Playing hooky at Jerry’s…

December 30, 2016Leave a comment

old journals end. new journal’s beginning. plans and goals.

Jerry’s ArtARama to be precise. Its the end of December. I made some progress on a commission and learned the deadline was less tight than I had thought. I decided to play hooky for a few hours. I have been cleaning and organizing, reflecting on 2016 and setting art and business goals for 2017.

I needed glazing medium. Yes, really I did. I will be doing Journal 52 again this year. I participated this year, and created about half of the weekly art journal entries. This year ) hope for an even higher percentage. The art journal gives me a place to play, and to meditate, and to experiment… without all the pressures of producing art for a show, for sale.

What I came for…

Why are brushes so delightful to look upon?

This store has character and pizazz.

I am lucky that there is a Jerry’s in Wilmington. I usually order online, pay shipping, wait, and wait… I was browsing Dick Blick online when I realized – support local! And I am so glad I did! The store has great art and murals throughout. The people were friendly and helpful. The whole store is a visual treat; eye candy. I treated myself to some Golden acrylics, and a new deep panel “canvas” to try for a new mixed media idea…

So many pencils, makes my hands actually itch to draw? Really?

Yes, please. One of each.

I dont even like working with pastels. But be still my heart.

This summer I was doing a little printmaking when my friend Lesley was over from the UK. I do have plans for more in 2017. Some prints to accompany tiles, drawing on my personal and mythic symbology.

mmmm. printing inks. Delicious.

Art is fun. Art is serious. Art is serious fun.

So I spent a few hours out of the studio! And I have some yummy new inspiring supplies! And the loyalty program at the store saved me money! And I supported local! Win Win. See you next year, Jerry’s…

Inner visions, Inner Harbor

September 12, 2016September 12, 20161 Comment

The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.

Why had I never been here before?

Last week my friend and blog colleague Lesley Watt was visiting. We had planned our vacation art camp with a mix of field trips and artwork projects. The weather was so insanely cooperative – very unlike late August/early September usually is… So our first adventure was the AVAM in Baltimore, on a glorious temperate, blue-skied day…

Mosaic bluebird of happiness.

A museum is covered in installations.

Bunny! On the “Magic Bus”

This mosaic Cosmic Galaxy egg was breath taking. It even incorporated images from the Hubble telescope. ( Artist: Andrew Logan)

The Museum grounds are outstanding. Sculpture, installations, fountains, gardens. I felt completely enchanted before we even entered the museum.

A sense of fun, a tranquil enclosure…

There are many instances where words or a quote stop you in your tracks. I did manage to capture a few heartfelt phrases.

John Waters

This large piece – completely beaded!

Divine

There is no photography allowed in the museum, so you are seeing pieces from the grounds, and in the mirror below a stealth pix of Lesley in a mirrored mosaic. The blue sculpture above? Entirely beaded, representing John Waters and Divine as a folk art weather house – you know – where figures emerge and disappear depending on the weather readings?

No pictures allowed IN the museum, but the bathrooms were fair game!

In the gardens between the buildings. A true oasis in the city.

Need I say more?

Amazing views from the AVAM Bird’s nest balcony

After the museum we headed to the Inner Harbor for a tourist browse and then dinner. Crab cakes, naturally.

The Inner Harbor – then off for crab cakes!

Lesley has posted regarding the adventures over at Art Jewelry Elements. Take a look at her pix! And stay tuned for more here, later this week!

Allegory Gallery visit!

February 19, 20143 Comments

Allegory – def. a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

Allegory Gallery in Ligionier PA is more than just a bead store! It has a sense of style all its own, it fosters creativity and community, and supports the arts in myriad forms. The work of Andrew Thornton and William Jones, it is a retail and gallery space that I could see myself frequenting… if it werent 4+ hours away! I was thrilled to exhibit there, and glad it gave me a reason to go for a visit.

gallery view1

Allegory display, with collage

Gallery Montage

The shop is a feast for the eyes. From original architectural details of painted tin wainscoting, to vintage glass dishes displaying beads, there is so much to see. The space is shared with a wonderful used book store, staffed by friendly, fun people. I am sorry I did not have more time there! There are beads, glass and stone – your staples and more unusual finds as well. I did manage to shop a bit – of course! Just a few treasures, but such good ones! Those Mother-of-pearl quatrefoils are so perfect, something Medieval, images, resin…

treasures found

And yes – a few pictures from the opening. (Photo credit – A. Thornton, borrowed from Allegory Gallery page.) It was a pleasure to spend time with local people, and friends who traveled into town. (Thanks Terri and Sue!)

JDR with gallery wall

Laughing at the camera phones.

JDR Mythic Nature

My Mixed media collages on the gallery wall.

Mythic Nature showcase at Allegory

My mixed media pieces in a very stylish case!

Thanks all for a wonderful show opening! The exhibit will run until May 2, 2014.

If you are in the area – dont miss this great gallery and shop!

Allegory Gallery is located at 139 E. Main St Ligonier, PA.

Mythic Nature exhibiting at Allegory Gallery!

February 10, 20143 Comments

Snake Skin

“Snake Skin” mixed media on canvas. 8″ x 10″ 2013

I am packing up collages today. Getting ready to ship them to Allegory Gallery for the opening this weekend. Its a whirlwind – with teaching Saturdays, creating new work for Berks Bead Bazaar, sculpting and casting new tiles for the Spring season… and I love every second of it!

(There is a newsletter link on the upper right of my blog page – please sign up if you are interested! )

I am super excited to see Andrew’s gallery/retail space – I can only imagine the labor of love, and the joy such a place would be… Blood, sweat and tears! They describe themselves as: “Allegory Gallery is a creative space that’s one part bead store, one part jewelry boutique, one part fine art gallery, and one part gift shop. The aim of Allegory Gallery is to promote artisan craftspeople, inspire the community to explore their creativity, and act as a focal point for classes and artistic education in the area.”

Please feel free to visit their website to learn more. I am sharing this show with artist Elise Wells; there is a lovely feature article written by the local paper located here. From the article: Thornton said he finds Davies-Reazor’s style to be richly layered, like a sturdy tapestry.

“Jenny mixes layers of ephemera, pattern and symbolic color to embody mythology and mysticism, creating (sometimes quite literally) shrines.”

The show will run through March and April. Allegory Gallery is located in Ligonier PA.

So many things…

November 22, 2012Leave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving.

I have so much to be thankful for… my husband, family, my work, my friends.

Photo: One more leg. #holidaze

I travelled yesterday without any stress or mishaps. I am visiting my parents and my sisters, and my little nephew. While I miss my husband and his family – I am so thankful to be spending time with my far away sisters! There are delicious smells wafting up the stairs, and I think another cup of coffee is calling my name…

Photo: Festive. #holidaze

centerpiece

I hope you have a wonderful day with you and yours!

I am also thankful of my online community of friends and family. I recently joined Art Jewelry Elements and am thrilled to be working with such a diverse and talented group of women. We are hosting a Holiday Open House tomorrow! Blog posts every half hour or so, recipes, articles, sales, folklore, and beads… of course! Whether you are shopping Black Friday in the stores or staying at home – stop by and visit with us. Many of the sales will run all weekend. I know I will be adding items to my Etsy store throughout the weekend, and especially on Cyber Monday! Thank you for your interest and support! Until later…

Art Bliss weekend. The third time & charms!

September 24, 20124 Comments

This past weekend was the third annual Art Bliss art and mixed media retreat, just outside DC in Northern Va. I have made it to all three – I wouldnt miss it for the world! Planned and organized by the dynamic duo of Cindy Wimmer and Jeanette Blix – this is my favorite event of its type. Its hosted on a smaller scale, resulting in a more friendly, personable atmosphere than you get at the Beadfest/convention type events. Friendships are made and renewed every year. A very supportive sharing group that I am honored to call friends.

Art Bliss

The welcoming mascot? Can a mannequin be a mascot?

We have a winner!

Multi faceted and extremely energetic Dawn Gallup with her door prize win.

Book signings!

Friday night’s Meet & Greet event was complete with book signings. Erin Siegel, co-author of “Bohemian Inspired Jewelry” chatting at her table.

Bead Soup book signing!

Lori Anderson, the creative genius behind “Bead Soup” with Sandi Volpe.

Kerry Bogert and me...

Uber talented Kerry Bogert of Kab’s Creative Concepts – with me… and her new book “Rustic Wrappings”.

Kerry's beads and cabs!

Kerry’s work – colorful and fun.

The party has started...

Reunion time! ( Me with Sandi Volpe and Jen Judd!)

Birthday Twins!

Sally Russick and I are Birthday Twins. (But she IS younger…)

ArtBliss swag bags!

Sway Bags! The Art Bliss lunch tote and the collaged art of Dawn Gallup adorning our charm swap bag!

The 3rd annual charm swap!

The charm swap! Every year, just for fun, a few of us create and swap hand crafted charms. This year’s theme was “Fall into Bliss”. Its a very cohesive offering, great minds and all that…with copper, polymer, clay and beady beauties.

The weekend is chock full of goodness and creativity,energy and laughter; the coffee is on at all times, it is an absolute blast. I can only speak for myself – but I am refreshed and restored when I spend time with my fellow jewelry designers and artists. So often we are alone in our studios, and while I am thankful for the connectedness that the Interwebs provides – nothing beats the real thing. I hope art retreats NEVER go out of fashion!

Oh! Classes – yes! I took two and they were great! Let me get those pictures for you, come back tomorrow!

Up next – POLYMER!

Is your passport in order? Challenge of Travel preview (Part II)

August 31, 20122 Comments

Tomorrow is the big reveal – Erin’s Challenge of Travel. Yesterday I shared information on famous German figures in science, literature, music. Today – the arts. When I was in art school, getting a minor in Art History was a done deal. Literally! I had the credits almost completed after taking Art History electives. Art geek. That’s me!

There are so many German artists whose work I respect, especially when taken in context of history. How they were influenced by their patrons, reaction to events of the time… Art is propoganda, art as expression, art as cultural vehicle…My short list included Holbein, Caspar David Friedrich, Hans Hoffman, Kathe Kollwitz, Eva Hesse, Anselm Keifer… But I narrowed down to artists whose work I respect AND find visually compelling, evocative, inspirational…

(In no particular order)

Albrecht Durer – printmaker and painter. 1471-1528.

Melencolia by Durer Young Hare by Durer

Melencolia I 1514. Young Hare 1503.

Franz von Stuck – Symbolist and Expressionist painter. 1863 – 1928

von Stuck's Spring von Stuck's Sin

Spring 1909 Sin 1893.

Emil Nolde – German Expressionist painter. 1867 – 1956

Nolde Nolde's Moonlit night

The Sea Moonlit Night 1914.

Kurt Schwitters – Dada and Surrealist painter and collage artist. 1887 – 1948.

Schwitter's Miss Blanche Schwitters collage

Merz231 Miss Blanche 1923 Merzbild – for Alf Gaudenzi

Karl Blossfeldt – photographer. 1865-1932.

Blossfeldt

Sulamith Wulfing – painter and illustrator. 1901 – 1989.

Wulfing

Hope you enjoyed that ecclectic sampler. Stay tuned tomorrow to see my piece. And I will tell you – all that I have posted in the last 2 posts – not what influenced my piece at all. Hmm. What a tease…

BeadFest – these are the people in my neighborhood

August 21, 20129 Comments

My first Beadfest as an exhibitor has come and gone. It was most definitely worth the days spend firing and glazing in a frenzy! I had a wonderful time – seeing my pieces well received, meeting new friends, catching up with old friends. And I managed to fit in a little shopping and a bit of barter (tomorrow’s post). For now – a recap of the booth, and a few of my neighbors. I regret not taking more people pictures…I seem to have focused on the beads.

My booth

high fire and words

"Mythic Nature" series

Lunar Hare

Lampwork lovelies from my neighbor Sue Kennedy of Sue Beads.

Sue Beads

What patience! Hundreds of raku beads from Amy at Xaz Bead Company.

Xaz Bead Co.

One of a kind ceramic focals and buttons from Mary Hubbard at White Clover Kiln.

White Clover Kiln

Green Girl Studios – pewter charms, buttons, pendants…

Green Girl Studios

Lampwork from Heather of HBM Studios.

HMB Studios

Lampwork focals from Anne of Gardanne Beads.

Gardanne beads

The show was great, although long hours on one’s feet. The atmosphere was very invigorating, and creative. I am thrilled to be part of this community; I am very glad I took the leap and applied. Although it seems very quiet here at home, alone – I am full of ideas and energy – so thank you friends!

Year of the Dragon

January 25, 20121 Comment

Gong Xi Fa Ca! Wishing you prosperity! ( In Mandarin Chinese)

Yes, technically Chinese New Year was celebrated on Monday the 23rd. But it does spread over a 15 day period ringing in the new year – so I feel I am still in a timely manner. For the beginning of January I was home recovering from surgery, so this really marks my new year as I get back to work and look forward to what 2012 will bring.

Dragon 2012

According to Chinese astrology, people born on the year of the dragon are said to be strong, self-assured, eccentric, intellectual, and passionate, among other things.

I have been hibernating. I decided when my surgery was scheduled that I would take the month of January off. By necessity – to heal. And as that process progressed – to hibernate. I will admit – it was a major surgery,a necessary one and a smashing success, yet a tough road, one that I am glad is behind me. The timing has been perfect – to hole up in the house, warm under a blanket, sipping tea – and reading. I have been reading like it was my job… And as January comes to a close, I am ready to get back to work. I have shows to plan, applications to mail, designs to sketch, artwork to create. Healthy and rested – 2012 I am ready for you now!

I did devote a good bit of time to 2 projects over the last two weeks. I had the pleasure of collaborating with my friend Betsy Molina Motenson for a show at the Center of Creative Arts in Yorklyn, DE… and I am participating in the 2012 Sketchbook Project sponsored by the Art House Co-op. Look for details and images on those in the coming days…

For now, I wish you long life, and prosperity…(As I hear Spock in my head…) I eagerly await the adventures and experiences that this new year will bring. Hope you will follow along with me.

New Year Dragon

A cup of joe? NYC installation/inspiration.

December 16, 20112 Comments

If you know me, you know I love coffee. If you have met me, even if you havent met me, you probably know that about me. While we were in NYC last weekend, we literally stumbled upon this great installation. No, really. We came up on the Flatiron Building from its less iconic side…

Flatiron art space

installation 1

install 2

This is what I saw first. What is this pile of markers and cups? What is going on here?

Oh heavens! I love it! Each one an individual work of art, suspnded, slowly turning…

install 3

I wish I had been able to see the artist working; interacting with, or ignoring passers-by. Would regular New Yorkers stop, and notice?

installation4

There were designs, landscapes, portraits, street scenes. I could have remained captivated for hours, coffee in hand…

The artist’s name is Gwyneth Leech. She works in the space Tues. – Sat from 11-2 pm. The exhibit/installation, titled “Hypergraphia: The Cup Drawings” began in September, and runs through the end of this month. I haven’t had a chance to check out the website yet, but I fully intend to. So glad I chanced upon it. It was refreshing, and entertaining, and visually pleasing to be sure!

Jenny Davies-Reazor

artist, teacher

Tag: art