Celan's Guide to a Beautiful Life

Lost Cities

2011-08-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

Skara Brae, Scotland

While working on a stacked city painting, I came across this great photo series titled "The World's Most Intriguing Lost Cities." Take a look here.

Turks and Caicos

2011-08-02T21:57:00.001-07:00

Mural of the Last Supper on the side of one of the many churches in Turks and Caicos.

Summer Flies by

2011-08-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Summer is quickly coming to an end. For me, it has been a whirlwind of new experiences. Weddings (mine included), an adventure in Turks and Caicos, and adjustment to not having just one city to call home.

My wedding day: I, of course, was late. . . to my own wedding. This should come as no surprise to those who know me well. I run on a different clock. Luckily, I was surrounded by my closest friends and family who put order to my madness and helped nudge me towards my beloved Yves. You know that you are well-loved when you have an army folding endless numbers of paper airplanes and arranging hundreds of flowers.

Ridiculously talented photographers: I met Matt and Kate Altmix two years ago at one of my best friend's weddings. They were spectacular - their compositions and ability to capture expressions are unrivaled - thanks so much for creating photographs that reflect the spirit of my day.

For those who have been patiently waiting for wedding photos, you can view more at theAltmix's blog.

Adventure: We arrived in Turks and Caicos during a rainstorm- and spent the majority of our time running through puddles. We stayed on Providenciales - a 38 sq mi island that was ranked as having the best beaches in the world in 2011. While I hide from the sun (and therefore the beach), I cannot say enough about the variety and quality of the restaurants to be found on the island. I would return just for the food. The only downside? Overdevelopment. There is little land that is not covered with a structure (or a half-finished structure as the economic down-turn definately put a damper on developer's plans). I will post a few photos in my next entry.

Transitions: My artwork centers around defining the meaning of home, and the relationship between one's personal identity and one's location. My life will now be split between three cities: New Orleans, Baltimore, and Jacksonville. I moved to New Orleans for love, and ended up falling for the city. Never have I experienced such a warm, open community - nor a city filled with such talented and diverse individuals. The city seems to be a gathering place for nomads who have found a common connection in New Orleans - and never want to leave. As a sister port city, Baltimore bursts with energy - the moment I stepped off the plane a year ago, I knew that Baltimore was the right city for me to spend my graduate school years. Luckily, MICA felt that I fit as well, and I will be joining the MICA community this Fall. My third and final city: Jacksonville. While I have little knowledge of Jacksonville itself, it is yet another port-city. . . and apparently, port cities and I get along. Fingers- crossed. . .

The last two weeks . . .

2011-05-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks have been a wonderful whirlwind. I exhibited at Fest For All in Baton Rouge on May 1 and received a purchase award from the Arts Council. My piece titled "Zebra Crossing" will now be a part of their permanent collection.

The following week I was honored with "Best of Show" at Jazzfest. The show brings artists and patrons from all over the country so I was humbled to be chosen. I met several artists whom I adored at the show including, the jeweler Mary DeMarco from Baltimore (I'm wearing her necklace in the photo), Hatmaker Kate Bishop from Arizona (her veil is on my head:)), and Glass Artist Andrew Pollack from New Orleans.

A huge thank you to my art friends and fans for being so supportive! I couldn't ask for a better nor more interesting group of people. After two weeks of wonderful art happenings. . . it's now time to get married!

Migration

2011-05-10T08:14:00.001-07:00

Migration, 36" x 48", Paper, Acrylic, and Ink on Canvas

Twins

2011-04-28T10:50:00.001-07:00

The Ride Home, 20" x 20", Acrylic, paper, thread and a key on canvas

Zebra crossing, 20" x 20", Acrylic, paper, thread and a key on canvas

Foxtrot

2011-04-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

Foxtrot, 24" x 30", Paper, thread and Acrylic on Canvas

Nostalgia

2011-04-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Nostalgia, 30" x 40", Mixed Media on Canvas

Hide Away

2011-04-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

Leaning Tower, 24" x24", Paper and Acrylic on Canvas

Lacy, 24" x 24" Paper, thread and Acrylic on Canvas

Lacy Detail

Sketchy Sketch Sketch

2011-04-16T13:11:00.001-07:00

Sketches and stacks of blooms for my new work

In Bloom

2011-04-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

Creating hundreds of hand-painted flower blooms for my new work

Elephant!

2011-04-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

I've been busy in my studio working on my "Ribbons and Lace" series. Expect chandelier forms, a variety of found papers, and delicate details. I have also found a use for my button collection. ELEPHANTS!

Image: Acrylic, paper, and buttons on canvas, 30" x 30"

New Commission

2011-03-30T16:01:00.001-07:00

The Thread that Holds, 30" x 40", Acrylic and thread on canvas

New Work: Home, Sweet Home

2011-03-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

New Work: Home, Sweet Home, 36" x 48", Paper, Gold Leaf, and Acrylic on Canvas, 2011

From "Edge of Desire"

2011-02-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

"Location as an act of choice or a force of circumstance forms the matrix of our comprehension of individual subjectivity and how it addresses the world. And while place and location afford a measure of belonging, they also convey a sense of limits: together with positive aspects of rootedness and empowerment, a physical, cultural, or historical locus also implies boundedness, containment and limitation." - Chaitanya Sambrani

Rural Studio

2011-02-28T13:10:00.001-08:00

A few months ago, one of my favorite professors from the University of Georgia introduced me to a program at Auburn University called Rural Studio. The program was founded 17 years ago "to improve living conditions in rural Alabama while imparting practical experience to architecture students. " The results are dynamic structures, both small homes and community centers, created by students.

"If architecture is going to nudge, cajole, and inspire a community to challenge the status quo into making responsible changes, it will take the subversive leadership of academics and practitioners who keep reminding students of the profession's responsibilities." Samuel Mockbee

View the Rural Studio Website here.

You can buy a book full of Rural Studios projects here.

Welcome to Miami

2011-02-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

I have just returned home to New Orleans from a fantastic show in Miami. I fall in love with new locations easily. I know this. . .but Miami had such a nice combination of sun, surf, skyscrapers, boats, and of course, a strong latin vibe.

While there, I was gifted a string of origami cranes all made from maps of Louisiana. The artist, Sarah Bein, is also a jeweler and musician. You can find examples of her work here.

I also had the pleasure of returning to Seaside, Fl. You may know Seaside as the location where the Truman Show was filmed in 1998. Every home in Seaside is unique with towers, swings, and observation decks. Between the homes are charming oak lined pathways all boasting soothing names. The only thing the town is missing. . . is a windmill - our dream home. Read more about Seaside on wikipedia here. Yves and I went a little crazy last year on finding books about such a unique town. Some of our favorites:

Seaside: Making a Town in America by Mohney and Easterling

and

Views of Seaside by Andres Duany

and

Parallel Utopia by Richard Sexton

The next few weeks are extremely busy for me. I will be interviewing with MFA programs, finishing commissions, and starting several large scale canvases for my new series. . . AND enjoying Mardi Gras all at the same time.

Deutschland!

2011-01-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

Germany, as my second home, is the most charming, architecturally stimulating place that I could recommend to a traveler. Germany at Christmas time. . . makes you think Santa is real. As we landed in Stuttgart, Yves surprised me with a trip to Nürnberg, the city with the 'creme de la creme' of Christmas markets. Just a few of my favorite things: the classic red and white tents of the Christmas market, handmade crafts, Glühwein, Nürnberger Würstl, the chimes of the church bell, and huge piles of snow.

Super Granny!

2010-12-30T14:57:00.000-08:00

When I'm 91, I hope I look this good in spandex. Thank you Frederika Goldberger for being my inspiration.

View more photos by Sacha Goldberger, a French commercial photographer on Spiegel: http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-63097.html

Monsoon - New Work

2010-11-29T23:43:00.000-08:00

Monsoon, 30" x 40", Mixed Media on Canvas, 2010

Shadow Chandelier by Atelierbbb

2010-11-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

My obsession with chandeliers has led me to find this interesting rendition by Stephane Barbier Bouvet of Atelierbbb.

Who needs crystal and gold when you have paint?

Chicago!

2010-11-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

I had an short but sweet trip to Chicago over the weekend for portfolio reviews. I stayed at the Palmer House Hilton and was amazed by the lobby. The historic hotel first opened on September 26, 1871 only to burn down less than two weeks later in the Great Chicago Fire. The hotel was rebuilt in iron and brick, and was advertised as "The world's only fire-proof hotel." It was amazing to know that I stayed in the same hotel as Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens and Mark Twain (well, the same location at least).

Not only was the lobby ornately beautiful, it was also full of interesting people - from a huge wedding and the National Roller Derby Competition. Never have fish-nets tights and helmets looked so good in freezing weather.

Check out the Windy City Rollers.

BOOKS Books BOOKS!

2010-10-25T16:39:00.001-07:00

Everyone knows that my house is full of books. Yves and I turn stacks into nightstands, coasters (eek!), and decorations for the walls. We have an addiction - healthy but cluttering. So we solved the problem by buying yet another bookshelf. . . and purchased more books to fill it. Three of my new favorites are:

1. The Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones

I wish I could time travel to shake Jones' hand. Such a beautiful collection of patterns.

2. Indian Miniature Painting by Anjan Chakraverty

A wonderful collection and history of one of my favorite styles of painting, covering the Buddhist palm-leaf manuscript illuminations of the 11th - 13th century and the "Company" paintings made for European patrons in the late 18th and 19th century

3. Edge of Desire by Chaitanya Sambrani

A must have book featuring a collection of the most dynamic contemporary artists in India

Two Works in Progress

2010-10-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

Above: Detail from "Hanging On"

Hanging On, Mixed Media on Canvas, 30" x 40"

Cascade, Acrylic on Canvas, 41" x 60"

Mo' Momix

2010-10-11T04:44:00.000-07:00

Momix (a company of dance illusionists under the direction of Moses Pendleton) will be coming to the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts on October 22 and 23. Fascinated by the clips I've seen:

Lunar Sea

Botanica

You can find tickets here.

A Break

2010-10-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

Every once in a blue moon when a good friend comes to visit, I'm able to become a tourist in my own town. Somehow (when I'm hiding in my studio), I forget how many wonderful things there are to do in New Orleans. Here are a few of my highlights from an amazing break from studio life.

1. A visit to the Audubon Zoo . One of my favorite places in New Orleans, the Zoo has incredible landscaping to match its spectacular animals. I especially love the spider monkeys.

2. Strolling down Julia St. to visit the galleries : Arthur Roger, Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, and Soren Christensen.

3. Snug Harbor for Topsy Chapman. Stunning. Watch this clip of Topsy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UImpq7bSgEw

4. Buying bread and Chocolate Croissants from the Maple Street Patisserie.

5. Browsing the costumes at Funky Monkey and Fall selections at Fairy on Magazine.

6. A Hornets Game! Who knew I would enjoy professional basketball.

Now . . .back to the studio.

The Sketchbook Project:2011

2010-10-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

I am now one of thousands participating in the 2011 Sketchbook Project. I chose the theme, "Help!," and I look forward to working through a sketchpad again - playing with pen, watercolor, and collage. The sketchpads will be part of the permanent collection at the Brooklyn Art Library.

New Work

2010-09-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

New Mixed Media piece. Trojan Horse, 48" x 48", Mixed Media on Canvas

My Top 10 Inspirations

2010-09-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Things. . .

1. Shanty Towns (stacked homes)

2. Indian Garlands: natural forms in general spark my interest: cells, flowers, pods, and trees. The shapes are fascinating.

3. Bower Bird Towers

4. Japanese patterns

5. Japanese prints: Like other artists before me (Van Gogh, Hundertwasser), I am inspired by the line quality and composition of Japanese prints.

6. Chaos : All of my paintings have a sense of ordered chaos. I stack shapes and colors to construct piles or towers. I find myself destroying canvases, rearranging, and creating new compositions, new microcosms.

7. Fairy Tales/ Faerie Tales and Folk Tales/Poetry

8. Hanging chandeliers, Posies: Any form that holds its fragile, yet elaborate, pieces together

9. Fabrics/papers/patterns: stripes are my current obsession

10. Architects with natural forms in mind: Hundertwasser, Antoni Gaudi, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Bower Birds

2010-09-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

I'm convinced that I was a (male) Bower Bird in another life. Male bower birds build massive intricate towers from twigs and branches surrounded by a collection of random objects: cans, paper clips, seed pods, flowers, and anything shiny. The male bower birds use these structures not as a nest but as a courting space in which to woo a female. Who needs colorful plumage when you can decorate?

Check out the incredible spread from National Geographic (July 2010):

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/07/bowerbirds/morell-text

I will be working on a paper series of bower bird towers. Natural Structures.

Rathin Mitra

2010-09-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Line drawings of Mussoorie by Rathin Mitra

Zuzka Vaclavik

2010-09-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

The UGA grad and artist Zuzka Vaclavik adds a refreshing twist to Modern Graffiti with her playful and complex landscapes of shapes and letters. It's pop art with a calming color palette.

An International artist, Vaclavik teaches and works in Italy, Costa Rica, and Germany. In her artist statement, she says: "In my new works I make post-graffiti, bio-morphic, automatic gestures. I want to create intimate new worlds of wonder where culturally familiar tags of decay mix with a micro/macro flip-flop, pulling the viewer into their world- tumbling from familiar references into other strange passages of bio science fictions. "

See more of her work at:

http://www.vaclart.com/Zuzka_Vaclavik/Zuzka_Vaclavik.html

Tall Totems

2010-09-06T12:51:00.001-07:00

My newest painting - Part of my Totem series

Rooted 35" x 59" Acrylic on Canvas 2010

Queen Mary's Doll House

2010-09-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

We all have secret obsessions of one kind or another. Mine just happens to be homes. . .very small homes. Doll houses.

Queen Mary's Dollhouse is a marvel in the world of miniature homes. It was built in the early 1920's (it took four years to complete) for Queen Mary as a present from her cousin Princess Marie Louise. The Princess recruited well-known artists and top craftsmen to add their expertise to the replica of Windsor Castle.

"It was made to a scale of 1:12 (one inch to the foot), is over three feet tall, and contains models of products of well known companies of the time. It is remarkable for its detail and the detail of the objects within it, many of which are 1/12th replicas of items in Windsor Castle. These were either made by the companies themselves, or by specialist modelmakers, such as Twining Models of Northampton, England. The carpets, curtains and furnishings are all copies of the real thing, and even the light fittings are working. The bathrooms are fully plumbed; that includes a flushable toilet and miniature lavatory paper." - thanks Wiki

Betsy Youngquist

2010-08-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

For lovers of beautiful quirky objects, look no further than artist Betsy Youngquist. Her intricate sculptures make me smile and laugh while starring in awe at her elaborate patterns. Just Splendid!

Visit her website at:

http://www.byart.com/

Art Melt Honor- New Work at Community Gallery

2010-08-10T23:10:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I was given the pleasant news that I was honored with the Forum 35 award at ArtMelt this year. Being the starry-eyed artist I am, I was oblivious to this fact (the results were announced three weeks ago). Thank you for the honor. My work will be displayed through August 28th at the Louisiana State Museum of Art.

A reminder that the closing reception for my two person show with Tom Lorio at Community Gallery will take place this Friday from 6 - 8pm at 427 Laurel St. Come take a look at my new work.

Aschenputtel Mixed Media on Board

Natural Fashion

2010-08-05T18:42:00.000-07:00

I came across the Omo Valley people a few months ago while researching nomadic tribes. German photographer Hans Silvester spent six years documenting the sophisticated patterns, color palettes, and natural embellishments of the Surma and Mursi tribes. They are permanently on display - walking canvases. These beautiful people will certainly be an inspiration for future paintings.

"In this region of East Africa, the rivers that run through the dry savannas are home to abundant flowers, papyrus, and wild fruit trees, and this luxuriance becomes an invitation to creativity and spectacle. Within hand's reach, a multitude of plants inspire fanciful and ephemeral self-decoration, and the Omo react spontaneously: a leaf, root, seed pod, or flower is quickly transformed into an accessory. As in the West one might don a hat, people create caps from tufts of grass. As one would knot a tie or scarf, they ornament themselves with banana leaves or a stem laden with flowers. These decorations are embellished with butterfly wings, buffalo horns, boar's teeth, colorful feathers, and the like, and are further enhanced by body painting with pigments made from powdered stone, plants, berries, and river mud." - book description from Amazon, "Natural Fashion: Tribal Decoration From Africa."

A photo series can be found on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGLR8wEvRfQ

New Work

2010-07-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

My new work will be on display at the Baton Rouge Community Gallery at 427 Laurel St. from July 9 - August 20.

The closing reception will take place on August 13 from 6 -9pm. Invitations to follow.

work to left: detail from "Totem 1"

36" x 60"

oil and acrylic

on canvas

Athfest Rocks My World.

2010-07-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

How wonderful it is to return to Athens!

Athens, Georgia is just one of those towns that everyone finds enchanting. Old quirky buildings, a gorgeous campus, blooming magnolias, a well- rounded arts and music scene and an excellent selection of food are just a few of my favorite things about the town. It also helps that I grew up just a few minutes down the road, and graduated from UGA. So I returned home for the 2010 Athfest to exhibit my pieces and listen to 184 local bands!

I was honored with second in show, and met several amazing artists during the three days. I liked one artist's work so much that I bought my first piece of art - starting my own collection. I also met another charming artist who is about to venture to Germany for love. Such a small world.

Art Melt 2010

2010-07-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

I was invited to participate in the 2010 Art Melt Exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge. Art Melt is the largest multi-media juried exhibit in Louisiana which showcases artists from around the state. The opening preview party will take place on July 15 from 6:30 - 10pm. The works selected will hang in the Louisiana State Museum for 6 weeks.

More information about ArtMelt can be found here:

http://www.artmelt.org/

Can you say Moo?

2010-03-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

I am in love with the marketing materials from moo.com. A year ago I came across their mini - cards at an art festival in Athens, GA. The cards, half the width of normal cards, fit nicely into a card holder from your key chain and stand out for their unique size. The quality of moo's products and professionalism of the UK based company keeps me coming back for their products again and again.

Visit their website at:

www.moo.com

A Woven World

2010-03-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

A Woven World 60" x 40" Mixed Media on Canvas

A month ago, I had the pleasure of working on a commission for a local New Orleans family. The charming couple (and proud parents to a beautiful new baby boy) live in a recently remodeled home that has so much personality and tasteful style that any interior decorator would be envious. They requested a diptych to add color to their living room full of earthy tones. I chose a scene of a woven world brimming with elephants, stacked homes, and colorful patterns. I am thrilled that my painting is now part of their collection.