Tag: exhibits

Fall festivals….

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For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.  For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad.  ~Edwin Way Teale

 

Although Fall doesn’t officially start for a few weeks now,  years of teaching full time have set my body’s clock to equate September with fall. Here in Delaware we had a wee little earthquake and danced with Irene as she made her way up the coast. Now rain and cooler weather are welcome signs of the season. Fall is my busiest festival and show season as well. After the hectic pace of teaching ceramics summer camp, I spent August on vacation and in the studio. And I am finishing up projects here and there, firing kilns and packing up tiles and shrines up for…

Bethany Beach Boardwalk Festival: I love the ocean after Labor Day. Still gorgeous as always, clear skies, warm sand. Come to the beach one last weekend after the crowds have died down! This one day show is on the Boardwalk and Garfield Parkway, a large and impressive collection of artists and crafters. The annual silent auction contributes its proceeds to art departments of local schools., a generous and worthy cause. The festival runs 10 – 5 on Saturday the 10th. Details can be found here. 

Artsfest: Annmarie Garden on Solomon’s Island MD hosts this fantastic two day show on September 17th and 18th. Music, wine tasting, artists galore – all set in the lush park and sculpture garden setting. So worth a day trip! I adore my location on the wooded path, set among the trees and the shade! I have many artist friends I  look forward to seeing each Spetember, catching up, bartering…(10-5 each day. Details pictures and directions: here. 

Art on the Avenue: This one is exceptionally exciting for me this year. I am returning to Alexandria VA on October 1st – and I am officially selling my jewelry and wearables! I am permitted to bring tiles and shrines as well, as I have in past years But I am spreading m wings and I will have ceramic pendants, mixed media pieces, earrings… a divers e offering of unique hand crafted wearable. I started out metalsmithing and painting in college, and I am in many ways returning to my roots! Hope to see you there! (Sat. October 1st, 10-6 pm. Details and directions: here. 

earrings galore!

But that is not all. I have a few other irons in the proverbial fire: 

I will be donating a piece to the Small Art, Big Auction annual fundraiser at the DCCA. Artworks are to be 12 x 12” and there will be diverse offerings in every media. It is a fun, creative fundraiser for this Wilmington DE arts organization, and who doesn’t have just a little available wall space? 

And classes! Are you interested in trying your hand at clay? metal? Bookbinding? Here is a short list of what and where I will be teaching in September and October; there is something for everyone. Hope you can join me!

September 20& 27th – “Fly away home” ceramic sculptural tile at the Art Studio, Newport, DE

September 28 & October 12 – Ceramic finger labyrinths at First and Central Presbyterian Church in WIlmington DE

October 11th – Resin collage jewelry workshop at the Art Studio.

Stay tuned for updates on other fall classes in the next month or so…Until then, a sneak peek! 

glazing labyrinths

Glazing ceramic labyrinths…

Fly away Home

“Fly away home” in progress…

student work resin

Student work from last fall’s resin workshop. 



 

 

 

 

 

Meditation, music, and mayhem?

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fairy door with dahliasTaking a break from gardening – hoping to finish mulching the newly planted little floral offerings before the inevitable rain. I wanted to update you readers out there about a few upcoming events. 

Meditation:

ceramic labyrinths

Have you ever walked a labyrinth? If not – please do! No matter what your religious or spiritual bent, it is a wonderful active/walking meditation. My first experience was very profound, and I have a meaningful experience every time. The process leads you inwards, to your center… one one path, your path to the center and then guides your steps back out into the world.  ( Try the Labyrinth locator to find one near you…) Later this month I will be partnering up with Carol Maurer to teach a ceramic finger labyrinth class. Held at First & Central Presbyterian Church in Wilmington – we will meet first to create, and 2 weeks later for a social gathering to walk the labyrinth and collect our finished pieces. The facts: May 31st and June 14th. 7 – 9pm. $65. To register: email – spiritedplay(at)hotmail(dot)com. 

Music: The 22nd Appel Farm Arts and Music Festival is fast approaching! 

Appel Farm

I will be there with tiles – new mermaids! Earrings – all new designs! Shrines, pendants, clay offerings galore! Its exciting to me when I can bring sculpture/ceramics AND jewelry! Hurrah!

earrings!

And if you are going to be in Lewes over Fourth of July weekend – make sure to mark your calendar –St. Peter’s  45th Annual Fine Art Show, on July 2nd. Should be a great day! And where is the mayhem, you ask? Isn’t there  a little mayhem everywhere to keep things interesting? 

 

A to Z: E is for Eclectic

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1: selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles
     2
: composed of elements drawn from various sources;
Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from ex- out +legein to gatherFirst Known Use: 1683

Its a word I like. Eclectic. There is an artistic air there, a little bit left of center, not the norm. And I really like the synonyms: Magpie, motley… When I was in college, studying art and education, I was already taking a more diverse path than many of my fellow art students. While they were concentrating on mastery in one medium… ( not to get philosophical, but do we ever achieve mastery? Then what else would there be to do, if not grow, learn and evolve…) I was developing proficiency in many mediums. (My words, not the college’s.) I was headed to the classroom – what better breadth of knowledge than a plethora of skills and experiences? Yet being such a Jack-of-all-trades was frowned upon. It was implied that I lacked the requisite focus or skills needed to make it “out there”. The jester, in his bells and motley tunic often juggling many balls – the artist, working in different materials, tending to many projects at once. I like the Jack of all trades metaphor, and while I continue to strive to be  a master… I think I am making progress.
Artsfest booth
( My booth set-up for Artsfest 2010)

This entry was going to be “D is for dilemna” but it is resolved now, and “Eclectic” is a better fit. I recently applied to one of my regular festivals, in the fall, in a city where we used to live. The entry categories, always a dilemma at festival time…Am I a ceramics artist? No. That brings to mind functional wares when seen in the event program. And I am definitely NOT a potter. (No offense meant. I just am not into function.) So I write in “Mixed Media” if it isnt already a listed category. I have tiles to bring, shrines, maybe clay, maybe in tins or boxes. Could bring collages… Then there are the pendants. Clay really is the unifying element in my work. When you see my booth all set up, decaorated, ready for business – clay is 90% of my offeriengs. Many pieces are not purely clay, but incorporate found objects, mini books, collages – hence the Mixed Media moniker. My pendants are clay. They are partnered in motif with my tiles. I work in symbolic images and icons – would you like to wear that raven? Or hang it in your house? 
ravens in kiln
pendants
This show tightened up their guidelines. Unless you are juried into the jewelry category, you may NOT bring any jewelry. I emailed for clarification. And sat with the dilemma for a while. Do I take only tiles and shrines? Or do I apply for jewelry? If I apply for jewelry, the competition is stiff, but I could possible have an opportunity to take earrings, stamped metal, resin, some of my new work. Here is the deal-maker: If accepted for jewelry I CAN bring tiles and shrines as well. (But not the other way around) SO I went for it. And as I write this I haven’t heard back yet if I am accepted. Please think good thoughts for me, lets put the idea out there in the universe  – the first show I ever did will also be the show at which I debut my jewelry officially. There is a karmic balance to that, don’t you think? 
wishing well
I have made a wish. Here’s wishing you well, also!

 

Spring is bringing many new things…

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It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:  when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.  ~Charles Dickens

spring daffodils

Today was such a day. The daffodils are teased with the chill wind. The dogs are sunbathing, recharging their solar cells. And I was in the studio…. I try to do a seasonal newsletter, yet I find myself liking the weekly blog entries better. So please feel free to follow this blog, if you are interested in updates and musings, and work in progress. But on to the news of the season…

The Spring season was ushered in by the magical wonderful Mythic Faire. Held in Baltimore, this is the little sister show to the autumn extravaganza that is FaerieCon. The weekend is a medley of talks, panels, music, artwork, and meeting and chatting with creative people. It was great to see old friends and make new! More on Mythic Faire can be had here: Mythic Faire website and my blog entry…

Immediately after returning from the Realm, as Mythic Faire is often called… I had to get back into the studio! I had a new exhibit going up in days at the Music School of Delaware.  My dear friend and talented artist Betsy Mortenson and I are revisiting our ImagoDea – Envisioning the Feminine Divine show with new work. The show is open now, and will remain up until May 20th. Our opening reception is in tandem with one of the schools concert series – Music : Ritual and Healing – held on Sunday April 3rd. If you are in the area and interested please stop by! More information at their website.  They are located at 4101 Washington St in Wilmington DE. 

ImagoDea postcard

A sneak peak into some of the new collages, you ask? ok – here is a teaser. This is from the series of 9 small collages – The Muses, as I was still working on them. 

Muses in progress

But there is clay on my hands as well as paper fibers and glue! I am trying to achieve balance between areas of my life – arent we all? So time spent in the clay studio and ever increasingly in the jewelry studio rounds out my days. I have a fantastic new mold awaiting clay – from a detailed original carving – a split tailed mermaid, a sexy one at that! Cant wait to have a batch of tiles to glaze… I will post pictures as soon as I have some…

I also have new shrine tiles. I made the empty shrines, cast them, and from the mold can make multiples. Each one is different, but related. I like this new way of working in a series, yet still creating one of a kind pieces. 

rough shrine tiles

Here they are very rough, straight from the mold. And after adding elements and glazing…

shrine tiles

Working in a series this way is how I do my ceramic pendants, and it seemed the next logical evolution to work on tiles this way as well. I have been working in the jewelry studio quite a bit lately, and may have news about my jewelry offerings in the future… For now I leave you with a few pictures of new work. (Some of which will soon be making its way to my Etsy shop, naturally…)

pendants

Along with the clay, I have been working in resin and in metals. Getting reacquainted with some of the skills I learned in metal smithing classes as an under grad!

resin

mojo talisman

So here is hoping spring finds you healthy and happy! And may it be a productive, creative and fruitful season!

Upcoming events: 

I am teaching two workshops at through The Art Studio.  Mixed Media Jewelry: Collage in Resin in resin will be held Thursday April 14th from 6-9pm. We will create small collages, inset into bezels and seal them with resin. It is simpler than it seems and highly addictive!

The second workshop is a ceramics workshop – Creating a Floral Mirror Frame. We will work in clay one week, and glaze the next.  Students will design and sculpt a floral ceramic tile, which will become the mirror’s frame.

Information on my classes can be found at the Art Studio website, or by calling 302-995-7661 – if you are interested!

My next festival/art show of the year is in June – seems like so far away as I write this! The Appel Farm Arts and Music Festival is near and dear to my heart, as I was a jewelry instructor there for two summers. The day long music festival is a regional tradition, and draws great musical talent, as well as a stellar arts festival. Please do check it out, and see the line-up at their website. 



 



a few more…making music; making friends

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While I am doing new work, decorating for the holidays… I am also still feeling I have Faerie (Con) dust sprinkled on my shoulders. Perhaps it is part to the Fairy strands I have in my hair…

But a few more pictures I wanted to share: 

The Gypsy Nomads played the Good Fairies Ball on Friday night with Woodland. (Samples and photo galleries – take a look!) Had to post a few Nomad pix, they have become friends over the last year or so…

JDR and SStevenson 

GN at FC

Scott of the GN

Samantha of GN

Another FaerieCOn person that has become a good friend – for although we only see him twice a year, we make the most of it – is Mark Lewis. Storyteller extraordinaire! and MC of the event – tune in Dec 12th and see his guest appearrance on the TV show “Leverage” as Santa! (Its a good show anyway…)

Mark Lewis

Yes, he is playing 2 recorders in this picture. A few of his stories are available as podcasts. Listen to them. They are wonderful. 

One thing about FC that I am sure I have mused on in previous posts, is the sense of community. THere are no separations between attendees, performers, VIP’s, artists/vendors. It is refreshing to be respected and recognized by your peers, and adds to the air of excitement to be mingling with the famous. Lets be honest – it was exciting to have Brian and Wendy Froud seated behind me at dinner in the bar! And they were left in peace, respectfully during their meal. When they are at their table, signing autographs then its fair game, but otherwise they are usually left to mill about in (relative) peace.  

So in this shared environment of respect and creativity – I had an opportunity to not only meet but talk with two artists whose work I had known and admired for years – Linda Ravenscroft and Helena Nelson-Reed. Linda was at the Faerie Magazine booth, with her husband John, also a very charming individual. We chatted about many things, including the location of the Fairy Bridge in Wales – featured in the original watercolor sketch of Linda’s  that I purchased. (Soon to hang framed next to the Charles Vess print from last year…) Helena and I struck up easy, comfortable conversations on numerous occasions as we were out of our booths strolling around. I am thrilled to say that soon 3 of my pendants will appear in her talisman necklaces. And an incredible print of hers will be hanging in my library… Trading with another artist is the most satisfying!

JDR & Ravenscroft

( Sorry for the iphone pix. Had Linda’s husband John snap this of she and I at her booth.)

 

Good Faeries, good friends

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 FaerieCon is a magical place: we have established that. But there is a sense of community, of camaraderie, of celebration and shared euphoria. It is hard to put into words… The day on Friday was a study in contrasts in some ways: “Oh we are all here now, lets chat and catch up, share, and story tell…” vs. “Oh we are all here now, the event has begun, the doors are open and attendees are streaming in!” Friday was a great day; but the Good Faeries Ball Friday night was an excellent chance to do the former. Celebrate, dance, chat, reconnect, establish new friendships… So here are a few captures snippets of Friday night… friends, fun, frolic, fantasy, faeries…

VIP's

Sarah of Toadstools N Treestump, Dancing Hands, Fairy Goddess Mother, and yours truly. We were proudly displaying our event badges of honor, including Dancing Hands’ VIP badge. Very impish person, indeed!    

 

GF Ball

Rebecca – staff volunteer, loyal customer, new friend.

JDR and K. Noska

Kathryn Noska, neighbor and friend from RenCon last April. Great to see her, although briefly, and see her amazing new polymer creations! 

Foreign fae

Faeries come in all shapes and sizes. These gorgeous Kimono clad fae shared my love for the Moon hare!

Steam punk fae

Costumes are amazing. Steam punk extraordinaire! Wonderful wings, incredible ink;  it all dazzles the eye…

Until tomorrow. 

wings and ink

Celebrating the Magical Life…

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Walk up to the doors of the Hunt Valley Marriott, the sounds of the mundane world so normal to your ears – being greeted with a banner “Celebrating the Magical Life”…welcome to FaerieCon. I was thrilled to be vending for my second year, and to see friends, old and new. 

But first- the set up…

Hunt Valley Hallway

The carpet is all you notice at first, I mean, how could you not? Soon, oh so very soon – it will pale compared to the art, and costumes and characters…

FC table

The challenge of creating an artful display, and levels to showcase items to their advantage – all in 6′ of real estate. I have improved upon my space plan since last year…

FC table 2

At this point in the morning, i had only jewelry left to display. I was so tempted to flit off and chat with friends…

FC Urban Crow

Cooky and Margie of Urban Crow/The Shepherdess flew in from San Diego. They were setting up down the hall. 

J & S set up FC

And Sarah of Toadstools and Treestump was my neighbor. So there was definitely chatting…

This post turned out to be a preview, an appetizer as it were, for the main feast. A feast of friends, magic, creativity, music, artwork, and inspiration. So please stay tuned for costumes, characters, and the like…

Cauldron of goddesses

 

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! 

Fortitude…

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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!