Month: September 2010

Art Bliss in DC

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Do you know that feeling when you have experienced something fabulous and you want to share, yet at the same time you want to hold the magic in, keep it close and personal and precious? 

I am ready to share… Art Bliss thoughts and ideas from this past weekend. There are a plethora of art retreats all over the country. I have never attended one. I am spoiled in that I take workshops and work with infinitely talented artists – at the Shepherdess in San Diego, my second home… And while that becomes a retreat in and of itself –  a seperation from the daily grind, chores, etc…I used to work there, and I relish the behind the scenes perspective I have returning there. And Cooky, the owner is one of my best friends…

 The event, the first East coast, Mid Atlantic art retreat; was organized by the multitalented Cindy Wimmer and Jeannette Blix Ryan. Held in a hotel near Dulles airport, all our needs had been tended to by our thoughtful hostesses. Meals catered, classrooms equipped…Time to get to work learning, creating, sharing…

So I departed, with the intention to arrive in Dulles before DC rush hour had fried my brain. Used to live there; know what it is like. Friday night Meet and Greet: wine and nosh, artist instructors and their work, reuniting friends eagerly anticipating the weekend of creativity and inspiration. I was a little adrift, as my friend Jen had to cancel…and I didnt want to monopolize the artist/instructors and come across as a crazy stalker student. ( If you have ever done a retreat or a class, you know exacty what I mean…) Pleasure to meet Melissa Manley, Deryn Mentock, Lesley Venable and her OOAK husband, chief executive cookie baker husband Tom. (Didnt get to meet Kerry Bogert. Oops)  

Saturday – “Hard Candy” enameled beads created from copper, glass, fire… taught by Melissa Manley using tools I already have! Oh I love an applicable skill that doesnt require $$$$ new tools! Just point me in the right direction, and sparks will fly: Hard Candy domes The first attempts. And the finished pieces, including a few extra components…

Hard Candy 

Saturday was a crazy day: dinner, evening class (more on that in a minute) and Trunk Show: Trunk show There were quite a few of my fellow students opening their doors as well, to display their wares. I wish I could have gotten out to see everyone! 

Stay tuned for Part 2 Art Bliss DC…..

Same Bat-time! Same Bat-channel! Until tomorrow… 

 

Artsfest 2010

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Artsfest booth Beautiful as always, my home away from home set amidst the trees… 

Booth detail Could I ask for a better place to exhibit – where my mythical tiles could be more at home?  

view wooded path

And at every turn, every crook in the path, magic abounds:

Faerie house 1 Faerie House 2 Faerie House 3  

Great weather, great location, great show, great company! Thanks to everyone who stopped by; it was great to see you!

 

Falling… into fall

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Oh heavens! Its already a week into September! Back to school and Labor Day have come – and gone. I am very busy this month – 2 shows, a retreat, and doing new work for 3 upcoming shows…I will give you all the details here, but honestly… if you are on Facebook; follow my adventures at “The Art of Jennifer Davies-Reazor”. Its the easiest place to post pictures from shows, or the studio….

Speaking of the studio – unloaded a kiln this morning. Take a look:

Raven tiles  dryads kiln kiln shelf

So, lets talk about the fall schedule, where you can come talk to me, and see these beauties for yourself: 

Bethany Beach Boardwalk Festival: THIS WEEKEND! Saturday September 11th on the Boardwalk in Bethany Beach DE.  Lovely weather, the ocean at my back, setting up my wares as the sun rises… and this is a work day? Beautiful! Not to be missed. 

 

Artsfest at Annmarie Gardens, Solomon’s Island MD: Amazing 2 day arts festival; one of the finest. Start your holiday shopping with one of a kind hand crafted artwork and fine crafts. Set amidst the trees at the sculpture garden in Southern Maryland.

 

ArtBliss Retreat: I am looking forward to this professional development weekend – taking enameling classes, socializing, being inspired and rejuvenated. My best friend Jen is taking classes with me – we havent worked side by side in a metals studio since we were undergrads! I am having a trunk show Saturday night – my new Ceramic pendants and mixed media jewelry components.

 

Art on the Avenue, Alexandria VA: The little neighborhood festival… that grew! Fall is ushered in during this family and pet friendly affair. The streets are closed to cars and thronged with people. Hundreds of artists and craftspeople, music, amazing food, and seasonal activities for the little ones. Even shuttles from the Metro if you are a local!

 

FaerieCon: More details to come. My second year at this fantastical, fantasy, faery wonderland! Brian and Wendy Froud, Michael Hague, the Gypsy Nomads… intrigued? Music and magic and mayhem in Baltimore for the weekend of November 12 – 14th.

I will post pictures, more details as events come up. But time really got away from me, as I sculpted away in the basement studio – now, its time to get out there, catch some sun, and sell some artwork. Hope to see you there! 

For a good cause…

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I do believe that the good you do comes back to you. I try to "pay it forward" when the opportunity arises. I try to live with intention and keep my attitude positive – not to be a saccharine sweet Pollyanna – but like begets like, right? 

So with that in mind – a quick post to show you two good causes; to which I have recently donated work…

The Delaware Center of Contemporary Art is having an event: "Small art, Big Auction". Artists donate pieces sized 8 x 10" to be auctioned off, proceeds benefiting the DCCA.  It all happens October 23rd. Check it out! I am sure there will be an amazing diverse array of art! ( Here is a sneak peak…)

DCCA collage

 

And now for something completely different…

Muertos necklace Haunt necklace  

These two necklaces are fresh from the jewelry table in the studio!  They are available for purchase at the My Mom Pattie Etsy shop. My friend Marsha opened this Etsy shop to honor a wish of her mother’s – for a boutique shop with unique offerings, jewelry, etc. Marsha lost her mother in  September three years ago, and honors her memory with the shop and a great blog. Proceeds from the shop will raise funds for the Tri-State Bird rescue, and the goal of naming a room for Marsha’s Mom Pattie. Please check out the shop; there are jewelry components by Marsha Neal Studios, finished pieces by MJ Dodd, Lorelei Eurto, ceramic tiles by yours truly… And some of Marsha’s new Halloween pieces, like those I used, are too  cool. The new decals are also a must see… so go now! Check it out and bookmark it for your holiday shopping! Great one-of-a-kind artisan pieces make perfect holiday presents… Just sayin’…