Fortitude…

April 29, 2010Leave a comment

Main Entry: for·ti·tude

Pronunciation: ?fo?r-t?-?tüd, –?tyüd

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin fortitudin-, fortitudo, from fortis

Date: 12th century

1 : strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage

A little dramatic, perhaps. I am not in pain, nor danger. I am four days from installing my first solo show at the local arts co-op – The Newark Arts Alliance. But have I mentioned I am out of town this weekend? So really two days away… Today is a day filled with lists: to do lists, lists of work to finish, clerical matters, newletters, blogs, price lists, artist statements…<sigh> So it is a day when I am tapping into my inner fortitude – where did I put that? Right…

Here’s the important info you need to attend my fabulous, inspirational show:

Ariadne collage

(Ariadne: Mistress of the Labyrinth, mixed media collage, 16 x 20″, 2008)

Myth and Nature; transformed

Mixed Media Artwork by Jennifer Davies-Reazor

Newark Arts Alliance – 276 E> Main St Suite 102, Newark De 19711

May 4 – 29th. Artist Reception Friday, May 7th – 6 -8 pm.

Hours: 11 am – 3 pm daily. Thursday 11am – 7pm. Closed Monday.

Really – must get to the next task on the list. Busy day, and I am prepared to make it a good one! Hope to see you next week!

Frenetic…

April 20, 20104 Comments

Main Entry: fre·net·ic

Pronunciation: fri-?ne-tik

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English frenetik insane, from Anglo-French, from Latin phreneticus, modification of Greek phrenitikos, from phrenitis inflammation of the brain, from phren-, phr?n diaphragm, mind

Date: 14th century

“Inflammation of the brain” – that discribes the state of affairs here rather well. I am in full on frenzied production mode finishing – well, starting AND finishing new mixed media work for my first solo show. I have clay drying – hopefully to be fired and glazed in time. I have shrines awaiting interior installments. I have lined up blank canvases primed (pun intended) for paper, paint and glue.

(You can just see the shrines in the foreground on the left. And two labyrinth themed colalges on the work table, very near completion.)

Please save the date: Friday May 7th at the Newark Arts Alliance here in town. The reception is from 6-8 pm. So there are finishings artwork lists, and reception/organisational exhibit lists…

And icing on the cake – my friend Cooky will be here from San Diego! WooHoo! She is the owner of The Shepherdess – bead and fiber store extrordinaire – in Old Town, and an incredible mixed media artist/jeweler in her own right. Coming for her first East Coast visit to my humble abode, she is drafted to help hang my show! Hee Hee. But she is also here on business and she and I will be attending MD Sheep and Wool Festival over the May Day weekend. So lets get this artwork prepped early – there is fun to be had; wine to be drunk, fibers to be fondled…

I digress. More on the show in the coming days/week… I need to get back to the studio. “Inflammation of the brain” – yes, that does sum it up…

Beautiful day in the neighborhood…

April 15, 2010Leave a comment

RenCon was a great time – I have new favorite bands on continual loops in my head; new inspiration percolating for wonderful new tile designs; new fans and collectors of my work (Thank you all!) – but the people! The VIPs’ were open and accessible. The fellow vendors were interesting, interested, enthusiastic, sharing. The attendees were excited and appreciative. Whew!

I had great neighbors on my hallway, and I thank them for such a wonderful time!Let me introduce you:

Gypsy Nomads: I think I need to listen to Track 3 every morning. No better way to start the day! I dont describe music well – but go listen to things on their website. They are infectious! And they are both visual artists as well, which thrills me, a bonus. These two were my across the hall neighbors providing a soundtrack for the weekend and performing both nights. And I look forward to seeing them live at FaerieCon! (Although I think they will be at Spoutwood Farms May Day Faerie Festival!)

Dancing Hands, FGM: Emma Dancing Hands (Fairy Goddess Mother, that is…) Here shown doing Fhairy strands in E’s hair. Everyone knows her, everyone loves her, she is a joy to be around. Its that simple! Not only will she be attending Spoutwood – there is a Charles Vess drawing of her for this years advertisement!

Kathryn Elizabeth Noska: Kathryn is a painter, poet, and self described ‘stonesayer’ and when you see her work you will understand. The stones speak to her, and she to them. Her paintings are exquisitely detailed painted from life, and she captures the characters in the stones themselves, showing them to us on canvas. I did not try to capture the painting’s detail on film (Just go take a look for yourself!)… and Kathyrn herself proves an elusive subject! From her booth: Noska book Kathryn’s amazing hand bound book of her drawing and poems. Noska stones And her oracle stones. So lovely!

Goblin Bazaar: …” eclectic array of things from the realm of Fae captured and created by Kimberley Coffman as is inspired by the strange and wonderful world around us.” So true! Kim’s work is magical. Her fae are original, exquisitely painted one of a kind sculptures. I was enchanted!

kin fae Clearly she takes good care of them, since not a one looked unhappy in their traveling containments. And her skills with a woodburning tool – really? Kim pendants

Kim and Sarah Kim, (onthe right) with Sarah of ToadstoolNtreestump.

Thank you one and all for making the weekend so magical! See you in November!

Euphoria…

April 14, 20101 Comment

Main Entry: eu·pho·ria

Function: noun

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, from euphoros healthy, from eu- + pherein to bear — more at bear

Date: circa 1751

: a feeling of well-being or elation

A simple word, a complex potpouri of sensation, emotion, experience, feeling… A patchwork of sights, and sounds; drumbeats and squeaks; costumes, artwork, faces… friends. RenCon.

It was its first year. Would it satisfy? Would it be successful? Would it draw the crowds of its sister show FaerieCon? Yes, and yes, and no…

The crowds were less crowded, true. There were fewer vendors, fewer lectures, true. The business end of the weekend came away even. But for me personally – Euphoria.

I started the magic with Fhairy strands. Gossamer metallic threads entwined with my hair, bestowed by Dancing Hands, my Faerie Goddess-Mother.

The weekend was a whirlwind of music – Gypsy Nomads, Estampie and Qntal from Germany; artwork – wonderful neighbors in Kathyrn Noska and Kimberly of Goblin Bazaar; Mark Lewis and his amazing tales, (and jokes!); and being able to meet and chat with people who I admire and respect – Caitlin Matthews and Brian Froud!

But the true euphoria comes from the feeling of community, of having found my tribe – where creativity is admired, recognized, revered. Where people express themselves in costume and revelry; and unite in a shared experience. It is hard to put into words, but it is a magical feeling that resonated long after the artwork and instruments are packed away.

The euphorical feeling, the shared wonder and excitement is a creative tonic. The new ideas that are swirling in my mind, ready to be put on paper, and into clay… will carry me forward, the last traces of the magic of the weekend…