National Healing Arts Show

Frame size 22"x19"x1"

"Open Heart 2" is hand-made recycled paper, a pulp painting with embedded botanicals and applied pigment from the "Open Heart" series. It will be hanging in the National Healing Arts Show in Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital, 5101 S. Willow Springs Rd, LaGrange, IL 60525 from November 6, 2014 - January 6, 2015. Last year I was a patient at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital for the replacement of a defective aortic valve, but my stay was prolonged because of complications. I now enjoy health and vitality thanks to the healthcare team at the Adventist Hospital.

Papermaking Workshops, Fall 2014

Papermaking Workshops at The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park, IL.
Wednesday, September 17, 6:30-9:30pm: Making paper from the garden, incorporating leaves and petals in the pulp, and moulded paper with garden theme.
Friday, October 10, 1-3pm. Fall leaf paper, embedding leaves in paper and making leaf shapes in paper sheets.
Projects can include papers to use in collages and scrap-booking, photo mats, note cards and framed art pieces.
Instructor: Marilyn VandenBout
Call 708.361.3650 for information and to reserve a spot in class.

Art Play Date

I enjoyed getting together with friends who are also artists this summer for an artists' play date. Among other things, we experimented with photo transfers onto wood block. I took this photo at the Art Institute of Chicago in the cafeteria, looking out the window at the courtyard. If you pay close attention to details, you may notice I did not reverse the image for this transfer.

 

Raku Firing

Earlier this summer Rich joined a Raku workshop at The Center. Artists first made their clay pieces, bisque fired and glazed with crackle or metallic glazes, then put them in the outdoor kiln to 1800 degrees, glowing hot. They took the pieces out with tongs, put them in cans with sawdust and straw to burn, then covered to cut off the oxygen. Next into water to cool and clean. Unglazed clay turns black. The results are not food safe and don't hold water, but they are beautiful to look at.

Alive and Kicking

OK, so I kind of was back, but now I really am back. Alive and kicking. Enough with health crises already.
The title of this work is "Thy Dross to Consume, Thy Gold to Refine." Words from a song referring to coming through difficult times. And Lord knows, yes, I have. The piece is framed to 31" h x 23" w.
All hand made papers: black is 100% cotton, tan in hand beaten Japanese fibers, and the small piece is recycled with embedded botanicals and gold leaf attached with brass brads.

I'm Ba-ack

Well, isn't it amazing what a bad-health year can do to a blog? But I'm still here and still creating. My latest has been adding metal leaf to my hand-made paper beads in my jewelry designs. More to come.

This was published in the Southtown Star last week.

Rich's Pots

Look at what Rich has been up to lately - the most amazing bowls, pots and vases! Wheel thrown, altered, and slab. I love that he is making ceramic flower arranging frogs to fit his vases, and I love the textures.

April Papermaking Display

A display of the process of making handmade paper and my artwork is at Palos Park Public Library for the month of April. The library is nestled in the woods, a lovely place to visit. If you look at my display when you visit, feel free to send me feedback. I'm always interested.

March Art Show

I was honored to have my work on display at Hickory Hills Village Hall for the month of March. The icing on the cake was the sale of a framed piece to one of Hickory Hills' finest.

Ground Hog Day Workshop

I celebrated Ground Hog Day (it's my adopted holiday, I always celebrate it) by giving a paper-making demonstration and workshop for the Garden Club of Evergreen Park at the public library. You can read all about it on their website; here's the link: http://www.epgardenclub.org/

Making Beads from My Handmade Paper

Cutting my paper into strips and rolling them into beads is becoming way too much fun. Then seeing what kind of jewelry the beads want to be - they always let me know. I'm acquiring more containers so I can keep my beads accessible. It really is easier to create in an organized environment.
Some of my earrings are available at Hazel Apparel!, 1902 West Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL.