Eco-friendly Marbled Wrapping Paper

A new addition to this year's Peach Tree Holiday Show is marbled wrapping paper! Marbled on recycled newsprint without a chemical-icky, shiny finish, it makes for an eco-friendly way to wrap your gifts for the holidays, birthdays, hostess, baby shower, or any other celebratory event! Each piece is a hand-marbled, one-of-a-kind creation. Elegant and beautiful, bold and festive, classic and contemporary...there are lots of styles and colors to choose from.

These are only available at the Peach Tree Holiday Show ~ and I have a feeling that because I am selling them for $3 each, they will sell out FAST. And once they are gone...

Hope to see you this weekend!

Peach Tree Gallery’s 8th Annual Holiday Show
December 7 and 8
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
3795 Boise Avenue, Mar Vista
(3 blocks west of Centinela off Venice Blvd.)
www.PeachTreePottery.com

Peach Tree Pottery Holiday Show

I'm thrilled to once again be participating in the annual Peach Tree Holiday Show in Mar Vista, Calif. on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

I absolutely love being a part of this two-day event that brings together so many talented artists and artisans. Every year, I get all of my holiday AND birthday gifts here. From functional art to fine art and across all price ranges, you will find something for everyone ~ pottery, jewelry, photography, paintings, woven scarves and blankets, one-of-a-kind clutches and purses, wearable fashions, and more!

I will be there both days so drop by and say hi. I will have marbled wrapping paper, note cards and postcards, framed pieces and pieces from my wood panel series, hand-bound journals, and individual papers for sale.

Peach Tree Gallery's 8th Annual Holiday Show December 7 and 8 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 3795 Boise Avenue, Mar Vista (3 blocks west of Centinela off Venice Blvd.) www.PeachTreePottery.com

Triptych Fusion: Conceptual Materials

Head on over to the Triptych Fusion blog to see what I've been up to this past week. We're playing with "conceptual materials" and boy-oh-boy, has it been an interesting ride!

Well, that was Fun!

I had a great time demoing at Book'em during Saturday's Eclectic Music Festival and Art Walk. Even though traffic was a little lighter than the regular Arts Crawl crowd (this event was held in the afternoon whereas the Arts Crawl is held in the evening so that might have made a difference), I couldn't be happier with my experience. The new, larger tank was easier for people to see, and, because it takes longer to work in, I was able to answer more questions from people throughout the process and engage with folks more deeply (which is what I love most about doing demos).

As always, I have a few marbled papers and cards for sale during the demo. While I'm always happy to see my pieces going to new homes, one that sold on Saturday was actually a little hard for me to let go of.  It was part of a mini-series I was working on last month that involved cool little spirals.

I was head over heals with the blue in this piece and the "ghosting" around the blue stones. I also really liked the tight, burst-of-colors "rivers." But mostly, I liked that this piece took on a whole new feel when you changed the direction in which it was viewed, like this:

I was fortunate to have had the chance to talk about a variety of things with the couple that bought this piece ~ from their son's art experience in school to what they "saw" in pieces as we flipped through my portfolio ~ so while I was sad to see the piece above go, I know it's going to be appreciated and admired as much as it deserves ~ and that makes me very, very happy.

This may just be the last demo I do this year. I have several projects in the works that have been neglected and it's time for me to focus on them again. Demos take three full days away from me. That may not sound like much considering I only do four or five a year but the second half of this year is also filled with travel for me ~ so the combination of the two puts marbling in a tight spot, which is where I don't want it to be!

New Tank For Demo this Weekend

I'm going to be doing another marbling demonstration at Book'em Mysteries during the South Pasadena Eclectic Music Festival and Art Walk on Saturday ~ but there's a twist! I'll be using a new tank ~ a bigger one! [gallery type="rectangular" ids="8249,8250"]

My regular, "big tank" on left and the new "medium tank" on the right. Oh, and I had to make new tools for the new tank too!

Usually I demo in my small 11" x 14" tank (and work in my large 20" x 25" tank), but for this demo, I'll be using a new, medium 15" x 19" tank. While the small tank is great for the tight space I work in at Book'em, and it's perfect for my Experience the Tank class, I wanted to give people a better chance during the demo to actually SEE what is happening in the tank. My demos have a tendency to be well attended which means at times there are people three deep around the tank ~ and even more peering in through the window from the sidewalk outside. I realized with my small tank, it was just too hard to see all the wonderful things that happen while laying down the paint so I decided I needed to go bigger. However, given the limited space at Book'em, it would be impossible to work in my big tank (well, there would be room for my big tank but not for me AND the big tank ~ which poses a slight problem). But, this medium tank is, to quote Goldie Locks, "just right."

So come on down and check out the new tank. I'll also have some new work (full sheets and smaller sheets) and cards for sale.

Marbling Demonstration Saturday, May 4 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Book ‘em Mysteries Bookstore 1118 Mission Street (next to Mission Wines)

P.S. I have to fess up that I can't stop looking at my new header. I LOVE IT!!! I think it's my favorite thus far. You can check out past headers and let me know if it's #1 on your list too.

South Pas Arts Crawl this Saturday!

I am always excited to participate in the South Pasadena Arts Crawl and demonstrate the beautiful art of paper marbling, but this time I have an extra-special reason to be extra excited ~ my mom is flying out from Minnesota to be there! To celebrate her special guest appearance, I'll be offering a discount on April's Introduction to Marbling class AND I'll be having a give away. Everyone who signs up for any of my marbling classes or makes a purchase during the Arts Crawl (note cards, matted pieces, and individual marbled papers will be for sale) will have their name entered into a drawing for a prize. Come to the demo for more details (and meet my mom)!

Marbling Demonstration ~ South Pasadena Arts Crawl Saturday, March 2 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Book 'em Mysteries Bookstore 1118 Mission Street (next to Mission Wines)

Timing is Everything

I am not the best photographer in the world but sometimes I manage to capture a moment. And this is one of those times.

This is one of my favorite pictures of last year. It was taken on the sidewalk outside Peach Tree Gallery during the Holiday Show. There is nothing significant about the surroundings in this photo at all. Had I been thinking or planning ahead, I should have taken it inside the gallery so our artwork would be in the background. But this is what I mean about capturing a moment ~ if I had done that, if I had moved us into the gallery to make the shot "perfect," I would have missed capturing what I was feeling at that very second and what I can totally see in my eyes and my smile ~ which is nothing short of pure happiness.

I was so, so happy to  be there with my friend Ann. I was so happy to be at Peach Tree. I was so happy to have two of my favorite pieces hanging in the holiday show. And I was so happy to have just returned (two days prior!) from a nearly three-week trip to Tasmania with my hubby. At that moment, that wave of happiness was washing over me and I grabbed Ann; said, "Smile!" and clicked.

2012 was another amazing year for me. I could list all the spectacular highlights but I'm not a big reflector. At least not in that way. So I'll just leave it at that ~ 2012 ROCKED ~ and you'll have to take my word for it.

Wishing everyone exactly what they want for 2013!

Taking Flight

"When women were birds we knew our greatest freedom was in taking flight at night when we could steal the heavenly darkness for ourselves, navigating through the intelligence of stars and the constellations of our own making in the delights and terror of our own uncertainty."~ Terry Tempest Williams

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Below are a few pieces which will be available at Peach Tree Gallery's Holiday Show this weekend. All are matted (and ready for you to frame!) with bright white matboard of conservation grade and measure either 11"x14" or 8"x10".

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Reminder: Peach Tree Holiday Show this Weekend

Just a reminder that I'll be at the Peach Tree Holiday show this weekend.

For a peek into what to expect, check out Peach Tree's Facebook page.

Peach Tree Gallery's 7th Annual Holiday Show December 8 and 9 Noon - 5 p.m. 3795 Boise Avenue, Mar Vista (3 blocks west of Centinela off Venice Blvd.)

www.PeachTreePottery.com

Listen to Green

"How wonderful it would be if one could only be worthy of hearing the song of the grass. Each blade of grass sings out to God without any ulterior motive and without expecting any reward. It is most wonderful to hear its song and worship God in its midst."~ Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav

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My second favorite piece ~ available at Peach Tree Gallery's Holiday Show. Custom framing, marbled on Texoprint paper from USA, floating on a sea foam-colored mat, brown-burgundy frame, final size 29.5" x 24".

Being Seen

"What we know matters, but who we are matters more. Being,rather than knowing requires showing up and letting ourselves be seen." ~ Brene Brown, Daring Greatly

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My favorite piece ~ available at Peach Tree Gallery's Holiday Show. Custom framing, marbled on Arches Text Wove paper from France, floating on a chocolate mat, brown-burgundy frame, final size 29.5" x 24".

Dare Yourself

"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid."~ Audre Lorde

~ ~ ~

Just a sample of a few of the journals I'll have at the Peach Tree Holiday Show December 8 and 9. All journals are hand bound, have marbled canvas covers and marbled signature wraps, and have a surprise charm in them!

[slideshow]

Mark Your Calendars: Peach Tree Holiday Show

I will once again be participating in the annual Peach Tree Holiday Show in Mar Vista, Calif. on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9 from noon to 5 p.m.

I absolutely love being a part of this two-day event that brings together so many talented artists and artisans. Every year, I get all of my holiday AND birthday gifts here. From functional art to fine art and across all price ranges, you will find something for everyone ~ pottery, jewelry, photography, paintings, woven scarves and blankets, and more.

I will be there both days so drop by and say hi. I will have marbled note cards, gift boxes, framed pieces (I am REALLY excited about these!), matted pieces, journals, and individual papers for sale.

Be sure to visit Peach Tree's Facebook page over the next few weeks to check out other artists'/artisans' work.

Peach Tree Gallery's 7th Annual Holiday Show December 8 and 9 Noon - 5 p.m. 3795 Boise Avenue, Mar Vista (3 blocks west of Centinela off Venice Blvd.) www.PeachTreePottery.com

Well, Hello November

This is the full image from which November's header was created. And it's an overmarble (see yesterday's post)!! I am so drawn to the color saturation in parts of this piece (hello Golden's red oxide on navy paper!). And I love how the chevron in the upper right corner looks as if it's swaying in a breeze. The ghostly stones underneath feel like they are housed deep within a healthy river where the water runs cold and clear and the plant life (shades of green and blue) is strong and vibrant.

This is exactly why I love overmarbles ~ the added texture and layers create scenes so alive and engaging you can't help but want to dive right into it! (Or at least reach out and touch it to see if it's real.)

This is also one of the pieces hanging in the SoPas Gallery right now as part of the South Pasadena Arts Council's inaugural members' exhibition.

Also in the exhibit are amazing pieces by nine other artists:

• Melissa Alcazar,Visual Artist and Musician - Her two pieces in the exhibition couldn't be more different from one another. One is playful, bright, and glittery with soft edges and the other is serene and neutral with an Asian feel to it. I'm drawn to them both and her diverse work just underscores her talent.
• Rebecca Tager, Ceramic Artist - Oh how I love ceramic fine art and Rebecca's pieces don't disappoint. Who knew circles and squares could be so much fun?!
• Joan Lamensdorf, Original Paintings in Pastel, Oil, and Acrylic - I have no idea how Joan gets the colors that she does or how she gets them to sing from the canvas but she does. You may find one of her landscape pieces in my home soon.
• Lisa Saint, Artist - Drawing with stain on wood. Yes. For real. You have to see it to believe it. Even then it seems unreal.
• Lesley Paige Rutherford, Artist - Lesley's drawings are so intimate and personal ~ I love her Summer Harvest piece (beets!) and Emmett was drawn to her Shakespeare's Garden.
• Dominique Heffley, Fine Artist - Dom's whimsy pieces draw me in and make my imagination run wild. She only has one piece in the show so I highly recommend checking out her website for more of her work. It will be worth your time.
• Don Bloom, Artist - I love what Don does with water-cut metal, hand-carved plastic, and images to make the most fascinating clock art. His "Mean Green" piece is out of this world.
• Kevin Mentzer, Fine Artist - Kevin's process is as interesting as his panel work. Inspired by meditations, you are on a journey with him as the colors he chooses and the shapes that evolve as interpretations of his experiences are sure to mesmerize.
• Mira-Lani Bernard, Hypergraphia Pictures - Love, love, love. The compulsion to write (and do I mean compulsion) forms the foundation of Mira-Lani's work (other noted hypergraphia artists include Vincent van Gogh and Fyodor Dostoevsk). The words along words and over words and around words take on shapes and forms Mira-Lani never purposely sets out to do. Another piece you have to see to believe.

You can still check out the exhibit, which is free and open to the public and runs through November 30. It's a true delight to experience as you walk from one artistic style to another ~ and yet it's hung just right so the exhibit flows and doesn't feel disjointed. There is something there for everyone to enjoy. And who knows, you may even find a piece you want to take home (all artwork is for sale) and end up making an artist happy at the same time!

SPARC Members’ Exhibition October 23 - November 30 SoPas Gallery ~ 1121 Mission Street Open M-F, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Marbling Delight

Once again, I am truly humbled by the response I received during my marbling demonstration at the South Pasadena Arts Crawl on Saturday evening. Men, women, adults, teens, and children alike embraced the beauty of marbling and the unique process in which it happens. People asked GREAT questions, were engaged and enthusiastic, and their comments and reactions made me see marbling in new ways.

I always finish a demo exhausted ~ but completely inspired at the same time. I have several new ideas born from conversations with people at the event that I can't wait to explore.

A BIG thank you to Barry and Mary at Book'em Mysteries Bookstore for hosting me...again! They let me come in, move their displays around, and take over my little corner of their store in front of the window. They are a true gem in this community ~ both as individuals (Mary has a wicked sense of humor) and as business owners (they've been an independent bookseller for 20+ years).

I've said this before but it's worth repeating: how many communities can boast that they've got a bookstore on Main Street?! And how often can you walk into a bookstore and talk to the owner, request a recommendation for a book set in Australia, and have an immediate response ~ as Emmett did on Saturday? Yeah, not many of us can. I feel very fortunate on so many levels to have Book'em in my community...and if you live in South Pasadena, you should too. Visit them and show your support. They have an amazing line up of author readings, book club activities, and writing groups ~ not to mention an entire store full of mystery books!