LOCAL 14 ART SHOW

It's time for our big show at the World Forestry Center. I'm going to put some different art in this time (some say "as usual"?). Large acrylics on the BIG WALL. Smaller encaustic paintings below that. Tiny encaustic paintings below that, and my shrink wrap bin holds originals, for the most part.
This year, I'm Director of the show and it's been an interesting process. One of the things that I admire about this group is the members' willingness to make this a special show, not one of the many road shows that some do, but one where the entire membership takes ownership of the whole thing, start to finish. Lots of thoughtful and very smart women-- not to mention the talent, which is inspiring.
I hope we can bring you into this event and surprise you with its newness and creativeness. If you are an artist, we hope you'll be inspired. If you are an art lover, we hope you'll find something to take home and remember us by. Or give as a surprise. This is a time when things are a bit tight, but we hope that you'll be inspired to give us a look, and let us know how you enjoy the art in any way you can. Thanks!
www.local14.org

The Big Show

We had a meeting tonight and I was struck by the amazing women we have at LOCAL 14.  Collectively, we are moms, business and working women, athletes, politicos, nurturers, and of course, artists.

It is a testament to the tenacity of women that we put on this FAbulous show each year (43 years now), and it gets better each time.  

I don't know what I'll be putting in the show this year myself.  I will be showing on the BIG WALL this time, and pulling larger pieces from my gallery to show.  But I'm working hard on the encaustics, and while pursuing a direction with that, I'd like to show some of them, too.  It's exciting to put something out for the first time and have people respond and get feedback.  

Encaustic Crazy

Nothing like diving in, fingers' first, into molten wax.  I've been painting with wax for a few weeks, non-stop, and it's just enthralling!  I have burnt every digit, and don't even notice anymore.  I went to Home Depot and had them cut a 5'x8' piece of birch covered plywood into smaller pieces, and have been trying out everything I've learned from the various classes I've taken.  It's really a blast.  As soon as I feel I'm understanding the process I'll need to figure out what MY particular style will be.  Or theme.  There is already so connection to my acrylic pieces, but mostly I've been working with shapes.  This has helped with the learning process, just concentrating on one theme and seeing where it goes.  

Making painting easier

Sometimes I stare at my studio and wonder where to start.  I have little areas for different types of painting.  I've discovered if I don't have SOME plan, I won't go in.  One thing that helps is to go in and make things tidier.  As you process putting things away, ideas occur to you that may prompt a project, a painting, or at least a start.  Another thing that helps is to get out some books and just look at art.  I get inspired that way.  Going to art shows is another way to get inspiration.  I guess I'm not the type of person who wants to do the same kind of art repeatedly, or I'd have an easier time of it.  

So, if you aren't inspired, put yourself in the mood by enveloping yourself in all your art 'stuff'!