Gallery Hop on Saturday!)

Where: At the Krichbaum House, Home of Mike and Maria Cardillo, located at 4401 St. Elmo Avenue Chattanooga TN 37409

Participating Female Artists: Lauren Leutwiler, Maria Cardillo, Linda Thomas, Cat Collier, Katie Ward Knutson, Jennifer Kring, Valerie Fleming, and Kelly Cardillo

Webpage: www.ourclothesline.blogspot.com

Email: ourclothesline@gmail.com

Open to the Public; Families are welcome.

::30 seconds here::

2009-08-15T09:37:00.001-05:00

::taking to keep you::

2009-08-09T20:37:00.002-05:00

i find that i am not so interested. or rather interesting until the light is either rather bright or barely there. the making is rather slow these days. there is one new painting in the works but i am not in any rush whatsoever. no one reads. flickr is the better friend. i purchased a brand new bicycle, a bike, a.k.a. the purple fizz and though i have never been a purple girl, except for the time my bedroom, as a child was purple, i was drawn toward this one bike. there is this temptation to paint a large giant yellow stripe down the middle of the bike, horizontally speaking, right across the tires and all. then i would change the name of my bike to the purple pounder. i am leaving practicality in reality and my devotion to blogging is bombing. i used to be. until i have a new piece of art, there's no point. i am no longer open, except. and it's not that bad. recently the work on carl cadwell's summer dregs from gold to green hit the myspace waves. i have lost my account but i was very very very pleased to be asked to contribute my art work to complete the look and feel of this album debut. in my humble opinion the music is sick and my art works, five chosen are just like the tip of the iceberg. i really cannot wait to have this in hand.
in the meantime, i've got clothesline on september 11&12 and then then then, a commission. i meet with h.p. tomorrow to go over the ins&outs of the commission piece(s) and am really looking forward to the process//challenge. i'm up for it. it's time to put away the laundry and drink the last of the coffee before bed. work week begins in eight or less hours.

green guide giveaway::karen michel

2009-07-17T14:17:00.003-05:00

the talented artist and author karen michel is hosting a book giveaway on her blog. the book, green guide for artists, was recently published and can be found on bookshelves and online. but being one of several artists who were asked to participate in this fantastic book, i thought you'd probably want to try your hand at winning a copy. i have read the book from cover to cover and it is a beautiful compilation of information and do-it-yourself projects. i was so inspired to read about how to make one's own paint and create art in away that conserves our earth's bounty. especially if you're first starting out, the task of gathering and collecting art materials can be overwhelming. karen's perspective of how to recycle and reuse is something we're all too familiar with but maybe not in the context of making. just as you are hopefully teaching your children that the french fries you get from fast food are actually made by planting a seed/spud, so are some pigments in paint made from natural dyes you've got in your fridge or from rocks deep beneath the earths surface. it's about applying our awareness in little ways that will renew the earth's promises.

hope you all have a restful one, and be sure to check out the book!

art.a.ma.jig::change

2009-07-15T22:23:00.004-05:00

coming up tomorrow evening. apparently there's still time to purchase tickets, supporting the local arts and education council. change could be, just about anything, anything at all. for what it's worth i gave it my "little brown jug" try. we shall see how it all pans out. i am excited, simply to spend the evening with kk1000, figuring out how to balance those itsy bitsy hors d'oeuvre plates, unga!

i have started my next painting, gearing up for the next clothesline art show. hoping for a fresh new way to present these trees i continue to paint. are they getting to be old news? or what? there are still several things going on behind closed doors that i have yet to be able to speak about, waiting for time. meanwhile, i'll spend the next nine weeks trying to pump out about six new pieces and then come december i'll take that break i seem to need every year.

i have yet to update my etsy shop. it seems rather unproductive at this point. and one thing is for sure, i tend to forget to take smaller sized photos of my work, image size is limited on etsy. it's my biggest hang up at this point.

i'm also looking for a thin shiny yellow belt? silly me.

::naturally changing::

2009-07-12T10:30:00.002-05:00

until today, my days and nights were overlapping and i had not been able to focus, for lack of sleep. but i made my deadline in the nick of time, finished this 24"x48" piece for the Arts & Education Councils Silent Auction, Art.a.ma.jig - Change.

now, on into july. i plan to begin brand new pieces for clothesline.

::Chattanooga Artists Reserve::

2009-06-27T07:37:00.004-05:00

good morning friends! it's early for me on saturday morning to be up and about blogging. i am on a mission. an exciting one at that. today from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. i will be showing my work with the Chattanooga Artists Reserve at the Gannon Art Center. Tobi Weldon and Beth Gumnick have done an incredible job this year of making this event one that is unique and inspiring for artists and art collectors alike.

i am showing 20 works, ranging from paper quilt collages to my forest of trees. i have quite a few new pieces as well as several older pieces available for sale. the majority of works are professionally framed, which is wonderful and exciting to see. the other larger pieces have been created on gallery stretched canvas and are ready to be hung or displayed.

the chattanooga artist reserve is a newer art collective that would love to see you and spend the afternoon with you. this year's theme is 'sideshow', with beautiful handmade decorations and favors, art and craft for the young and old, and a venue that is special. the idea, revitalize a 30 year old art store, framing shop, bring gallery artists in and share with the brainerd area the love of the arts.

i'm looking forward to this day! and would love to see you! come one come all!

::scraps of scapes::

2009-06-22T18:52:00.003-05:00

so in the free time that really never exists, i have spent some time dragging and pulling and twisting to create this little digimovie slideshow thingy of most of my trees. it is just a way to break up the monotony of painting and cutting. i am still working on creating my own music so in the meantime, i've added melpo mene as the soundtrack. i completely realize that the slides/images are jumpy and fidgety but it was after all just for fun. an experiment of sorts.

this weekend is the chattanooga artists reserve. i picked up twelve newly framed works today. and they look so sweet. i cannot wait to hang.

over the weekend i made my very first yeast rolls, no photo for show, but i did add rosemary and what a great addition at that. baking bread seems absolutely ridiculously easy. so i'm going to try my hand at baking sandwich bread. the thing is, i barely eat bread. only an occasional piece of toast. i'm a cracker girl. bread will have to be croutons and french toast and for tuna melts. um!

i cannot think of anything else. i mean until the a.e.c. posts upcoming art.a.ma.jig info, i'll wait to add link and image of new work to be donated.

kingpawn::empireguilt {revised}

2009-06-16T21:26:00.002-05:00

i just couldn't let this one rest. after looking at it for a while, colors and lines and things begin to nag at me. so i have done some revising and am finished. this is not a true spot on image of the final, but it's close enough. the layer beneath is composed of chess pieces that i cut out of vintage wallpaper. it is difficult to tell, because of the way the image takes; in the bottom right hand area i placed the square, the piece i cut all of the chess pieces out of. in the top left hand is a circle composed of all the pieces, in a target like fashion. if you look closely, and imagine two armies of chess pieces squaring off underneath a bright and geometric landscape. conceptually it's a bit weak but for the most part, i am satisfied now with how this piece worked out. the addition of the horizon line really helped, i think. in addition to the lighter circles and paint/line touch ups. so next up. i begin my next piece (24"x48") for the aec benefit. i've got a plan and drawings and will begin tonight.

::cherry bombs away::

2009-06-15T22:22:00.003-05:00

a-nother list

1. leo

2. fruit pizza

3. chattanooga artists reserve

4. poladroid image maker

5. sundown in st. elmo

6. afterburner

7. color inspiration

8. leah giberson via poppytalk; inspiration for kk1000

9. cannot get enough; happy mundane!

10. well well well. i guess, you'll have to fill in the blanks. what's your cherry bomb?

::misunderstood::

2009-06-08T22:44:00.001-05:00

flowers and purchasing them. bringing them home and making them beautiful. i had no idea. it could be so delightful and fulfilling until i did it myself. flowers are so misunderstood.

::madly week::

2009-06-07T12:03:00.003-05:00

my entire week was full and mostly filled with the new. the thrill of having a couple of new boxes of moo minis arrive, rounded out my week. no matter how many times i have made an order, i always find myself a little nervous. moo has never failed me yet. though i rushed through the process this time and neglected to lighten many of the images in picnic, before filling. it's fine though, no matter. the moo will be gone in a blink of an eye.

toward the middle of the week, i bought a few new pieces of furniture from my mom. these took the place of the raton, which is now in my bedroom, crowding. everything about this plastic wicker furniture says hang art on the wall above me, put flowers on me, change everything, rearrange, sell the raton. on and on. new means, getting rid of the old or repurposing it in some form or fashion. i'm not feeling the repurposing and hope that someday soon, someone comes along who needs these perfect pieces of vintage retro raton.

also this week i attempted and succeeded at baking my first yeast rising cinnamon sticky buns. i prepped the dough and turned off the hvac and sat the dough directly in the sun. i left for a few hours and came back to a mass. so beautiful and surprising.

i could not believe my eyes. it actually has given me confidence to try some more, bread, rolls, you name it. yeast is my friend. i got 15 pieces to framewrights this week for the upcoming chattanooga artists reserve. i'm also working on a large postcard order. we'll see how that turns out.
the week just turned out to be madly great. a rush in every way. great times with family and friends. art making and a whole bunch of balcony sitting. it makes my heart feel good enough. i can go back to work tomorrow.

::apartment living::herbivore

2009-06-01T21:24:00.005-05:00

one of the things that excites me the most about my new, since december, apartment living experience, is the balcony. for the first time in seven years or more, there is space and place enough for a few of my favorite outdoor summer living plants. last year i fell in love with the citronella plant, the shape of the leaves silhouetted, the scent, and the small purplish pink flowers. this year i am trying my hand at lavender, basil, pineapple sage, and peppermint.

i am imagining a long hot summer on the balcony, sweet iced peppermint tea in hand at all times. i have yet to even get the flowers. i am particularly interested in finding the perfect plant stand, one that will hold several plants at once, at different levels, and that has wheels. i like the idea of attaching basket containers to the hand railing but have not, as of yet been impressed with the options. in my mind there is absolutely no rushing this summer thing. everyday i feel like i am waking up on vacation. is that what condo/apartment living is like for everyone? i wonder these things. i imagine catching sea shore scents off the wind. oh the wind can be fierce. it was a wind to be reckoned with this past winter, i am so glad that's over. the wind tears through the streets like you wouldn't believe. and then there is the sunshine. i hesitate to even take pictures, only because i know i couldn't do the sun a bit of justice and plus, i think sunsets are like a dime a dozen. except from my balcony, from my view there has not been one alike, there's not one cloud i've ever seen twice, the blues and whites and pinks and oranges change from day to day. silly, i am almost jealous of myself.

when i was a littler and younger girl i remember my summers revolving around, summer camp, baby-sitting, reading, bed sheet forts, mud ball making, and riding bikes. i remember how as a kid we'd spend every single hour of the day out of doors, mostly. nowadays, the weathermen forecast the air quality code of the day, taking your breath away. i don't care a bit really. after an eight hour day underneath the fluorescent, a nice long sit on the balcony, sweating out the man made light toxins, feels like all the craziness can be reversed. so far, my summer is looking like a vacation on the balcony. i'm wondering, what's yours looking like.

::listfull::

2009-05-27T22:23:00.006-05:00

i thought i'd take a break from the usual humdrum and spout a list of sorts. i noticed that my blog posts per month have taken quite a nosedive, so without further ado i present my first ever summer list. just incase you were wondering about this list or that list, well, here they are.

1. participation!!! chattanooga artists reserve::june 27; 12-7pm

2. art rental licensing agreement writing

3. moo over making

4. balcony sunbathing

5. pomegranate sweet iced tea

6. family tree commission, planning and excited

7. herbs that include; lavender, sweet basil, and pineapple sage

8. 5 part salad mix sprouting seeds at handypantry, in my summer eating plan

9. how long have i been talking about this? getting a bicycle, ever.

10. clear & card envelopes, craft paper ordered; i've never ordered through stampin' up online before, i'll let you know how it goes.

11. cards to make via kinko's

12. art.a.ma.jig; july 16

13. small art pieces; framewrights

14. drink more water

15. citronella rooting

16. break out the skirts

17. take more "giveaways" to salvation army. i have a broken television and a very old microwave, best guess/approximately from the late '70's, early 80's {vintage}

18. zero sum

19. update etsy; seriously...

20. see my nephews & neices!

so how's that for a list? what's on your agenda?

::tempting~off the sub::

2009-05-21T20:32:00.005-05:00

i happened to go the pet store with a friend, last weekend. i cannot remember the last time i went to a pet store. i don't even know if there is a "last time." i mean, i saw this little baby fish at the walmart once and it was like, all funny, cute and nemo-style-wimpy-fin and i loved it. there seemed to be a connect between myself and this little thumb-like fish. we made eye contact. for real. so anyway. i went to the pet store and saw some fish that were not so impressive, no connection. i saw some puppies, no connection. and i saw some cats, definitely no connection and then i saw some birds. several years ago i bought a small blue parakeet and fell in love. his/her name was moon and she was eaten by a cat. hence no connect with kitties at pet store. well, i am now so completely tempted to purchase two of these beautiful birds. and well wanted to see if, well if, i don't know. i don't want to pay a two fifty pet deposit for one and the birds would cost about one hundred for two, because they ought not be alone and they are so incredibly sweet and passive. my friend kindly did some research for me and found these pictures for me. oh. to pine. too tempting. apparently there are three different varieties, the top image of birds, are like the ones i saw at said, pet store. i think i like them mostly. subtle coloring and they were sitting in the back of the cage like aviary at the store, quietly dozing off. i like that. a lot.
the other thing is that i still have not gotten a bicycle or a stackable washer/dryer, so i'm going to have to spread these tempting things out and sell a little bit more artwork before. you know? to say the least i thought i'd share a bit of my interests, thoughts, aside from the art stuff. seems all i've got on the brain is making. but it's getting late and i've got to glue some stuff down. and get my next piece ready to paint. i cannot wait to be able to share some of the newest things i am working on for the summer. really exciting stuff happening. what did you all think of the book? isn't it great! i love it.

if you've got bird thoughts, suggestions or would just like to leave a comment of any sort i'd be happy. i know that many of you support via facebook and such and all of your comments are much appreciated. i really don't feel all that deserving. i love making art and sharing. it's simpler that way. i mostly like working and making art all of the time.

looking forward to long weekend, what are your plans?

::mindful making::

2009-05-17T09:02:00.005-05:00

i just couldn't resist. i had to, because i just couldn't believe it until i saw it, touched it, read it. karen michel's book is on shelves now and it is beautiful. as soon as i got home last night i dug in and began reading, cover to cover. soaking in the spirit and purpose of this book. 'green guide for artists' cuts to the chase, delving into studio safety, green art recipes, and profiling artists who are mindful of their making. it is a conscience write on how to create art that is nontoxic, environmentally favorable, and significantly aware.

i am going to make art for the rest of my life and so it is important that i remain knowledgeable of how my art influences the viewer. it is just as valuable and challenging for me to always consider how my work impacts my world, my body, and my home. without even thinking about it, i began reusing material that had prior function. i participated in several art paper swaps, and flung myself at a massive stack of old or vintage wallpaper books i found, i began consuming less art store material and found a way to incorporate a lot of my own found pieces. from tissue paper left in gift bags, wrapping paper, mailing stamps left on envelopes, to old unused cardboard games like checkerboards and such. recently i was given two particle board type countertop panel things and made art on them. i have scoured thrift stores for old canvas material and friends who know me have given my canvas in frames with old art in them. i have thought a lot about the preservation of my work on and with this reused, recycled material and it remains, a balance i must strike. that my work must last by using materials that are also conserving in other areas. i must say, there is a lifetime warranty on all of my art. it goes without saying that my work is highly constructed, i take the technical crafting of art making very seriously. in this digital age, art can last forever, in a way that the many of the masterworks will not.
it is increasingly clear that we ought to take care and as karen writes, "...the decision to "go green" in art making will mean different things to different people...no change is too small or insignificant, even the little changes we make very day add up."

"it is about a life of making art that is examined and knowledgeable!"

i am excited about my profile feature and am thankful to karen and kristin for this outstanding collection of words, ideas and works.

have a great sunday you all!

::published-contribution::

2009-05-12T19:34:00.004-05:00

earlier this evening i received an exciting email from the extremely talented artist and author karen michel in regard to her newly published book; 'green guide for artists'. i had forgotten or let it slip into the recesses of my mind that i had been contacted late last year by kristen hampshire & writehand co. in regard to the publishing of this fantastic new book. as i recall and am now reminded, i was asked specifically about how i intentionally recycle, reuse or renew "found" things in my art. i have little recollection of my thoughts or answers to kristen's questions. i caught a sneak peak of the pages and it's absolutely beautiful. i cannot wait to get a copy! yes. yes. yes.

i vaguely remember talking a whole lot about being inspired by urban contemporary or graffiti art, how, every bit of what i see on the street, influences my color choices and my line workings. i remember talking about how early on in phantomcrimes, i was interested in meeting and following and swapping with fellow bloggers and artists. so much of my second hand inspiration came from the numbers of paper swaps i was fortunate to be apart of and how that became a resource for recycling, reusing and renewing much of what might otherwise be disposed of. i never would have thought. and feel so proud of this community of like minded artists and crafters i feel so haphazardly apart of. it's just so crazy!

::bozobot arcade::paper quilt collage

2009-05-11T23:34:00.001-05:00

oh yes! this one took me more than a minute. cannot wait to start a new one!!!

cottonmouth::paper quilt collage

2009-05-05T23:50:00.002-05:00

confession; all photos of art are taken in huge bathroom. i am thinking about renting it out as a photography studio. on second thought, no. so i'm gearing up for the second annual chattanooga artist reserve, my first. i have decided to come back to the paper quilts for this purpose and to change it up, try some pastel inspired, circus sideshow inspired pieces. this one was like getting a burst of fruity cotton candy flavored energy. it just rolled off the "presses" like you wouldn't believe. i couldn't believe it. it takes a whole lot more concentration to order a large painting, these paper quilts are just plain fun. with one down, i am feeling excited about the summer, the upcoming art shows, meeting new artists and seasoning my life with the challenge of creating on a daily basis.

as soon as i take some smaller sized photos i'll add everything new to my etsy shop.

i will also really try and update the other facets of phantomcrimes...unga.

::kingpawn::empireguilt::

2009-04-27T16:59:00.002-05:00

::unequivocal::

2009-04-16T20:51:00.004-05:00

are the moments of light and silence. a break in the waves before they crash and crush the body onto the bottom sands. the sigh of safety. sound and sights of springing forward. the rest between warm sheets. walls that tumble and change the landscape. surrounded by embrace. missing caleb, my serious ray of sunshine. touching bodies and dancing more than talking. truing the lines and filling in the details. remembering to ask, forgetting forget. listening. is this it?

i will start. this coming weekend. to make new art. in the meantime i am going to update phantomcrimes.etsy and think about all the possible submissions to all the possible art things. i will buy bigger canvas and make larger works of art. i will enter createhere's next juried artshow and ava's all member show.

there is an unequivocal desire to drive along the coast. to stay driven. to remain at the most motivated. off the subject; have you ever listened or read the 'i miss you' lyrics on bjork's post? i am thoroughly interested in what others might interpret she means to say. if you know something please do comment. i have a hunch but before i say what i think i'd like to see if anyone else thinks the same.

i am thinking about buying a washing machine and dryer combo, anyone have any suggestions? and what else? a list. i will work on that to share.

::middle deep::

2009-04-04T10:01:00.003-05:00

my absence has an excuse and a good one at that. i have been in the middle of creating art for tonight's palette 2 palette, with a contribution to createhere's FACES exhibit. on top of that i have been working with creativinc to prep for skindeep, next saturday.

in the right now moments i am gathering myself at the ends in order to complete the tax task. i am also going to pick up the remainder of my work from fitness together.

little else is taking priority and for that reason i leave you all to guess at what's happening within phantomcrimes.

though the gallery at createhere continues to be a mainstay, pursuing creativinc feels like a breath of fresh air filled with spontaneity and hard work, not just hard planning or hard discussion. what i mean is that the clothesline has chosen to forgo exhibiting, showing next month. it is to our advantage to place our lives ahead of this event at this time. i am glad for the break and for the opportunity to explore/discover new venues. a venue like skindeep that challenges me to break habits, comfort and boundaries. i want to see how my work fits into the underground and untouched realms of the art community in chattanooga. when art becomes what i do just because it feels good or because it involves a whole lot of critique it becomes rather heavy.

there is something in me that is simply attracted to the dirt and grunge. the balance of showing bright, colorful pieces of art in the midst of an abandoned warehouse. it feels right to me and counteracts my tendency to think art is something better, something worth more when it's in a gallery. the clothesline art show has made art work attainable to the public in an intimate way that engages people's lives in the community sense of the word. skindeep, takes making art work attainable to whole new level. graffiti and urban contemporary in chattanooga seems in some ways to be less regarded, worthless in the minds of prestige and class. which leads me to a small discussion i had with film maker philip luckey.

while he was doing some filming of me while painting, i mentioned that i felt strange about using a certain marker to define the edges of my drawing. philip's response resonated with me, he said, it is just a plain old marker your using on a plain old piece of wood, which was just a plain old tree somewhere in a plain old forest. okay, so maybe he did not say it exactly like that but the point is that as an artist i often think that the best tools of the trade are going to better express my ideas, than if i used the rawest tools and materials. or if i don't use the very best tools my art takes a step off the pedestal and becomes less. or maybe i think too highly of what i create and a simple old marker just isn't good enough. who knows? what the underground, grassroot efforts of the clothesline and creativinc does is gives worth and value in an otherwise stodgy, stiff and stifling scene. it is nice to have finally found places in this community where my art work, works and fits. that is it. so in the middle deep is where i stand. happy saturday.

w.i.p::sophia-athena::

2009-03-22T23:28:00.002-05:00

third and final piece for P2P. ::sophia {my wisdom from high up}:: it's coming along well. i am pleased with how well it reflects what i want it to. often times it is difficult to translate ideas. these recent pieces have been time consuming but when all the fine line work is done, it is absolute fulfillment. it has not been so hard saying good bye to the trees either. what a relief.

it's been a good long weekend, very productive. crunching time. more to come, hopefully tomorrow everything will be wrapped up, tomorrow night, late.

::Hyperion::{my watcher from above}

2009-03-18T00:00:00.003-05:00

2nd in a series of 3 for P2P, also known as Palette 2 Palette. FACES exhibit at createhere on main street, April 4.

the most exciting aspect of this pieces is the incorporation of real wood wall paper, given to me by a friend, while he was papering the new BCBS building.

::Hyperion::{my watcher from above} is the mythological god of light. nothing too mysterious about that, mixed in the sunshine, a light bulb (not a c.f.l.), and a little bit of lightening. i would have liked to have added some fire but accidentally cut if off. the face is cut from some really nice fiber wall paper and rest is just a light landscape, so to speak.

i have one more piece to go, hoping to create a female, any suggestions?

~apartment living~

2009-03-06T00:01:00.003-05:00

my apartment living and feelings are crumdgy, snobbish and particular, to say the least. mother can testify to my recent particulars, a list of complaints about any of the new neighbors, the peep hole sightings, their unknown loud sounds and voices, slamming doors, of an ever growing neighborhood. my four story neighborhood, my apartment living. mother asked me to share in this perspective, "won't you be my neighbor? daughter, neighbors are a good thing, don't you know", she said. i am decidedly not sure. i have no idea what to think. i want to feel like my four story neighborhood is all mine and that everyone moving in must adhere to my apartment living ethical guide, as if i've written the book and it actually exists. i am finding it seems i may be quite wrong in my particulars, that i am rather funny about making friends with people who live across the hall. except, i have no earthly idea what any kind of dorm life experience would be like. because this apartment life is what i can only imagine dorm life must feel like. so, i am as friendly as the simple hello and have no other clue. the other evening as an unseen neighbor seemed to be moving in, i followed a path of their belongs from the apartment building entryway door all the way to the door to the apartment next to mine. i thought to myself as i followed the path, leading me to my own door, that i was seeing, literally, all that this person possess. surely, i may be quite wrong, i thought to myself, my privacy must mean too much to me. but yet i am sure i could not leave my things out like that. is it really real, a bright shiny brand new golden brown bike with a bell, left. are neighbors that trusting. should i be that trusting? regardless.
i envy the people i know who spend their days domestically. and not because i feel the need to be all that domestic but for this simple reason, the afternoon light. i come home each late afternoon and any particulars i have about neighbors is flooded out by the immense amount of light beaming in through the windows. today i took a multitude of photos just because everything seemed just a little bit prettier and at five o' clock, it is quiet in my neighborhood because i think all the others have gone for happy hour and i just want to be in the light not in a bar. i seriously wonder if any of my other neighbors would appreciate the light in our neighborhood like i do. i mean, really, how important is the light? the quiet warm radiating light. if for the light i might actually be friendly and forget about my hermit-like list, just to ask a neighbor about their light. may be i ought to be the neighborhood light investigator and begin the process of actually being a good neighbor to my neighbors, by asking them about their light. oh brother, i am beginning to feel a little quarry-sheepish. so it's good night light. good night all. apartment resting.

::Telémakhos {my far away fighter}::

2009-03-05T00:25:00.002-05:00

Fresh from the studio table, ::Tele'makhos {my far away fighter}:: makes it's debut. This mixed media collage weighs in at 27" x 23", framed and 99% ready for upcoming exhibit at Createhere; FACES, for Palette2Palette.

It is too late for details, I will post asap.

::entertaining~entertaining::

2009-02-27T23:55:00.005-05:00

this past wednesday evening i had the pleasure of hosting the monthly book club dinner&discuss. it seems to me that i had stopped entertaining in the last years of being in my old apartment and i didn't know it, but had forgotten what joy and definition it brought to life. i stopped entertaining mainly because my old place had literally become a studio and because the walls seemed to be closing in so very fast. when i moved i was fortunate to give away and let go of so many things that cluttered my living and working space. i found in entertaining my friends the other night, that there was beauty again in the things i had decided to keep. dishes aren't usually something you can do without, obviously. it just felt nice to have a reason to use them and to appreciate them. i felt more appreciative of the fact that my guests came, than of what i thought i could offer by entertaining. mainly it just did me some good.

i also feel, in some respects i had become a little odd. in the sense that, hanging anything on my walls was something i feared doing. an absolutely maddening fear of driving in the nail and being so stubborn about it, even after inviting my mother over to help me take the step, hammer and measuring tape in hand. the fear sounds ridiculous to me. but it's over for now. i am not going to hang anything else for a little bit longer. oh and plus you'd think as an artist i'd have been given a free ticket ability to hang art, not a chance. the idea(s) are there, the desire is desperate but the skill&love is gone.

my only cooking mishap of the early evening came when i burnt something i was frying on the oven to a crisp, to a smokey, almost fire alarm sort of crisp. fans and doors flung open, i started over and won't ever ever try and fry bacon again, probably. it's not especially a meat i eat and secondly it's just not a cooking or frying me kind of thing. whatever freaky, split second thing happens in a pan, right before the whole of bacon stripes go up in flames, i have no clue, the science is something i'd like to leave in the lab, with a big fire extinguisher. and yeah, thankfully, for some fortunate reason, no lurking burnt bacon smell in my apartment, no waffle house odor lofting about, just a little garlicky around here. i am seriously ready for spring, i mean come on, all i want to do is show winter the door. leave the doors and windows open and not have winter re-invite herself back in for eight months.

if this has not been the long hard cold winter, i don't know what is, weathermen forecasting flood watches and snowfall, they only wish, chattanooga never sees the likes. if i'm gonna have to cozy up, i mine as well make more and more art. hopefully will finish ::telemachos thoughts:: tomorrow. until then, best weekend wishes to you all.

::wip::

2009-02-22T09:46:00.003-05:00

work in progress. and a bit adjusted for the sake of keeping some kind of big reveal a secret. there is just something about exposing the truth, before you're ready. i am currently working on several new works for an upcoming FACES exhibit. my guts feel queazy about exposing much too much. hopefully i will have something complete by the end of the weekend though.

i am hosting book club this week and will be focusing on dinner prep. i am going to finally hang things on my walls too. somehow finishing this piece would be nice before having company. so i have my deadline. you'll see it all soon.

::tenderly speaking::

2009-02-13T22:44:00.002-05:00

tempting as it might be to forget about trying my hand at something new, i have resisted and will begin a new. there are more portraits in landscapes to come. ::tenderly speaking:: is not the first time i have painted a portrait but it is the first in several years. my forrest has grown and filled a place for a couple of years and i have plans to grow it still, three dimensionally, so to speak, very soon, i hope. those details have yet to be drawn and stitched together but rather in the works. in the meantime there is place that i would like to rediscover and build upon here. there is absolutely no way that anyone can be more critical of my art than myself of it. there is great relief in knowing there is plenty of room in trying, over and over again. i have plenty of motivation and enthusiasm at this point. fresh is better than nothing, not making is possibly the worse. turns out "tenderly" is not a self portrait, rather a image flashing by like when you faint and there a floating face, a glimpse of someone you know or knew or saw once is there, forever and instantaneously imprinted in my mind. and so that's it.
i'd rather talk about adding the spice to your valentines day. i decided to bake a stack of sweetness instead of getting a six pack of beer. i'll wait.

and plus i have notice a whole lot going on lately. and wanted to shout it out, give and share the love.

3191 continues to conquer love, it's rather exciting to see.

there are 1000words of show&tell love. read february's and find a brother's heart for his little sister.

shelter is now providing home is where the heart is. immensely wonderful, if i do say so myself. being that i work for a general contractor and amongst builders and architects, and creative thinkers in general. i love it!

and to taste there seems to be a host of delightful treats at bake it pretty.

i am in love with the internet for one, and mostly i love my family and friends. have a happy valentine's day ya'll. cupid is calling. right?

hear with your eyes

2009-02-05T22:17:00.005-05:00

do you feel it?

2009-02-03T22:05:00.003-05:00

it's in the air. all around us. between the cracks and beneath the layers. it's often loud and often hard to hear. it's quietly moving in right beneath our noses. it can be swept under the rug and barely noticed or embraced and reciprocated. it's the one thing that seems so simple, four little letters that pack a punch. it's surprising and heartbreaking, earth-shattering and mysterious. it can be a blessing and a curse. it can be twisted and thwarted, tainted and tempting. it is the one word we have a "love-hate" relationship with. we stuff it, we buy it, we hoard it and carry it with us wherever we go. it makes us angry and turns us upside down and still we hear the beckoning, the invitation, the welcome mat is out, the open sign is on. it brings us to our knees. it can be arranged and timed. it can be blind and freeing. it can change everything. it's a huge responsibility. it's not political. it's what's for dinner, in the stars, a sacrifice. it's what we wish for, pray for, diet for. it's under the covers, feeding the homeless, adopting, parenting, creating, and living. it's all in the details and on the tip of the tongue. it does not rest. it will not give up. do you feel it?

::spring into step::

2009-02-01T09:42:00.003-05:00

i don't know about you but i am thinking and feeling more like spring. unfortunately, i think we here, still have a ways to go, after all those merryweathermen are calling for snow showers tomorrow. what? uh? ought there be some way to urge the warmth back into our hearts and homes? i would have to say so, no way the frigid temps are going to keep spring from my step.

between family gatherings, birthdays, late dinners and book club socials, i've found time to finish another little painting, i'm calling

::to be square:: it took a while because for such a tiny little thing i kept feeling like there was too much going on and i had to keep loading on the white paint. i believe i got it and i'm happy with how it turned out. i'll add it promptly to my etsy shop later on today or tomorrow. it will cost no less than sixty bucks with no additional shipping and handling.

i stayed up way too late last night to start and complete this sunburst//starburst project. i was determined and am so thankful. i'll be working on several more to hang in my large apartment windows. of course instead of curtains, to replace the snowflakes. i am so excited about how this turned out. it was of course not too too easy. the cones are a little tricky but i found that tacky glue works, dries fast and holds, you know?

i had this other idea to, cover all my my books in this white rice paper that kk1000 gave me like 10 years ago for christmas. at book club we talked about organization and how we each arrange our books. i'm not too worried about finding titles or authors, i've read all the books i have and very rarely do i go back to reference. i end up just letting people borrow but i think it'd be nice to have a white collection of books. awh!

i also have this pretty large lion painting that is so ridiculously gross, i'm not sure i oughta show it off. the good news is that it was given to me to paint over. so that's next on the to paint list. i'll have a few tiny little canvas squares i think i'm going to devote to paper quilts. we'll see.

oh and then there is valentines! i'm stocked to make my own to send out. cannot wait! 1st on my list of projects. yes yes yes!

:have a wonderful unlonely sunday, i'm going to the museum. it's free today.

::untitled something trees::

2009-01-19T21:04:00.002-05:00

ah, a sigh of relief. yes the kind after holding your breath, after a long winded explanation, after a long silent break. a sigh that feels like "okay, i've got it, the time has come, the ice has been broken and i might just be back in the swing of things". no problem. the table is now where i make my art {thanks jen for the fantastic offer, i might end up taking you up on it at some point} and it worked. it was comfortable enough. enough for now. enough to seek out what has been hidden underneath these wintery grey layers. and yes, i do keep thinking about the weather and self portraits and the tops of buildings and mountains. but mostly i want so badly for it to snow in my city and for the snow to sit like dollops on the trees and in drops on the sidewalk. but there is color inspiration too, the green kind and so amidst the snow there's a little spring mixed with raw earthy dirt stuff. no more blur. thank you fine line and indoor plant life again and again thank you.

::untitled something trees:: is immediately going to find it's place for sale at phantomcrimes.etsy for approximately sixty dollars which includes shipping and handling. it's small but sweet and such a reminder of new growth. hopefully, right? much more in store here, so check back frequently. i promise i make stuff. ha!

hassock collection

2009-01-18T12:06:00.002-05:00

hassock image and a terrible awful one at that but, you get the idea. i like them. a lot. and hopefully maybe one day i'll have more than two and one that is red, orange, and perhaps gold. i won't need them, will just want them. i'll giveaway something so as not to bulge at the seams. i am almost through with a new piece of art and will hopefully have it ready to show in a few minutes. until then well. have a nice restful sunday. put your feet up and relax.

goodbye andrew

2009-01-16T21:52:00.005-05:00

most thankful for:

andrew wyeth

green

sunlight

mothership wit

weekends

fine lines

museums

knee socks

indoor plant life

friendship

work

tissue paper

155 safe and sound

mother

fingerless mittens

pebbles

new music

book club

cheez-its

tweezers

southside

rabbit ears

salvation army

afghans

a new day

saving up

2009-01-12T21:04:00.003-05:00

there has not been much room lately for blogging. on the other hand there's been plenty of other activity and a tad more sunlight. the natural kind. the kind i like even when the temperatures are freezing frigid. since the holidays, life has slowed into a pleasant pace and settling in has felt better than making art. last night i began two new pieces. i feel like i am saving up the moments, storing up feelings and ideas. before moving i kept thinking about my new place and what it would be like and now it's here and i live in it. it is hard to adjust and make a place to create in this new place. i feel no need to have space outside of my place to create art but it's awkward, trying to figure it out. i have plenty of space, it's just the trying to coordinate the space in a way that works well for me between the comings and goings and gatherings. i received an ikea gift card from the guys at the office for christmas, which is so nice, but after perusing online, i'm not so sure, what it is i want to go for. shelves or tables or rugs or storage or what. i think i'll figure it out, there's no urgency. aside from all of this and that. all is well. and soon hopefully soon i'll have something new to show for this great pause.

a little more::to do

2009-01-04T21:33:00.003-05:00

i have just a couple more things to get done before i begin making art again. the day after christmas i took a little trip to insyde outsyde with my mom and aunt. my mom found this great little tray cart practically brand new, for only ten bucks. we went to the knitting mills and i found a bright green tiny square hassock too but, i haven't got a good image of it to show. it has come in quite handy, taking down the higher placed christmas decor. i finished writing all of my thank you letters last night and have just a tiny stack of stuff to sort through before i will actually feel like oh nine has begun. for instance; getting a new calendar and address book for one.

the weather has been slightly crumby the last few days. just this dreary overcastness i love only it's been like five days in a row. it happens to be great weather for exercise though, i'm finding out. not too hot, not to cool and a constant fine mist, is just
what the new year ordered. i suppose.

the holidays went by so quickly, i welcomed the rest and relaxation after a more stressful close to the year. i look around and can barely believe i have moved and that i'm making a new home for myself. it has been nice to have the family come up and friends out to break it all in and make it feel a little more comfy home. what else is there to say, as of yet, i'm not up to making any resolutions, at least not until i have a better view of the year via a desk calendar. got any suggestions? it seems to be all that's on my mind lately.

.:merry christmas eve:.

2008-12-24T14:10:00.003-05:00

hi people! just a quicky here. yesterday i celebrated my 33rd birthday. i had a full day and for a very brief but delightful moment the sun came out. i had to jump and get my camera and shoot a few. the shadows were magnificent. oh the western sun. i love it! as i was leaving to meet my folks for dinner i got stuck in my apartment building elevator. that's not happened to me before. i had no idea what i should do. there is, you know, a fire department button and a 24 hour elevator help line button. i decided to push the help line button. i was "rescued" with in 25 minutes or so. i thought surely i would be in the box for hours. to make matters just a little worse my cell phone battery was dying quickly and well i wasn't sure if help did not come, i'd have communications with the outside world. ha! needless to say i am completely fine. excellent, really. just another little adventure. today i've been wrapping gifts and making secret paper presents for a little niece and nephew. i'm expecting to get a visitor here in a minute. a last minute art shopper. can not believe it! i'll be back tomorrow most likely. until then have a very merry christmas eve. peace and love.

in celebration

2008-12-22T11:58:00.005-05:00

if words are not enough or rather i haven't got the vocabulary abilities to describe how a shiny bright cold day can fill and lift my spirits, than i am clearly and utterly without. there is power in the audible, a worship of sound and light that can be so. i am so impatient and cannot believe how little weight i feel. the roads are bumpy and i despise the potholes and have to negotiate with rainy grey days but the darker and deeper and harder they are the more glittery, eye splitting a day like this one is. uh-uh! i press on. to celebrate the beginning. the hope. i want to paint today. probably will break it all out, all at once.

last evening, we celebrated my "33". oh and if you can only imagine. everything is about to change and the more the better. i love my new music. i love my clementines and "S" cookies. i love the warmest socks and the quiet of my new apartment. i love finding what lies beneath and turning itself over in my head. today it all feels good. to throw off the old ways. i'd rather dance. i love a good vacation. and a good internal celebration of all the crazy external feels good. there is room here for you. celebrate with me.

sunny yellow::rain

2008-12-20T14:54:00.005-05:00

we've been having rain and more rain and today even more. it seems to feel a little like spring outdoors, warm enough to turn off the hvac and open doors and windows. while i was able to bake some cookies this morning, just wrapped them up, i started to think about how much a great big snow would just make this holiday. i'd love it. i have been trying to imagine seeing the city under a blanket of white. hope for it, cross my fingers and wish. also on the inside i couldn't decide if i'd display my sunny yellow eggcup collection again or not. silly i think to have such a collection when i do not even eat eggs out of cups or ever (unless baked into goodies). i'm glad to have just a small out of the way nook to place this old little corner shelf, it's something i just cannot seem to get rid of. most of the cups came from a big antique store a little outside of chattanooga. others came from ebay. most of them seem old with beaks chipped. on another rainy day a corner like this is a much needed bright spot.

ready for

2008-12-18T23:13:00.003-05:00

i am close to feeling ready, finished and more at home. all but a few boxes have been unpacked and things are close to being in their places. it is hard to say because i have no plans to hang any thing on the walls quite yet and i plan to repack things according to usage after the holidays. i think i feel ready enough to have company, regardless of how my to do and to get lists grow. i am enjoying the minimal and am finding i really did get rid of a whole lot of useless, needless stuff. it's going to be complicated when i try and start back to making art. but i have time. i am looking at going back to work at the pharmacy. so far i have not been able to get anyone to hire but i plan to call the dm. i am sold on my new place, especially on the view. it's terribly ridiculous of me to take the same photos everyday but i think i am addicted. though i'm still smoking, there's not a bit of smoking going on on the inside of my new treehouse. so yeah. i'm really tired and never got around to making cookies this week but it's going to happen. and crazy me, i've not done a lick of christmas shopping. it's gonna have to wait until the weekend. goodness.

winter is for...

2008-12-11T22:46:00.003-05:00

knee socks worn with flip flops. new ornaments. handmade ornaments. store bought ornaments or more finely handcrafted ornaments. winter is for the chill and for great big cold gasps of air. winter is for cozy and for piles of blankets on the bed. winter is for pinching pennies in order to snap up the best little gifts for family and friends. winter is for reading more, listening to music more, lighting advent and remembering. winter is for cookies and lots of them. winter is for non traditional wrapping, which might be at least my second to favorite thing to do this time of the year.

maybe i'm a little biased about winter, or at least december. it is after all my month and so it seems winter runs in my blood. does that seem right?

corner creep

2008-12-10T21:12:00.003-05:00

i will have to space out the scenery, scope out the fine lines and take less from the city. but when there is a corner that seems as creepy it happens to be difficult not to focus and imagine it's possible inhabitants. and in fact the move has been halted, only because i want the bookshelves in place before i go and decor the "flat". and a stud finder before i go and nail the walls. my brothers, and there are two of them, came over to help me welcome this new place into my life. one brother, a contractor and the other brother, a writer. we stood on my balcony//deck and looked and talked briefly about building details and readymade magazine writing. i would like to spend my evening writing letters, updating folks on my new mailing address but i do not think the usps has decided the number. i think it must be pretty difficult. the drug dealer on the creepy corner and the church next door and the weird warehouse across the street, they have their place. i am just here looking and talking about this place and will let you know as soon as i feel at home. believe me, i am not scared. the storm last night only made me wake up once and i am not smoking inside so this morning, i met with the rain, thunder and lighting. when i know more i'll write more.

p.s. i received my copy of 'creative paper quilts' last week. i can finally say without an ounce of doubt that i have been published. after a year's worth of work and waiting it was difficult not to begin to believe the worse but the book is nice and i think having my art on the cover is something to shout about!!!

free radicals

2008-12-07T20:35:00.003-05:00

i like light for all of the million and one ways it is captured and moved and used. the instant light is born from the darkness, feelings emerge along lines that change as the sun rises to set and the moon turns it's face. natural light is intense and filters well through the lens. artificial light often glows, blurs and frays, especially at night. light is obvious and so meaningful to me. good lighting makes or breaks an atmosphere, the environment has seriously got to be just right. light lifts the burden of having to see in the dark, it reveals the darkest corners and seeps from underneath doors. it warms and cools simultaneously. serves me well. so well i like light and like the color that light gives. it's so worth everything to me to see light and to understand it scientifically. i am especially thankful for the good christmas party lighting this weekend. it turns out that i am fairly addicted to light, it is not a silly thing, but light can make me what to cry sometimes. just maybe that's the reason i love the city, the lights at night, awh! a city's beauty is often seen at night. oh boy!

502 & hello

2008-12-06T19:14:00.004-05:00

all of my life i have dreamt of living in the city. i have found that the city breathes and murmurs and whispers just like the country, only there are different rhythms, beats, smells and secrets. i am accustomed to these things and take small comfort in all the city parts. including the new view. this early morning i saw the city in a different light, from a new perspective. it is telling me something only and maybe (when i have time, unpack and get better at it) i can repeat by taking photos, sharing the mystery, if that's what you want to call it. i am so ready for this. i am ready for the balcony and the westward sunset. i'm saying goodbye once and for all to my northern view and saying hello to the west. there are mountains behind the city that i've never seen before and it is all so very welcoming. there are mounds of reasons to move to the city, i'm so glad i found my reason, so thankful i have a heart for the city. i am happy!

Art Sale::50% Off All!!!

2008-11-30T09:46:00.002-05:00

Today is the day! All of of my art work will go on sale at 50% off in my etsy shop at 1:00 p.m. EST. If you have specific questions about art work or are interested in commission work please feel free to contact me. All orders made with in the United States before December 15, 2008 will be shipped before December 25, 2008. If you live locally, alternative delivery options may be available.

I want to thank you all for coming out yesterday to Holiday in St. Elmo. Even though it was cold and rainy we had a blast! Your support and encouragement is appreciated and motivating. I will be taking a break over the holiday season from making art. I am moving next weekend so that leaves art supplies to be unpacked at my earliest convenience.

Happy Shopping Folks! See you at Phantomcrimes!

::saving genevieve::& number 500

2008-11-27T10:50:00.004-05:00

with two very well baked (twice baked) pumpkin pies checked off the list and laundry drying i can now relax, catch up with the thanksgiving parts of this day. i just completed my last piece (most likely) for holiday in st. elmo, ::saving genevieve::, a 15"x15" mixed media collage on gallery stretched canvas, paper backed and ready to hang. the title of this jellyfish tree piece is a tribute to the long ago small children's book i once collaborated on with a friend. where a fish named ferris mistakes a bright yellow balloon, genevieve, as the sun and accidentally pulls her down into the ocean with him. i cannot help but remember the painstaking hours practicing drawing the perfect balloon shape and now the shape has morphed into a jellyfish. it seems i've been drawing these shapes for a long time.

with a day to go until h.i.s.e, i've got a packed out list of things to do to get ready. thankfully i'm still not stressed, except for the reports of possible rain on saturday. we're just going to have to bite the bullet, i know most have been through worse, outdoor festivals are almost always an adventure. i am terribly excited, to say the least, to be showing with kk, to have this opportunity.

and today, this post just happens to be # 500! i would never have thought this milestone might've been possible. i guess because as i look back on years of blogging, the numbers didn't matter, i only loved the process of expressing myself here. and most give up, fizzle out, at least here you can see how much things have changed in my life. it is rather embarrassing at times, something hilarious in the way i used to get so passionate about certain things. i have oft changed my focus over the last four years and now phantomcrimes feels more like a showcase and less like a forum or pedestal. thank goodness i came around to having some sense. there have been some memorable moments, too many to count.

in one short week i'll be changing the scene again, posting might be sporadic for a bit, until i get settled into my new place. i have really no idea what to expect. next weekend, i'll just have to take things as they come, accordingly, i'll be showing a piece at the MAINX24 Artist Showcase and attempting to unpack, hit a couple of key events and decorate for christmas. by no means do i see impossibility. maybe just a little more heavy sighing and thanks-giving to and for all of the happy art buyers, happy moving helpers, happy hot beverages and spice cookies! i am hinting around here, aren't i? nonetheless the sun is shining, certain my clothes are well done, and a dog show is about to begin. have a super day! be back asap.

::jellyfish trees::

2008-11-23T13:14:00.003-05:00

more trees, new lines, new inspiration and motivation to continue to try and build and grow. i love this one and will begin today on another larger version. i went to fitness together yesterday to pick up the majority of my work and thank goodness i did. i found two of my pieces in the very back closet and on another two pieces i found dust an inch deep had landed and been neglected. totally fault of mine for not considering or thinking about my art there. so it's a week away from holiday in st. elmo, once again crunch time and i'm feeling pretty good about it all. i'll have work that has all been completed in the last year plus many new smaller affordable pieces for show and sale. what isn't sold will then be added to my etsy shop, selling at discount. it'll be the first time i have ever sold major stock at discount. should be interesting. right? until then i'll keep you updated on new work completed between today and the friday after thanksgiving. after i make two pumpkin pies, i'll pack the dishes. see you back here soon. have a nice and cozy sunday.

::silently trees::

2008-11-18T21:53:00.004-05:00

i seem to be nursing the sniffles tonight but got a shot off of my newest piece, ::silently trees:: i think i am finally finished with these trees. i spent a couple hours drawing and have come up with at least one new idea. it's not like i have become lazy or that these little pieces take any less time, it's just the design feels flushed. i have absolutely no idea. i love painting in and layering so much, i find it addictive but it does not help the maturation of well anything but repetition or something.

does anyone know how to finish packing up their home? this last little bit has me baffled. shoes? how will i know which ones i will want to wear again or more than any other pair before i move? dishes? it's just me, i only need one of everything i am going to need between now and then but, it feels complicated. is it not? oh well. i'll figure it out. i'm just thinking about thanksgiving and making pumpkin pie and more spice cookies. oh brother.

save it

2008-11-17T21:39:00.001-05:00

counting down

2008-11-15T09:01:00.003-05:00

last weekend my treehouse apartment looked and felt rather overwhelming. i took ten bags of "giveaway" stuff to the salvation army, which alone helped me with the flooding affects of stuff. i still have about three weeks to go here but, i think the countdown can begin. the only things i have left to pack are clothing, dishes, and the art supplies i'll need for upcoming shows.

last night after work i went to bed at 6:30 p.m. and slept until my alarm went off this morning at 7:00 a.m. i did wake at around 4 a.m. and ate some tuna, did a crossword puzzle and then slept again. with me, this nervous energy had to be slept off. today is going to be a little different. i am going to paint and begin the process of packing dishes. i dread the glass, and thankfully have little of it to worry about. most of my dish ware is of the melmine or melmac sort. the plastic colorful kind you might have had when you were a kid.

i have got to be at home this morning, the maintenance men are coming back to finish off patching the drywall in my ceiling. i was hoping they'd wait until i moved out but i cannot be completely selfish about this process. i've been so fortunate up until now, with provision after provision, there is little or no complaint. i'm working hard to prevent negativity from entering into my thoughts, it is so tempting but alas, celebration is in order, the brand new southside flats await.

coffee is brewing, going to get myself another cup. have a nice weekend, i'll be back with new art works by the end of the weekend.

favorite & thinking

2008-11-09T10:17:00.004-05:00

this time of year is undeniably my favorite part. i must say it every year to reassure myself or spread the autumn gospel truth. i feel like i have a secret sense and am able to see things that others do not. the light changes and my stomach turns over on to itself, like it used to, when starting back to school in the fall. nervous energy nudges me awake in the morning before it's time as if the day holds a gift yet to be unwrapped. something happens during this time. i like taking more photos and now after a long year of creating a lot of new art work, i am finding new places of comfort with the brush, pen and pencil. coffee and biscuits taste better. caramel apple cupcakes from rembrandt's are no longer too sweet. i remember family fall hikes and mom telling us we oughta walk like indians through the woods. i sing the praises of light, filtered, waning sun.

oh i am nervous about moving. it seems like this place has been my home for so long. i see now how seriously settled in here i have become, even more than i thought. i will not miss the neighbors or the terribly loud street noise. i do not think i'll even miss the view. i think i'll miss the fact that i made it my home after so many years of neglecting home for so long. this place was a refuge, protection needed from stormy thoughts and tidal wave consequences. november holds a few unknowns yet. i'll know more, more towards the end of the month after a couple of art shows. i know these next three weeks are going to be the best, packing, dispersing and then recreating a home. i am glad that the heat of the summer has passed, for that loading and unloading boxes i might not break a sweat.

this morning i posted all new art works in my etsy shop. a total of three pieces for your hemming and hawing pleasure. i have decided "the" sale will be at the end of november. i'll mark whatever is left from showing at HISE down 1/2 price. how's that sound?

have a nice sunday. i'm off now.

::pbn trees::&::speaking to me trees::

2008-11-06T20:27:00.005-05:00

apparently the trees keep coming and it does not seem i have done anything to stop them. i am beginning to wonder if i have any control at all, of the forest growing. i find that i still need to learn something in this series and keep finding new ways to layer and describe lines and posture trees against the sky. ::pbn trees:: in the top photo is another small one for holiday in st. elmo. i happen to think someone might like this one, it's soft on the eye and quiet. i keep thinking about how fun it would be to create landscapes in animation. i still wish for a way to get these trees compiled into a nice big cardboard coffee table book. it is going to happen, along with a album of forest growing music. one day.
i had the opportunity to show in AVA's three day all member salon show last weekend and happened to get a shot off of ::speaking to me trees:: this one seems a little neon-y to me, no so sure. i think i look at it this way, all the little squiggly lines are actual parts of the trees and you have to imagine getting glimpses of the branches and leaves through the light. the idea is that the light is flooding out the trees, blinding one's few from seeing the entire tree. i feel like the rocks in this one are pretty nice too, if i can say so myself. i got some pencil in there and went a little crazy. oh well. this one too will be in the tent at hise! i have a couple more 8x10's and then i have been called to create some bigger things...sortof.

these days are quite amazing, every moment seems a little more breath taking than the next. do you feel it too?