Abbigail Knowlton Israelsen

Cover Art

2011-08-02T15:27:00.000-04:00

My artwork is on the Summer 2011 cover of the magazine Exponent II.

Two of my intaglio prints were also featured inside the magazine. What a pleasure it was to receive this in the mail a few days ago.

Made to Move

2011-08-02T15:13:00.000-04:00

A small recent drawing titled, Plunge, will be included in the Made to Move art show which is a 3 art production, artist collective with Leah Gauthier, Sara Jones and Andrea Wenglowskyj. The small exhibition will be shown in under served places such as hospitals, libraries, prisons, etc. Each artwork will be smaller than five inches to expedite the moving of the work.

I found it difficult to create something so small because I usually like to work much larger. It was a challenge and I am so glad to be a part of the Made to Move exhibition.

Plunge: graphite, watercolor, acrylic, and spray paint on rag paper, 5" X 4.5 "

Burrows

2011-01-02T17:28:00.001-05:00

I found a book from my childhood last time I visited my parents house. Inspired by some of the illustrations in the book of underground burrows, I began drawing a subterranean world.

Surrounded within a cold, bleak forest facilitated the invention of a warm place in the dirt.

The burrow drawing in process using graphite, watercolor, and spray paint on rag paper.

Preparing

2010-11-23T13:31:00.001-05:00

I have been busy drawing and painting in preparation for my upcoming show at beautiful Berry College in less than two months.

I have started a number of new drawings and hope to finish as many as I can for the exhibition.

Three new drawings tacked on studio wall.

Another drawing I am working on of underground burrows.

Detail of the tubing that is growing out of the tree stumps in a recent drawing.

Another detail of a nursing mother coyote surrounded by burning sticks.

Great news! I have been asked to submit writing and work for an upcoming book by Ashley Rooney titled 100 Midwest Artists. It should be in publication late 2011.

Fawn

2010-10-15T15:19:00.000-04:00

A recent drawing that may or may not be completed.

Materials used:

Graphite, Watercolor, Acrylic, Glue, Glitter on rag paper.

9X11inches

Critique Group

2010-10-07T11:12:00.000-04:00

Since moving to Bloomington I have been graciously welcomed into a critique group of fabulous local artists. We are working on a drawing project together. Here are a few images from our first critique of the project.

Process

2010-09-25T15:07:00.001-04:00

I have a few projects underway. I am working on a large drawing for a group show proposal with a collection of Bloomington artists. The photo shows how I often begin, testing images and placement on tracing paper. After I solidify the composition and content, I transfer the drawing to paper.

A small multi media painting in process. I saw a recently hit fawn on the highway a few weeks back. I have not been able to get it out of my head. The fawn reminds me of the innocence and beauty of the forest and the narratives that are contained within.

When to Stop

2010-09-10T11:53:00.002-04:00

I always wonder when is it time to stop working on a drawing. Other than an exhibition date approaching or extreme boredom with the image, I always want to add more. Since recently returning to the studio I have been treating my drawings if they are precious. I hesitate to work on them or try new things. I hate feeling that way, it is as if my hands are tied behind my back.

I already overworked this drawing last week with too much spray paint. I still hesitate to add more, even though I considered it wasted.

When is more really more and when is more too much?

This continues to run through my mind. I will walk away from this drawing for a day or two until I feel more confident in my choices.

Back to Work

2010-08-31T13:58:00.001-04:00

My summer has been filled with a lot of traveling and newborn care. Since my little one arrived in June I have been spending as much time with my family as possible. Now he is a little older I am working in the studio when he sleeps and big sister is at preschool.

Here are a few small studies, testing some new media and reminding my fingers how to draw.

I will post photos of the drawings when they are done and I have started some larger works. I am hoping for some quiet time in my future to prepare for upcoming exhibitions.

Until then, I will enjoy this small, sweet, child.

Swope Opening

2010-07-13T14:04:00.000-04:00

On Saturday I attended the opening of the Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition. It was fun to visit Terre Haute for the first time. The old downtown was beautiful especially the Swope Art Museum and the Indiana Theater.

There were many people at the opening from around Indiana. I enjoyed seeing old and new friends. The artwork was very diverse and the show was very well done. I really enjoyed walking through the rest of the museum and looking at the permanent collection and the amazing architecture.

The exhibition will run from July 10- September 4, 2010.

66th Annual Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition, Swope Art Museum

2010-07-03T19:28:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to have one of my drawings included in the Annual Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition this year at the Swope Art Museum. I will be attending the opening reception to receive the Alliance of the Swope Award of Honor for my drawing, Strangled. I can't wait to visit Terre Haute for the first time and meet old and new friends at the celebratory party.

66th Annual Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition

July 10- September 4, 2010

Opening Reception: Saturday, July 10, 2010

4:00-6:00 PM

Swope Art Museum

Award Ceremony at 4:00 PM

Delusions Installation Views

2010-05-30T21:30:00.000-04:00

Delusions: Abbigail Knowlton Israelsen recently closed at the Waldron Arts Center's Flashlight Gallery. It was a great opportunity to show some drawings in a very unique space. I had a lot of support from the community and am eager to push my work further.

Water Baby

2010-04-20T12:00:00.003-04:00

My recently finished drawing is called Water Baby in reference to my inspiration, The Water-Babies, A Fairy Tale for a Land Baby. I found this story in one of my old fairy tale books and thought it was inspiring. At one point in the fairy tale the Water Baby watches a creature metamorphous into a new being when silky dragonflies break through a hole in his back. The Water Baby is very jealous and wishes he too could change into something so beautiful.

While working on this drawing I also was reminded of the nursery rhyme Sing a Song of Sixpence, where four and twenty blackbirds were baked in a pie.

Photographs of the entire drawing will be on my website soon. Or please come to Delusions at The Waldron Arts Center opening May 7, 2010 to see it in person.

Geode Lake and Strangled

2010-04-08T18:18:00.001-04:00

Two drawing finished. Details of Strangled and Geode Lake are shown above. If you would like to see the full images please visit my website.

More to come.

Three In Progress

2010-03-31T18:15:00.001-04:00

I have been working on three large drawings for some time. I was hoping to have them wrapped up but I had to spend quite a few days in the hospital with pnuemonia putting me back a few weeks. I have been taking some time off of studio work to recover.

This shows the early development of the drawings. I compose them on tracing paper and then transfer the image to rag paper once the composition settled.

I have been working on these drawings together hoping that they would show some sort of unity in thought and process. They are all related through the narrative.

They are works in progess, but coming along. They are brighter than I usually work and make me a little uncomfortable. I like to push the drawings into unknown territory because at least I know I am pressing myself. Whether they turn out is another story, but the uncertainty is good.

Beginnings

2010-01-12T11:00:00.002-05:00

I finished these three drawings for the exhibition in Minnesota. I was hoping to make more drawings and create an installation. May work more on them later, but they are done for now. I just need to frame them and ship them today! Beginnings 1: graphite, acrylic, watercolor, watercolor pencils, spray paint on rag paper.

Beginnings 3: graphite, watercolor, watercolor pencils, spray paint on rag paper.

Beginnings 2: graphite, watercolor, watercolor pencils, spray paint on rag paper.

I will be receiving some new metal flat files tomorrow. They are greatly needed to organize my drawings and to protect them from little creatures that sneak in from the forest.

Working Again

2010-01-01T13:32:00.004-05:00

After weeks and months of feeling ill due to my pregnancy, I am back working again. I am so happy to be making drawings and trying some new techniques.
Emily, a friend of mine from grad school, invited me to participate in an exhibition The Other F Word at the University of Minnesota Morris. I have started work on two new drawings hoping to complete and send them to Minnesota within two weeks. These photos of the drawings are in process and very rough.

Graphite, gold spray paint, and watercolor on rag paper.

My proposal for a solo show at the Waldron Art Center was accepted! In the next few months I will be preparing for Delusions: Abbigail Knowlton Israelsen at the Flashlight Gallery of the Waldron Art Center in Bloomington, Indiana. The show opens in the beginning of May and will keep my mind off of my growing belly and keep my hands very busy.

Inspriations and work space

2009-10-12T12:54:00.002-04:00

I have begun a new series of paintings on canvas. It is strange for me to not work on paper as I have done for many years. I want to experiment with these canvases and use them as studies for a larger piece. As you can see my work space is rather messy. I try to keep it tidy, but things keep piling up but I think the piles add information to my work somehow.

My daughter's workspace looks very similar. She also did a painting on one of the canvases. Hers is Itsy Bitsy Spider. Some inspiration for the new work is all around me. There are many geodes and fossils surrounding the stream in my forest. I have become fascinated with these rocks, they are so mysterious and ancient. My daughter and her cousin are standing next to a pile of them that we collected.

I have been thinking of ships again and the traveling that happens in my dreams and nightmares of when I was ill. This rough paint by number is hung in my studio and I reference it often.

The beautiful weaving of roots and plant life that is found in the forest floor and its ever changing nature.

Coyotes on my mind

2009-09-29T21:09:00.002-04:00

Finished this drawing today. After a few small works, I am ready to go a bit larger.
Materials used: Graphite, Watercolor, Ink on rag paper.
Size: 9 X 12 inches

Detail: Coyote

2009-09-18T14:19:00.001-04:00

Detail of recent drawing of Coyote.
Materials used: graphite, pen, ink, watercolor and watercolor pencil on rag paper.

Ludovic Le Couster & Sébastien Preschoux Forest Art

2009-09-09T18:53:00.003-04:00

Now that I live in a forest, I have been brainstorming ways to incorporate my surroundings into my artwork in some way. Above is Superficial by Michel de Broin. It is a big rock enveloped in faceted mirrors.

I really love the work by Le Couster and Preschoux in the Auvers Sur Oise forest in France. Very inspiring and lovely.

Found on pablogt.com.

Untitled Drawing

2009-09-09T15:16:00.003-04:00

This drawing is made of graphite and watercolor on rag, then cut out creating a delicate wreath shape.

Here is a detail of the drawing. I will get some photos with some decent lighting for my website, but until then these will do.

Little Drawing

2009-09-07T16:13:00.001-04:00

Here is a small little drawing that I have been working on for a few days. It is near completion, but I have to think about it a little bit more.

Back to work

2009-09-02T13:09:00.002-04:00

After a LONG summer of moving to a new state and into a new home, I am happy to say that I am back to work in the studio! It has been a slow start because of time I have spent away, but I am thrilled to be making work again. Detail of some of my new drawings in process. I am starting with some small studies.Beautiful view out of my studio window offers me much inspiration. If you would like to see some of my efforts to make my studio child friendly visit my personal blog.

David O'Brien Drawings

2009-08-15T16:29:00.003-04:00

Found David O'Brien on the blogosphere and I was really inspired by his drawings. Beautiful line work and amazing color. Data Collection

Validated Scribble #1

Klara Kristalova at SITE Santa Fe

2009-07-06T20:14:00.003-04:00

This past week I had the great pleasure of visiting SITE Santa Fe in New Mexico. They were exhibiting three artists but I was entirely enchanted by Klara Kristalova's ceramic work. Her work approaches the sinister side of her imagination and dreams. The ceramic pieces were very simple and straight forward and obviously hand made. I found them incredibly inspiring and beautiful.

Bloomington Studio

2009-06-09T18:12:00.002-04:00

My studio is slowly coming together. After a few days of work it is getting more organized and I have found the floor again. I have a few more boxes to unpack and need to buy some more tables and storage solutions. I will post some better photos when it is all the way unpacked and ready for work. Computer table, printer, rolls of paper, boxes, and dog.

framed artwork leaning against the wall, record player, more storage.

paper flat files, drawing storage, bookcases with and without doors.

How the studio looked on the day we moved in. "We just finished unpacking the last moving truck and this is how my new studio looks. I wonder how I will ever find some sort of organization and sense of peace I am hoping for. The view out my windows is amazing and I can't wait to make some new work here. "

Yarn Tricks install for Collected at the Anton Art Center

2009-05-09T12:08:00.004-04:00

Some of our pieces from the collaborative Yarn Tricks will be included in the Anton Art Center's show Collected. The opening reception will be May 15, 6-9 PM. Julie is hanging some of the last pieces for Story 4. Big thanks to Julie, Sarah, and Alison for helping us pull it all together.

Cache Magazine: The Herald Journal

2009-04-27T19:13:00.005-04:00

To see the entire article visit the news section on my website.

Goodbye Ann Arbor Studio

2009-04-25T19:52:00.004-04:00

I have started to pack up my Ann Arbor studio. I need to clear the space for visitors and also to get my house ready to sell. I thought the studio deserved a tribute. Although the studio was often messy and unorganized, it provided me with a lot of physical and emotional space to make my drawings. I am moving to a bigger studio and it has a beautiful view, but I will always love all the time I have spent working at this table.

Yarn Tricks: Collaboration with Julie Prokop

2009-04-05T13:07:00.005-04:00

These past few weeks I have been working on our collaborative project called Yarn Tricks with Julie Prokop. Our work will be included in "Collected" at the Anton Art Center in May, 2009. I have included a few photos of some of the drawings from Story One in process.

Jim Stoten's Sketchbooks

2009-03-28T18:41:00.003-04:00

I just ran across some inspiring sketchobook drawings by Jim Stoten on Book By Its Cover. They are so colorful and detailed, they are really amazing.

Austria For Beginners

2009-03-01T19:27:00.003-05:00

I have been invited to participate in the show, Austria for Beginners, at the Museum of New Art in Pontiac, Michigan. I will be showing my thesis video, Beguiled. The opening is this coming Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 6-9 PM. I hope that you are able to join me and some amazing artists for the opening!

New Drawing

2009-01-25T18:43:00.000-05:00

Minkyung Lee, friend and inspriation

2009-01-20T00:54:00.004-05:00

Minkyung went to graduate school with me and now lives in Korea. I learned so much from her and continue to be inspired by her new work. Min states: Through the process of becoming a small miniature from an actual room, the room is more simplified. As consciously personal criteria of social and cultural status are removed, places reveal their authentic structure to role frame conveying human beings life.

The work is thoughtful and beautiful.

Tiger's Breath

2009-01-18T11:02:00.003-05:00

Tigers Breath is a small drawing I am working on. It is done with watercolor and graphite on a digital print.

Ann Arbor Women Artists Winter Exhibition

2009-01-17T20:00:00.003-05:00

Ann Arbor Women Artists is a wonderful group that I have joined this past year. The Winter Exhibition recently opened at the University of Michigan League and I am excited to be included in the show and to receive an honorable mention. It was wonderful to meet more of my local colleagues at the opening.

Michigan Annual

2009-01-17T19:53:00.002-05:00

Join me for the opening reception on Friday, Jan. 23rd from 6-9 PM. I am excited to have two digital prints in the exhibit and know that the other work will look great!

Collecting Objects: The Timeline Project

2009-01-08T15:53:00.002-05:00

#481004, The Horn Forest of my Timeline Project for the Art House Co-op.
Materials used: graphite and watercolor.

At the Art House Co-op in Atlanta, Georgia; my timeline project will be displayed in an opening on January 23, 2009.

Unicorns for the Timeline Project

2009-01-02T11:09:00.001-05:00

Materials used: graphite, watercolor on digital print

New Year, New Work...

2009-01-01T19:49:00.002-05:00

Today I went with my Dad to my new studio and did some work for the first time there. Here are a few photos from the set. I have a lot more new drawings to work with, so hopefully I will have a number of new images this week.

Another piece for the Timeline

2008-12-28T12:54:00.002-05:00

Materials used: watercolor, graphite, on cut digital print.

Riding

2008-12-21T22:28:00.006-05:00

This is the latest in my timeline project. This piece is small, 8X10", it seems to be begging for a larger paper. I may work this image again larger or with more empty space. I don't think it is done, it doesn't seem right to me. I will sit on it for now and think.
Materials used: graphite, watercolor, and watercolor pencils on rag paper.

Transfusion

2008-12-15T13:05:00.004-05:00

Another piece for the timeline project that I am working on. graphite, watercolor on digital print.

Library

2008-12-14T17:44:00.002-05:00

8.5 X 11" graphite, watercolor, and digital print
The first of a series for a timeline project.

Modern Nativity

2008-12-06T21:58:00.001-05:00

Kitty introduces her modern plastic fascination to the nativity scene. I like this updated view of Christianity.

New Studio Space

2008-12-06T21:28:00.003-05:00

Here is a photo of my new studio space that I am renting. It is awesome and a great deal. I can't wait to get some work done and clear out some room in my house.
I will post some more pics when I move in.

Wallpaper at the Teton Artlab

2008-12-04T06:28:00.005-05:00

Wallpaper, opening Friday December 5, 6 -8 pm Exhibit Dates December 5 - 30
Teton Artlab presents a "Salon" style works on paper exhibit featuring works by over 20 American artists.
This invitational exhibit features work by Tom Woodhouse, David Gottfried, Rachel Kunkle Hartz, Travis Walker, Julia Randall, Abbie Miller, Benjamin Carlson, Aaron Wallis, and others. (including me, Abbigail Knowlton Israelsen)
I am thrilled to be invited to participate in this show and love to imagine my work in Jackson Hole. I am from the West and adore the thought of my work returning "home."
Hopefully more pics to come.

Tiger Nightmares

2008-11-26T09:34:00.003-05:00

For some reason I have reoccurring dreams that have tigers in them. They are usually chasing me or just sitting in my home in a threatening way. I had a pretty juicy one last night, so while it was fresh on my mind I did a little work this morning. I think the one above is my favorite of the group.

This photo is just to show my low tech process. I like the way it connects the real with the drawn line of the paper cut outs. I am focusing on pink in my new work.

Love This....

2008-11-25T12:17:00.002-05:00

Think Make Think, by Clifton Burt

A Lot

2008-11-23T20:23:00.004-05:00

I started working on this drawing a few days ago. I added the wolves using lazertran paper. I didn't really like it or know what to do next. Afterwards, I just did whatever came to my mind, or felt right. When I don't have a set plan for my drawings I let the drawings go where they want to. Sometimes it works out to be better than any plan. Other times, it is a disaster. I am not sure where this one falls.
I think I am going to do a little bit more work on it. Even though I have already done a lot to it.

Whether the drawings turn out or not, I really enjoy making things when I have no idea what to do next or how it will turn out. It is a great way to experiment and push myself past the usual.

Sea Serpents

2008-11-16T19:58:00.002-05:00

Another drawing that I completed using the same photo as Seas to Forest as the basis of the piece. This drawing is a bit more haunting then the previous and more indicative of what I am really try to illustrate.

Seas to Forests

2008-11-09T18:16:00.003-05:00

A drawing I completed today on a photographs of my small sets. I used watercolor and graphite on the digital print. I like the transparency and luminosity that these materials give the piece.

More experiments

2008-11-07T13:37:00.007-05:00

Today I worked in the basement with my lights and little drawings. I am pleased with the how rich the color is in these few pieces.

I took a few photos with the sheep. I wasn't planning on using him, but it seemed right. The sheep reminds me of nursery tales I sing to my daughter over and over.

Ship drawings begin

2008-11-01T22:37:00.003-04:00

This weekend I have taken a break from my drawing project and began work on the petite dioramas. These images are created using small 2D drawings that I set up like a theater and then photograph. I used some colored gels with my lighting in order to introduce color and mood. I am going to some experimental drawing onto these prints. Part of me enjoys the simplicity of the images, but I feel driven to work them more.

The imagery is referencing my hallucinations from when I was in a coma. These are just the beginning, but I hope that they end up somewhere exciting.

Birthday Drawing

2008-10-27T15:21:00.003-04:00

I am working on this delightful, over the top, drawing for my daughter's third birthday. She loves everything in the drawing: rainbows, whales, dolphins, sea horses, and horses. I have enjoyed making something that might be desirable to a three year old and her active imagination.

Materials used: ink, graphite, watercolor pencils, 8 X 10 " on rag paper

Wolves

2008-10-25T14:32:00.002-04:00

This drawing I worked on today. I think it may need a little more tinkering. I wanted to take a break from my Drawing for ARDS project to clear my head. Media used: graphite and lazertran collage on digital print.

Shrouded Sheep

2008-10-23T15:13:00.004-04:00

I began this drawing to accompany a drawing in my fundraising project. I never felt like it was finished. I did a little bit more work on it today and I think it is done.

Blood Bath City at the Anton Art Center

2008-10-21T16:06:00.001-04:00

Come to the party on Friday, October 24th for some music, scary artwork, and fun!

Animal, Mineral, Vegetable: The Work of Tara Donovan

2008-10-18T22:13:00.003-04:00

I have always loved Tara Donovan's artwork, they way she makes such breathtaking work with such simple materials. She received the 2008 MacArthur “Genius” grant, and an exhibition just opened in Boston to spanning a decade of her work.
This is an abridged version of an interview between Lawrence Weschler and Tara Donavan that appears in the monograph, Tara Donovan. (Via Design Observer)

Lawrence Weschler:
So you graduated from the Corcoran. Then what happened?
Tara Donovan:
I waited tables for six years.
Then I started making this sculpture where I was filling balloons with sand. And, God, it’s really funny actually. They were these natural-color balloons. I realized that if you exposed them to sunlight, they would kind of turn these pinkish hues and you could get all this subtle variation in color. And I would sit at night watching TV with a funnel and a bucket of sand and I would fill these balloons with sand, knot them, and pin them to my wall. So I covered this entire wall in these sand-filled balloons. It was kind of the first big thing I’d ever made.
To conitnue reading the interview click here.

Amy Sacksteder

2008-10-15T19:30:00.003-04:00

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with Amy Sacksteder for coffee. We have a few mutual friends and I have heard of her many times. I am thrilled to have finally met her and to continue our friendship. She teaches at Eastern Michigan University and was recently featured in New American Paintings. We share many similar ideas and aesthetics in our work and it is great that she only lives a few miles away!

No more shopping for me.....

2008-10-11T12:37:00.003-04:00

Because I just bought this amazing painting, Veil, by my dear friend Kathryn. I have been pining for this painting since I saw it over a year ago. I am happy she put it on her etsy shop and soon it will be on my wall! Yippee!

Blood Bath City, 2nd Annual Art Execution

2008-10-06T19:51:00.002-04:00

Two of my new drawings will be included in the second annual Halloween event, Blood Bath City at the Anton Art Center. This juried exhibition will be on display from Friday, October 10- Nov. 2nd. Opening Reception and costume party with live music will be on Oct. 24, 9PM-2AM.

It should be a blood curling good party and exhibition!

Drawing goes where it wants to...

2008-09-30T15:02:00.002-04:00

This drawing I began last night for one of my donors for Drawing for ARDS. I started out with the intentions of drawing something that matched the words that she had sent me. However, the drawing just kept going in an alternate direction. I don't like to stop myself when a project is going someplace unexpected, so I just continued. Perhaps she will like the drawing, or maybe she won't. It didn't turn out how I expected, but I like it.
Materials used: watercolor pencils, graphite on rag paper.

New Drawings

2008-09-29T11:04:00.004-04:00

Here are a few new drawings I have been working on.
They are all 8X10" and are done with watercolor and graphite on rag paper.

Abbie Miller at the Teton Art Lab

2008-09-26T10:03:00.006-04:00

Abbie Miller is exhibiting this week at the Teton Art Lab, In Proximity Tender: Render.

I have been to her studio and her work is amazing! This piece was done with fabric, zippers, and a wooden frame. You can see more of her work from a review of Centrifugal Force, a show at Russell Industrial in Detroit.

"Miller’s sewed sheets of vinyl together with an evolving repetition. While building the sculpture, she sewed into it two-hundred-foot-long zippers that, when zipped up, spiral the fabric into cylinder-like forms that rest – or loosely teeter - on two built wooden frames. Each piece has two forms that counterbalance each other with a strand that reaches across the room like pulled taffy.The texture is ribbed with folds of vinyl that sometimes bubble or pock with a vigor that has a mind of its own. The human-scaled forms help viewers relate to the “controlled chaos” or “organized erratics” they exhibit.From the excesses of fashion to the repetition of cancerous growths (like berle wood), references can be drawn from the sculpture. But the artist refused to share her intention, other than to say she was exploring the interactions between materials and focusing on the “ambiguity” of the forms." ...continue reading the review of her current show.

Abbie recently began working with the Teton Art Lab as head of exhibitions. Congratulations on a great show and the future growth of the contemporary art scene in Jackson Hole.

From Our Perspective

2008-09-19T08:32:00.004-04:00

Last night we attended the opening for From Our Perspective: A National Women's Art Exhibition. There were quite a few nice pieces at the show. Kitty and I in front of my two admissions, Waves and Rain.
Work by the artist Crystal Wagner, Aggregation. I was really drawn to this piece. I loved the folded intaglio prints and her line sensibility. She used layering and translucent materials to make a beautiful installation.
detail

Sculptural Flowers by Zoe Bradley

2008-09-19T07:58:00.003-04:00

I have been working on some large flowers out of tissue paper these past few days, so this artist really caught my eye. Zoe Bradley makes beautiful flowers and clothing out of paper usually for window displays or fashion designers. To see the sculptural paper artist zoe bradley’s work in person, her work will be on display at kate’s paperie soho in NYC from September 5th on.

Yarn made from old newspapers

2008-09-17T22:27:00.002-04:00

I don't knit much and I have never learned how to weave, but I am quite inspired to do both with this yarn.......
A graduate from Design Academy Eindhoven, Greetje van Tiem, has found a distinctive and creative way to recycle old newspapers. Van Tiem completed a project that turns newspapers into yarn. Read more.

News: OCC hosts national women's art exhibition

2008-09-12T11:16:00.005-04:00

From Our Perspective, the 18th annual national women's art exhibition at Oakland Community College was featured in Hometown Life. I am excited to be a part of this exhibition and have two pieces showing, the opening is Thursday, September 18, at 7:00 PM.

Studio turns to play room

2008-09-11T13:42:00.003-04:00

I was determined to clean out my studio to make more room for another table and more work space. I soon realized what I needed more then more work space was something for my daughter to do while I was working. Kitty is almost always in the studio when I am drawing asking for this or that and wanting to play. I decided to bring in some of her things: kitchen, dollhouse, car garage, cash register as well as her art supplies. So far it has been working well and she plays much more and is less distracting in my studio. She really enjoys cutting paper as you can see in the second photo. So good bye more work space, hello play land!

Getting Ready for an Exhibition

2008-09-07T20:33:00.002-04:00

Example of wall groupings made up of thumbnail images of drawings for upcoming show.
I have been thinking of ways of installing Deep Breath, Drawings to Benefit Lung Health. It seemed like an overwhelming task to decide on grouping and placement of the drawings. I decided to print thumbnail images of each drawing that will be in the show, then tape them together on a larger piece of paper. This has allowed me to expand my thinking about the space and how each image works with one another. This was a very basic, hands on process; made possible with some scissors and a little scotch tape.
This week I will be installing my drawings at the Anton Art Center for the opening on Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. I will soon find out if this preparation process will speed up the hanging time.

my bed was a boat.....

2008-09-03T20:00:00.002-04:00

When I was sick in the hospital with ARDS I hallucinated that my bed was a boat and I traveled across the world searching for a cure. I found this illustration online and it fit my story well.

Deep Breath

2008-08-25T21:50:00.005-04:00

Please join me at the Anton Art Center on September 12, from 6-9 PM for the opening of Deep Breath: Drawings to benefit lung health. All proceeds from the show will go towards Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. To read more about my ongoing fundraising project visit Drawings for ARDS. Deep Breath will be on display from September 12- October 3, 008.

From Our Perspective: National Women's Art Exhibition

2008-08-25T21:41:00.003-04:00

I received great news that two of my drawings will be included in the Womencenter's national annual juried art show, From Our Perspective.. The exhibition will be at Oakland Community College's Orchard Ridge Campus, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Please join me for the Opening Reception that will be held on Thursday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Smith Theatre Gallery. The exhibit is on display from September 18 through October 10, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m

Ispirational Books and Magazines

2008-08-14T11:08:00.002-04:00

These are some of the recent books I have been using for inspiration for my drawings for lung health. I found many of the books at thrift stores and the imagery is rich and ready for my imagination. I reference many art magazines for inspiration and research such as Art Forum, Esopus, American Painters, Art on Paper, etc. I have piles and piles of books around my studio and on the bookshelves of my basement. I love flipping through the pages not knowing what I may find and suddenly something inspires me. I use the image(s) as a jumping off point for my drawings.

Studio Clean Out

2008-08-11T17:29:00.005-04:00

When I returned from the hospital this Spring from ARDS my family kindly moved my bed into my studio. This was necessary because I could not walk down the stairs to where the bed normally is. For these past few months I have been sleeping and working in the same very small room. It is now time to claim back the sunny room as my studio and move the bed into the dungeon of a basement.

You can see my mattress leaned up against the wall next to Kitty. I hope to get that moved back to the basement this week. The problem is, the basement is also a mess! Why do I have to collect EVERYTHING!?!?You will notice that the owl on top of the books next to the ship is turned with his head to the wall because Kitty thinks his eyes are scary.

This fortune is pinned to my board as inspiration....

I am posting these photos as "before" shots, hoping that will motivate me to show some "after" shots when the organization is completed.
I have always loved this ad, I think it is for American Express. I think it is an excellent portrait of my life these days.

New York City

2008-08-01T09:33:00.005-04:00

Outside of the MOMA, not sure of the artist. Eva Hesse at the MOMA.
View from the ferry.

A trip to Manhattan is always inspiring for me as an artist. There is so much to do and to see, that I never have enough time or energy. The city always leaves me wanting to come back for more.

Louise Bourgeois

2008-07-28T09:28:00.003-04:00

This past week I visited the Guggenheim New York retrospective show of Louise Borgeois. I have always respected her work, but now I love it even more. It was very inspirational and wonderful to see in person. I purchased the show catalog, it is unusual because it is an A-Z writings by and of the work of Bourgeois. I love it and want to read it front to cover.

One section that I connected with this morning is:

Anxiety:

"It's the anxiety that is then transformed into something specific, as specific as a drawing. Then you have access to it, you can deal with it, because it has gone from unconscious to the conscious, which is fear. So my work is really based on the elimination of fears."

Interview with Cecilia Blomberg, Oct. 16, 1998

"The work is completed when the anxiety has disappeared. That is the proof of it's success." Interview with David Klugman, Jan. 19, 1992

Drawing for ARDS

2008-07-14T13:46:00.003-04:00

I have been busy this past week with a fundraising effort, Drawing for ARDS. I am participating in a Hike for Lung Health in Chicago in Sept. and am raising money for ARDS research. This cause is very dear to me as I am a survivor of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. It has been exciting and healing to see all of the people who have given to this cause. I have been making small drawings for anyone who donates $40 or more.

Rain

2008-07-10T21:49:00.004-04:00

I started this drawing today. I was intending to draw a rain storm into the room, but it turned out a bit more aggressive.

Artery 24 press in Vitamn

2008-07-02T14:01:00.004-04:00

In recent article of Vitamn, Artery 24 "may prove to be the event of the summer" (in Minneapolis.) I wish I could be there in person to see it, but I am happy that my video will be on display at the event.

Spirituality Series

2008-06-15T16:13:00.007-04:00

These drawings are unfinished. I have been working on them the past few weeks. I have been thinking about spirituality and myths. They are created using pencil, pen, and ink on vellum drafting film. They are 14 X17 inches large.

They can be shown side by side to create a narrative or alone, or at least that is what I am working towards.

Water in the Living Room

2008-06-12T18:23:00.005-04:00

This drawing I have been working on today in between walks outside and building towers with my daughter. It is still in progress, but I need to stop before it gets too much and come back to it with fresh eyes.

Detail of drawing

click images to enlarge

Artery 24 at the Soap Factory: July 4-5, 2007

2008-06-06T12:20:00.005-04:00

Beguiled will be showing in Artery 24 at the Soap Factory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The video will be part of the new media installation that runs from 12 noon – 12 noon in Gallery 1.

Artery 24 - twenty-four hours of performance and new media.July 5th and 6th. Beginning at 12 noon on July 5th. Ending at 12 noon on July 6th.Artery 24 showcases Twin Cities and International artists approaching performance from a myriad of backgrounds in synthesis with screenings of new media work. For each hour of the twenty-four hour period a different artist/dancer/musician/puppeteer/actor or collaboration of the aforementioned will be featured. Artery 24 is a non-stop engagement and an act of endurance, daring the will of the spectator to attend for as long as possible, but also to come and go as they please upon the hour.

The event sounds very exciting and I am thrilled to be a part of it!

2008-06-04T18:27:00.000-04:00

Closing Reception and Party

2008-06-04T17:42:00.002-04:00

Process opening at the Anton Art Center

2008-05-03T12:00:00.003-04:00

The opening was a success and the show looked great! Thanks to all for coming.

Sketchbook Drawings

2008-05-02T11:49:00.003-04:00

This sketch of a hive I do not remember drawing before I became sick.
This drawing was one that I did while recuperating and trying to relax.

Work in Progress to Gallery Installation

2008-04-24T14:04:00.013-04:00

I am documenting the creation of a piece that I am working on for the Process show. I will continue to update as the work continues.
I start with a really rough sketch of what I want to make.I then make lots of drawings to create images that will tell a story.
Next, I scan in the drawings and print them on strong paper any size that is appropriate for the project.Then, I cut the images out and make them into little objects or silhouettes to be photographed in a staged setting. The stage is coming together, it is three feet wide. I am planning on adding some lights.Here are a few of the animals and domestic objects that I will be using in the series.

a closer view of the strange world
I have added some pink and purple lights, and begin taking photos.

One of the final images from this series. I will be showinng this in the Process show.Packing everything up to take to the gallery.Ryan, Alison, and I hang the work in the gallery.

A detail of the installationThe final installation.

Here and Now: Graduate Degree Exhibition of Cranbrook Academy of Art

2008-04-24T13:41:00.005-04:00

I attended the opening opening of the Graduate Degree Show at Cranbrook Academy of Art and it was fabulous and I loved seeing all of the art and artists. It was great to connect with some old friends.
My sister, my daughter, and myself in front of Dave Lambert's work.

Go check it out for yourself.

Here & Now: 2008 Graduate Degree Exhibition of Cranbrook Academy of Art
April 19 - May 10, 2008
Opening Reception: Friday, April 18, 6-8pm
Cranbrook Art Museum, all galleries
Cranbrook Art Museum
39221 Woodward Avenue
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 11am- 5pm; Fourth Fridays, 11am-9pm including April 25. Open late Thursday, May 8, 11am -9pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Work of a fellow Print Media student, Iris.

Process Exhibition

2008-04-17T16:39:00.006-04:00

I have been asked to participate in the exhibition titled PROCESS at the Anton Art Center which is part of Art Detroit Now. Please join me in celebrating at the opening!

Silver Medal Exhibition in Detroit, Michigan

2008-03-08T10:25:00.005-05:00

I attended the opening of the Silver Medal Exhibition at the Scarab Club in Detroit last night. My friend, Julie Prokop won Honorable Mention for her piece titled, How To Ruin A Birthday Party.
The artist serving orange cake with no silver wear at the show opening. My daughterenjoyed eating the frosting.

Mailed and Mounted Opening

2008-03-01T13:34:00.005-05:00

I attended the Mailed and Mounted show opening last night and was excited and surprised to learn that my entry had won "Best in Show." The postcard show was really inspiring with a large variety of work from artists from all over the world. I met a lot of great people from the Anton Art Center and reconnected with some friends from Cranbrook Academy of Art. I was honored with the award and so happy to be able to see how stunning the Art Center is in person.

My daughter and I near the entry from my friend Julie Prokop.

A photo of the exhibition space during the opening.

Mailed and Mounted

2008-02-12T20:14:00.000-05:00

A great opportunity to help raise money for the Anton Art Center, make a postcard, send it in the mail, it will be in a show and sold for $20 to benifit the art center. I made one today and it will be in the mail tomorrow.

The nitty gritty:

The exhibit, one-half of “Mailed and Mounted,” opens Friday, February 22nd, 2008, with an opening reception Friday, February 29th at 7:00 p.m. featuring live music, part of our Live Music Fridays series. The exhibit will run through Thursday, March 20th, 2008.

There is no limitation on the style of your artwork or the media you may use. You may use a standard 4” x 6” postcard of any color. Please be sure to include your name and contact information on the postcard.

Work MUST be received at the center via the U.S. Postal Service no later than February 15, 2008. Be sure to use at least 26 cents postage (feel free to be creative in your use of stamps). No pieces mailed inside envelopes or other containers will be accepted. Mail your postcard(s) to the Anton Art Center , 125 Macomb Place , Mount Clemens , MI , 48043 . There is no limit on the number of entries per artist, but each postcard must be mailed individually.

Upon receipt, all works become property of the Anton Art Center . Each piece will be sold for the $20, with all proceeds benefiting the center’s programming. One postcard will be selected as “Best in Show” and will serve as the design for a collection of folded note cards that will be sold in the center’s gift shop. The winning artist’s bio and contact information will appear on the back side of the note card. The winner will also receive an allotment of 100 note cards. Submission of work constitutes acceptance of the policies outlined in this letter.

The Anton Art Center is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. The center is closed Mondays.

Working Through:Sketchbook Drawings

2008-02-01T17:31:00.000-05:00

These are a few of my recent sketchbook drawings where I have been working through some new ideas. This gorilla recently arrived and inspired me to add him as a character in my ongoing project.
Sneak Peek of the Gorilla more realized.

Night-Minds

2008-01-23T15:06:00.000-05:00

My dear friend, Kathryn Knudsen, has a show at the MSC Visual Arts Committee at Texas A&M University Wednesday, Jan. 16- Feb. 29, 2008, at the J. Wayne Stark Galleries. I saw many of these pieces in process this summer while we worked together in the studio and they are amazing. She uses multimedia to create an environment referencing dreams and memories. If you live near Texas A&M I highly suggest you visit!

Sketchbook Drawings

2008-01-22T14:39:00.000-05:00

This past week I have been drawing in my sketchbook. It does not come naturally to me, but I find it is a good place to try new media and explore different content.