Some tea and a warm blanket.

A bit quiet today or this morning I should say... I seem to be getting another cold... darn it. I had the chills and the sweats all night went to bed around 8:30, kind of hit me right before dinner time. Thankful I was able to prepare three piece for framing I had to still mount and cut some mats so maybe today I can frame up one or two... I had planned on making chicken noodle soup for tonight which I'm glad of that, it sounds so good and it will be good for the body too. Did the homestead food shopping but need to start on our own children for Christmas gifts. I plan to head out for a hour today and pick up a few things. I have to say there is such a differences from years passed about this kind of thing... my pit bull obsession has calmed down. I might have tried to do it all in one day but braking it down is the wise choice. Playing doctor on myself here I think I caught something at the Elmhurst Artists Guild Exhibit along of hand shaking and not washing of the hands afterwards.... well I've been so healthily these past couple of years since I quiet smoking that I does bring me down a bit to be sick but rest is the answers so I've been doing lots of that.
Tea and warm blanket are in store

Just is

Great meeting...
I'm looking forward to see this out the Journal project... still don't have a name but really like the Making your Mark or Making our Mark will have to see the committee see is the strongest title for this project.

After I went to the meeting I gave myself the day off from everything. I just ate a simple lunch and then put the feet up too an afternoon name and then moved around a bit and got comfortable again watch some good old movies like Field of Dreams, went to bed early and got a really good nights sleep. Didn't realize the stress I put myself through to do a good job...or well as good as I can kind of job.. I really stressed myself out with the judging but what a wonderful learning opportunity... I really will be looking at art differently from now on. Not that I didn't look at art but looking at it for the deeper meaning, and did the artist express what they wanted, and am I getting.. I don't know if I'll really get what the artist wanted to express unless I speak to each artist that I see their work but I guess can I see the deeper essences they want to project out in the world..I'm not all an expert by far just a small part of a bigger whole...

Now to venture out a bit and do some xmas shopping not one of my favorite things is to shop with large crowds... Never liked that and I don't thing I ever will. I remember telling my girls that I don't do Mall shopping... They looked at me funny but that's a place they will venture on there own with out me. Would much rather be walking in the woods with loving creatures... ok I won't go any further with this and I'll quit whining and put on my boots and get it over with.. Hay! maybe I should look at this as an adventrue and maybe add a spin on it to make it fun... Crazy I know I do need help with my attitude about the shopping adventure.

so off I'll go today.

The Journal Concept Meeting today-LaGrange Art League

Out of one frying pan into another... well it's not that bad at all. I've been called upon to present this project to a select group of artist to see if they would be willing to support and volunteer their time to kick this off and see where it goes. Much like the 1000 Journal project but on a smaller manageable scale the LaGrange Art League will be Base home for this. Working on kicking it off hopefully come September 2010 and then Go on exhibit first at the LaGrange Art League in September 2011 with the hopes of the exhibit traveling to other area Art leagues/Guilds to see what really wonderful acts of creation can be presented in it simplest of form... A Journal.

So now off to make some copies and get ready to present to the group of people that have decided I think to see this happen.

S

Elmhurst Artists Guild Members Exhibit Dec 2009

December 11, 2009

Elmhurst Artists Guild Members Exhibit

Judge: Laura Lein-Svencner
6718 Dale Road
Darien, Il 60561
630-655-4492
Website: www.lauralein-svencner.com
Email: lonecrow4@comcast.net

Bio

Laura Lein-Svencner is from Darien Illinois, graduated of Downers Grove North High School. She has continued with her personal studies in drawing, printmaking, sculpture, papermaking and collage. Seeking inspiration from one artist to another Laura has pursued her love of paper. The steady pace of exploration has lead her to become a member of many local and international collage groups. She also co foundered the Midwest Collage Society which exhibits through out the Midwest regions. Currently Laura teaches her techniques of collage at LaGrange Art League, LaGrange IL., and Naperville Art League, Naperville IL. During the summer months you will find her exhibiting her artwork in galleries, art fairs and teaching collage workshops all over the Midwest.








Best of Show
Tony Armendariz- Rustic Door County.

Recognizable beauty in the simplest form, composition is well orchestrated. An emphasis expressed with direction through color, shape and line. Strength in the horizontal lines are repeated in the foreground under the body of the car and then in the background by the roof tops and the blue sky. Hesitation is created in small resting area such as the shed windows allowing us a chance to take a breath before the story begins again.

First Place
Wesley Baker- Through Which We See!
A very powerful statement being made, grabbing our attention with shape and color. There is a wonderful sense of space given with the soft background and the illusion of force set by the repetition of the circles. Gestured lines give way to the emotional state of the four sets of eyes in the background. Though the deep values in the blues hugging the circles could give way to a darker feeling they seem to direct a softer honest presences, almost trusting.

2nd Place
Darlene Hoekstra –Eilean Donan Castle
An amazing visual impact, a fresh and wonderful use of value, detailed but yet soft which sets the mood for the whole piece. The technical skill presented in this piece stands all by itself. I feel the artist has master her medium, she can only move further into capturing the mood of the landscape and send us back in time, Purely beautiful. The wonderful sense of space and form presented is astonishing. Inviting you to take the walk and see what’s over the edge. The use of light and dark, soft and crisp, touchable and untouchable plays with our curiosity. Though the castle is a sturdy fixture in this piece there is this interest and wonder about what it would look like at different times of the day. How the shadows can come into play. The asymmetrical balance has been planned out well.

3rd Place
Robert Koch- After the storm/Ireland

Perspective is executed superbly, visual presentation is astonishing. Sense of time and space and movement are present through out the piece. The artist has shown us he is in control of the watercolor medium a master in his own right. I see it’s just right after the storm and the light hasn’t had a chance yet to reveal itself. The tail end of the storm leaving is a wonderful page turner, let the story continue.

Honorable Mention #1
Bernie Ward- The Hat

Beautiful, composition well planned out. Subject matter is intriguing. The use of value creates interest. The balance of the portrait invites the view to ask questions, who is she, where is she sitting, how old is she, who is she related too, is she sitting waiting or going to have lunch or dinner?, is she married or a widower? Mastering the art of portrait painting is a challenge and I believe the artist as honed her skill wonderfully.

Honorable Mention #2
Michael Klaus Schmidt-A Fanciful Flying Machine

The craftsmanship of this piece is amazing. Meditative qualities presented. Movement and repetition in the line patterns create a wonderful fantasy for the eyes. The uniqueness of this work adds to polished quality presented. The solid colors in the center are played out in the background, melding the soft hues. A wonderful sense of space is created by foreground and background, though details are in both, one is stronger in value then the other which creates that illusion.
The question I ask is the artist’s work inviting me to be part of the Fanciful Flying Machine? I would say yes, looking forward to see more from this artist.

Honorable Mention #3
Annette Perone Leiber- Fire and Ice

The sculpture works well at inviting the viewer to walk around and observe all sides. The use of elements, color, size and shape add to the quality of the piece. The air of spiritual mystery is stirred, with a feeling of primitive symbolism. Movement created by color, line, form and space add to patterns like a silent song and dance. The use of the colors also provokes the push/pull play, the light/dark with grounding. The vertical presence of the sculpture gives off a feeling of strength and sturdiness.
Do I want to keep looking at this piece yes in small moments of quiet?

Honorable Mention #4
Eve Ozer- Blue Madonna

Composition is very strong, great sense of space created by the single subject matter. The use of color especially the turquoise speaks volumes at pulling you in a set direction. A wonderful illusion of time has been created with rich earthly colors and textures symbolizing another place and time. If the colors had sound could you hear it this piece?

Honorable Mention #5
Mirjana Ursuleski- Blue Grass

Each line has direct purpose, inviting the viewer to step in and become part of the wonderful movement created. Calmness in the background seems to be carefully chosen. The uniqueness and simple beauty speaks strongly.

I came home from presenting of the Ribbons and posted the image of the winners I picked and my comments, I didn't get a change to comment on too many other pieces beside the winners... I worked at viewing the work about 5 hours.. sounds so crazy but I took pictures of the pieces I selected came home and really looked at the pieces long and hard so I could express to the artist what I liked and why I picked the pieces. I feel they were pleased with my effort. Don't know if I'll ever have as time on making a decision making at another opportunities as I did with this one. Being on the other side of the fence is not an easy job, respecting both sides now very much. I really felt that I was in a class all week thinking about the piece and my own personal choices... Thanks to Dianne Martia... and Angela for asking me.

Setting dates for 2010

I'm a bit numb...
Frames came in yesterday and I was able to bust a move on four of the eight piece I would like to have ready for the Bountiful Cafe exhibit. Been working on the right wordage for the judging tonight (panic as set in... though I know it will be just fine...get me ramble away and a few laughs and all is well). Then this morning I received an email that I was accepted in the Water Street Studio Gallery for the months of Jan-March. And I set a date with J2Gallery to drop off work in Jan... it will be a very busy month... And the numbing part is all this great news then the brain doesn't want to shut down and it's off thinking of taxes.... not that it's bad but all that paper and computer work... Taking the good for today and trying to stay present is a tough job. Oh and I forgot Christmas and all that I still need to do... Some one Hit me please!! with a 2 x 4 and snap me out of this... Well it's all good but if I don't stay present in today I'm a whirl wind with no place to go...
Wrecking havoc on my inners..... So for today I'm going to tackle my gift giving wrapping of the gift cards I purchased into some neet little containers and help my anxiety calm her nerves a bit.
Can you till I went off my program last night... I couldn't help myself the youngest daughter had friends over and made peanut butter cookies and something happened to me and I consumed about 6 of them... Then the waffles with apple sauce didn't help...(trying hard to stay away from the whites too) I've fallen out of my wagon...
As the hubby would say right now... "Why don't you just try to save the world too while your at it" I hate it when he slaps me with my own reality...
I'm OK and will get through this today and on to the next project for tomorrow but so funny how I don't have to watch TV or see what my neighbors are doing for drama I'm a good creator of it all by myself.. kind of comical now as I become more aware of my own behavior... Oh you Crazy Wild Women you!!!

Deep breath and feel oh so grateful....

Moving right along-progress and ramblings.

Mounted some of my smaller Abstract Landscapes and placed the order for the frames. (they'll be coming in today) The series I started way back in March or April of this year for the show at Edward Hospital has grown, I've had to replace a few piece as some have sold this past summer but it seems to be an acceptable format for the consumer wanting to purchase collage works. The pieces I've worked on the past month or so are smaller a bit on the simpler side. When I was up-stairs yesterday in the studio mounting a few of the pieces I was thinking of what Robert Rauschenberg said recently before he passed on.(saved this quote and have it hanging on the studio wall for inspiration)

"I usually work in a direction until I know how to do it, then I stop," (he said in an interview) "At the time that I am bored or understand" I use those words interchangeably," Another appetite has formed. A lot of people try to think up ideas. I'm not one. I'd rather accept the irresistible possibilities of what I can't ignore."

Now for me (Rauschenberg is one of my favorite artists) I'm feeling bored with the abstract landscapes or I've come to the realization that I understand them now and I'm ready to move on... With out sounding to full of myself but being honest is they've come to easy for me now... Looking to move onward and finish up the other series and give something else a try.

So different from how some where taught... I don't know if it is the medium that allows me to move in an out and forward or my own need to expand. But then I do understand the old saying... about find what you like to do and make it yours.... So along those lines I'm making it mine but ready to move on.... don't know where but ready to finish up the old stuff and try my hand at the clay boards with the lovely 2 inch sides cradles.

I had brought about yesterday about the need to be stimulated... call it chasing the monkey or just plainly needing the stimulation to come in and go through me but it's a need of mine that I've come to accept. Not that I'm a technique junkie.... no, more so as ideas come in and I'm stimulated by them I seem to need to produce from that stand point... does that make sense? Well, I'm not going to go into heavy drama here I rather keep it where it needs to be on the canvas or paper...

Lets say Change is always on the horizon. And to be actively a live and in that changes is a place I seem to like to be.. or starting a change then ending it and beginning again. I'm one that likes the cycles.
OK enough rambling, I did make it back to the Elmhurst Artists Guild exhibit and I did take pictures of the pieces I thought were award worthy... I need now to do some writing about that.. (oh spirit, can you give a needy dyslexia a hand?) I know by going back in there and taking that second look and taking pictures of them I'm happy with my decision just need the word smith fairies to spread some verbage dusty on me... hehehehe. I've having great fun with this though can you tell.

OK off to do the list thing and whatever else presents it self today...

Judging of Elmhurst Artists Guild members Exhibit Dec 2009

Judged the show at Elmhurst and I won't go into detail because, I think I should wait till after Friday night... But it wasn't easy I'll have to say that. My back ground is with a design edge to it and I can't help but look at the composition and see how I'm moved by the piece and how the piece moves me around the 2-D and 3-D surface... there were piece I liked and didn't give them an award, mainly I like it and would hang in my home but as a stand point on quality, I wasn't to happy with it. And I'm sure that if people look at some of my work I may not always have the best quality work out there too all the time. I tried to judge on presentation, craftsmanship, questioning the meaning and uniqueness in what I saw and how it honestly made me feel... I really tried to be fair... There was work there by artist I know and I wasn't to happy with what was presented. The funny part of this is I have a situation that comes up for me all the time and if I'm not on my toes I have a problem with letting the "mouth run a muck" or voicing my worldly opinion all the time and in this situation as being a judge I'm asked for my opinion...Oh I was seeking the wisdom from higher place for this... Well I have to reflect on whom I picked and back it up with some strong artsy fartsy wordage and present that at Friday Nights Elmhurst Artists Guild reception.(I'm looking at this as some good growth steps for myself) I would like to have a picture of them (the piece I picked) and I may just do that and go back and take picture of them so I have that to comment with. (thinking about it)

Need to order Frames and glass.. oh yes bumper felt buttons for the backs of the artwork... helps protect against wall damages. I need to purchase that for Midwest Collage Society exhibit coming up in Jan... that is required of us artists to have them on backs of the artwork there.

Chatted with J2 Gallery a bit through emails yesterday and I will be able to bring my flash back series in and that means I've got to mat up some of my prints and get them ready for sale...!!! (whaaaaoooo!, hopefully thinking)

Oh darn too I've put my sketch book on the way side while taking care of the Christmas cards and need to put that out I have 1 full spread(two pages together) and one single page to complete and I'm done. I'm planning on taking pictures of each one and making a small book I can bind at Kinkos for memory of this... Kind of cool, Hay?

I'm realizing I seem to need a new project every day to get pumped up and excited for and that make me question the many things going on in my life. I need to be stimulated and" it's just the facts Jill" I'm not chasing Chaos or over committing, I just enjoy the whole process... wow, accepting of that is freeing.. well off I go in my only little world of wonder...

Much needed clean up crew on the homestead and back up to mount artwork and then I'll see where the Spirit leads me... it's snowing again and the hubby was out plowing last night and now has to go fix a hit fire Hydrant and one of the other truck/plows need some help so we call him the DC- Man (short for Damage Control-Man) and he's mine... but I do have to share him...

Establishing yourself in you art and career and support from the family.

As the husband left for work this morning I was flooded with a very warm feeling of support and realization. I've come along way in the last 12 years, yes I've had to prove myself many times. Mainly to make sure I know I'm an artist and then to make sure others know that too. But it was such a wonderful feeling to share something this morning and have it be respected and understood. Not that it hasn't been before but there was something different this morning that showed great growth. I'm working out of my home most days, unless I'm teaching a class or presenting a workshop. So to share about my work and job to the spouse and have it taken as that gives me such a warm fuzzy inside. The biggest part of it is that he allowed me to share, (because I have not employees to share work with) and he didn't jump in to want to fix it like most men tend to do and respectful listened to me and allowed me to bumble along and find my way. I shared what was going on and he listened and that's a big communication skill that is so important... I didn't feel like I was not capable of figuring it... sound so mundane I know but to have a family member respect your work and business and seriously do that is a great gift.(espeically in the arts when the $ is not flooding in) I don't expect any of you to understand the behind the scences stuff with this post but the part that I shared I'm sure you do. Mainly to take myself seriously and not be a Witch about it and to have the family see that and support it is a great gift. I don't always have a stream of income knocking at my door, I guess if I really sold my soul I might but to show their confidence in me and my abilities is very speical to me... I've been working at this for sometime now and not that it's there to stay, Spirit knows it's only there because you work at it.. and believe in yourself then the dreams come true along the way... not that simple but it does happens and I think for me the simple dreams are the best as of the support I've received lately. Much gratitude this morning despite some difficult along the way.

Had a great studio day... copper plates are sewed in and awaiting the glazing and shadowing on #6.. needing to pace myself with this one as of the holiday agenda is important too. I also let my intuitive self have at it with some abstract landscapes so not sure what they look like this morning as I was on the zone of creative bliss so didn't want to stop that...
Oh and I am Judging the Elmhurst Artist Guild Exhibit today Excited about that... here is where one or a group seeks an opinion and it's a paying Job!!! How great is that... I'm all stoked about it..

Snow, Paper Bundles, and LaGrange Art League

My bundle of papers at home.

My bundle hanging off the studio deck at my home, I had asked everyone to do a separate one at home just in case the bundles came across any vandals. Covering all our bases so we can use these papers in our Winter Session of classes at LaGrange Art League Starting Jan 15th, 2010

Well I ran out early this morning to capture Winters affects at the LaGrange Art League Just in case you haven't been following along with the small project of one of my classes, I fill you in a bit. Back in the Fall session of classes at LaGrange Art League, I latched on to a idea from another artist that lives in New York, Seth Apter with his blessing on this we ventured out into the unknown. Newspaper article My collage class brought in all kinds of paper and I brought in window screening to protect the papers a bit being that it was in a public place. The bundles have been hanging since mid-October. I will be taking them down around the second week so I can bring them into class or I may wait till that morning.. haven't decided yet.

Now on to some much need studio work today and chores around the homestead... getting busy and need to stay on Task... (cracking whip on self now!!)

Full days and keeping it moving forward

I have to admit Panic did set in about right after Thanksgiving.... the juggle of art business stuff needed to be done and Christmas holiday agenda was toying with my inner most insides... But I'm doing what I've learned to get me through these times. I take care of myself first, I've been having great fun dressing Artys and playing up that role. (Secretly whirling in a wild crazy creative woman mode and really liking it.) Also been staying aware of the food that goes in, because that is what is going to keep me strong. Every day I've set a list of things to do and been accomplishing them and even though they have been small steps I feel great about it. I've been reconnecting with a Good Orderly Direction as I walk in the woods and even though life has her turns it's help me see that it's "all good for today." I've giving myself some little gifts of music and a rental of an old movie so new inspiration is coming in. Our outside family clan has had some troubles but we are working on keep things as simple as can be here and we have great laughter in the home...along with the dusty puppies chasing the kitty and then the kitty chasing the dust puppies around. (heck with house work) What a comical act going on there. I guess what I like to say is I've been given a set of tools to work with (life skills) and if I stop and say a little pray first then the tools I've choosen will help me get the task done in the best way possible... don't mean to get all spiritual on you all here but it's a big part of a belief system I have and how I can balance the many roles I've choosen and that have choosen me.
So chili is cooking on the burner this morning make the morning air smell good, and I've updated address all over the place and website stuff. Just seems like a morning to do that. I have a afternoon meeting with the Midwest Collage Society today, Potluck, grab bag gift and some excitement of the new year... As I stated I've got the chili I'll be bringing. I hear that others are bringing the sweets which I would perfer not to indulge in so I'll bring the main protein to the event. Looking forward to it!!!

Wow!! on last thing... I was accepted to the Norris Gallery/St Charles for a show in Jan 2010 Whimsy and I've just got off the phone to judge a show for the Elmhurst Artist Guild... I need to check it out this week and go to the opening reception... How cool is that?

My time at the Art League

I have to do my service work today at the LaGrange Art League... it will be do to connect with Nancy I so enjoy our chatts...good artist buddy kind of stuff. I'll bring my Christmas cards to work on or my sketchbook for the Art House don't know yet... may just being in both.

Time to shower and get ready... homestead chores and tending to body's needs.

Clay Board Sample for LaGrange Art League

Evening Cattails
10 x 10 Clay board with 2" sides painted black
Joint compound, image transfers collage papers and acrylics... These will be some of the things we will touch base on in the new class this winter session at LaGrange Art League (only two spots left as of yesterday) and Naperville Art Leagues
Naperville has openings if your interested.
Shot a few picture of the sample piece for the wall at LaGrange Art League. I took these out side on a old skateboard ramp, but I wanted to show the side or cradle board they call it. I decided to paint the flat black sides instead of work the piece around the sides, which you can do. The only problem is the ware and tare of the side and chance of nicking up the art itself.

Days in the studio

Up early with a list that seems to be growing bigger all by itself... I was thinking about how cool it's been that I've let myself just have some good fun and doing some acts as simple as listening to what music I want, eating healthy and showing up to the studio every day, oh and dressing a bit more Arty. There's many things I've really got to put a move on but I'm am... trying hard not to lead myself into anxiety and panic... that never works just leads to self destruction of the mind, body and soul. So I continue to show up. Yesterday I finished the small piece for the Art Diaries and I'm done with my demo piece for the wall at the LaGrange Art League. I will stain the sides of the cradle board of the clay board. And hopefully put the last of the image transfer on #6... Then the copper plates and copper threads... a bit of glazing and shadowing and I'm doing. I've got more rag paper taped off and ready for a few more abstract landscapes, trying to add to the collection for the exhibit I'll have at Bountiful Cafe in Jan 2010.. Small place but a great place lots of people come in. So as you can see the list grows but it feels great every day I'm spending about 2 to 3 hours up there working on my art... Instead of just one or two day's a week. I do need to get my DVD player working better I had wanted to watch the Big Chill but the darn player decided differently... I might need to bring the lap top up there to watch it today. I've got about a week I figure I've given myself to get the info and image back to my Web Ranger... (daughter Stevie) so I can get a new look to the website hopefully the new year. More seat time on the computer... I'm beginning to understand how some artists don't like it at all. It pulls me in so easily and hours go by, that love/hate relationship... well off to tend to the homestead, studio and the rest on the list.

Putting things in motion~

My finished piece for the entry of Art Diaries through 4Art, theme is Unleashed and My is titled Inspiration.
description: When first receiving the application for Art Diaries I was a bit stumped but then went into my studio and started with the 4 x 4 size and looked at the images I had to work with in my files I thought about theme, Unleashed and to me unleashed has to do with letting the Creativity Spirit “have at it” with me. So I stuck with that and found the image, copyright free of da Vinci man. And then I found an image of one of my crows I’ve drawn and added that in there. The man is a symbol of us we are the creative spirits and the crow is a symbol of restoring balance in our lives so when you put the two together you get Inspiration and it’s a bit haired at that. All the black threads coming out symbolize the flow of inspiration that can happen many at once and the green wire and beads are the moments of growth one has as they allow the creativity to inspire them. I also took this whole concept of the project as an entry in a diary and captured it as a moment, much like physical writing but instead I present a visual entry.

So after futzing around on the computer I got off and started the morning chores and then dressed in along dress and made myself up and head to the studio...(some understand this behavior and other question... where you going today, it really doesn't matter) put the apron on and the music and got right into business. I had thought that I wasn't going to do this one small entry but it took me over and I guess I needed a challenge cuz it was to be do on Dec 5th... nothing like a little fire under the bottom hay? But it was a good the ideas coming out and the theme is "Unleashed" Little did I know that the date has now been extended to Dec 18th... so I guess I'm going for it. If anyone else would like to be part of this check out the "Art Diaries" at 4 Art Inc see the part where it has call for artist and you'll find your way... Well from my understand it's to be like post secrets kind of but not... and I'm creating a piece about some inner feelings and inspiration. The theme is again Unleashed and I know that when I am restored to balance and allow myself to be that creative being I so am called to be Unleashed and dreams come true as of in my creative endeavors. This piece is nothing super in size, 4 x 4 and I'm mounting it in a hardware cloth fencing (creating a frame around it) and adding some black threads all around the edge...it gives is a bit of an edgy look to it. What ever you do to it is OK as long as it stays with in the 4 x 4 so I'm letting it intuitively guide me along the way. Progress was happening, that piece was being worked on and then the #6 in the moon series and then I also was working on a piece for the demo at LaGrange Art League for the wall, I need to bring it on Friday when I volunteer... the whole time I was up there I was listening to music.. half the young adults were at work or at college so I turned it up a bit and listened to Big Chill sound track (bought it at the resale book store, Frugal Muse) and then Rodrigo Y Gabriela ... some amazing music... yes indeady... then I lost track with what was next... I was in the zone. Later that afternoon I had to do a quick road trip to Naperville Art League to drop off my supply lists etc. for classes and called my Sister to see if she would like a visit and late lunch... It worked out great got to see most of the boys and have a nice chat too. Everyone is doing well.

Came home and relaxed the rest of the evening...(did put a coat on some image transfer first) fell asleep early to rise this morning full of ideas and rip roaring to go.