In my bio I mention that I lived in Ilo, Peru for four years and it never rained. Some people just thought I was young and didn't remember or that being a ditsy artist I was just being dramatic. Well folks, those things may be true but this land is dry! The Atacama Desert is the driest place in the world. John just read that they did get a 1/10 of an inch and expect the desert to be blooming in September!! Think the Universe is just rewarding me?? I do.
This is an example of the water filters that the Lima Sunrise Rotary Club is donating to people in need in the out lying areas of Lima. I'll post another photo showing the very arid landscape. Clean drinking water is an issue in so many places. I am helping this Rotary Club with this project because I wish to give back to the people of Peru. My memories of growing up there are sweet; I had such a grand time! I am looking forward with anticipation to my return!
They were created to go in the Snohomish County Courthouse...but....the panel didn't see it that way. That's the down side. The Good News is that they will be shown to the public in this month's Art Walk in downtown Stanwood. I'm Laurie's artists again....new work...new month....same fun. It may just be for the best as they are dynomite on a dark wall with the correct lighting....the court house has neither. And...this way all my friends get a chance to see them. They are bigger than I usually do and not as deep.
The fish print I bonded with is also on display....Venus. I have decided to hold on to my favs for awhile. I suffer a real loss when the ones I love go before I have finished looking at them. It's on a Thai black thin paper with great metallic flick paint......I'll have some for sale as well if they are scanned and ready by Friday. That's this Friday..the 26th. And..there are some for sale now at SeaGrass. Everyone needs at least one fish print...don't ya think???
These pear prints were made from stamps I created from several of my pencil pear drawings. This is just one of the fun play techniques we worked with in our nine hour class...broken into two days. Gallery By the Bay offers many art classes and this one is the best I have attended so far as it helped me learn about new acrylic mediums to use in my painting and new ways to finish off my printmaking projects. I just finished up a gyotaku session....and by the way the new fish prints are now at Seagrass Gallery.!! I have been debating if I really want to do them anymore and then...pulled some great prints, and I'm in love with them again! Nothing like success to keep us hooked. OH..back to my class....I usually pick pears when I'm practicing because I love that shape and I have examples. These turned out so nice I intend to frame them... three different shapes in three colors...on mat board. Today I pull out the metallic paints and use the black mat board....to bad it is sunny out because I will be in the studio for a few hours playing again!
I'm getting an order together for Blick....and several of the new things I learned about will be on it..pouring medium....you just have to use it to believe what it can do!! WOW!
Thank you Dianna for a great time..creative play...just what I needed. The next time she offers Play Day Two I will rope in some buddies to come play with me..the only way to make it better in my opinion.
Go to the gallery website to learn more about the classes...I've got a link to that site....under?? LINKS
Yes, the sun did come out for a few days this summer, and here is the proof! Printmaking in the garden has lots of advantages....the smell wafts away on the breeze for one. The butterflies and bees get to help and offer opinions. I have lots of room and a great place to hang the prints for drying. Other women hang laundry out to dry; I hang fish.
In a few days I will have the flick paint done, the chops on, and have them signed. Then I'll get a few matted and ready to go to Seagrass Gallery. So far, they have turned out very nicely...only ruined half my paper...I'm improving!
Helen's Originals showcases abstract acrylic mixed media, printmaking with monotypes, dry point and gyotaku, figurative collage, and informative blog entries.
