adventures in art & design
Archive for May, 2009
Sunday Grace
May 31st
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2
Peters Valley Trip
May 27th
I’m just back from the Mixed Media Textile Surfaces workshop at Peters Valley. It was a great experience with lots of great people. I’ll be posting more pictures as I complete some of projects from the various techniques we learned.
The photo above is from one of many little weavings around Peters Valley. I think they are from a children’s workshop. They were stuck everywhere and made of various materials like yarns, sticks, pipe cleaners and ribbon. Just fun!
Sunday Grace
May 17th
“You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.” ~Psalm 10:17
Thrifty Thursday!
May 14th
I have a confession to make….
I L-O-V-E thrift shopping! I don’t know what it is about it that I like so much. I think it has to do with the feeling I get when I find that great deal. You know? I like looking for just about anything: household stuff, clothes, things to use for ArtisticBlend jewelry making….you name it.
Like these earrings I found at The Village Shoppes (sorry, no website!). Vintage clip-ons….$2.50! Oh, they were so mine!
And they were the perfect addition to this…….
Isn’t it cute?! I love this delicate necklace I was able to make with those earrings. And what a sweet deal, huh?!
So….happy thrifting!
Productive Monday
May 11th
Ok. So today was pretty productive for me. For a Monday. I don’t have much luck with producing on Mondays. But…I made a to-do list for today and boy did that help! I was able to get appointments scheduled, order supplies for making lots of lovely jewelry and help make some Facebook updates for the humane society I volunteer with. Not to mention I made this necklace. My first ever beaded crochet necklace! I’m so jazzed about it! I’ve been wanted to make one for quite a while now. I like the way it turned out and certainly plan to make more! 
Happy Monday!
Sunday Grace
May 10th
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”-Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
Bead Show!
May 9th
Yep! I tortured the hubby into going with me to the Intergalactic Bead Show this afternoon. I don’t know why I go. I always get so overwhelmed with all the selections and end up not buying anything. I swore after last year’s show that I would get a list together before going again. But….of course, I forgot.
I guess the economy is affecting the bead market too. There weren’t nearly the bead vendors there this year that there was last year. There was a still a lot of eye candy though! Some gorgeous things to uuuuhhhhhh and aaaaaahhhhhh over.
Lots of inspiration for getting back to work in the studio! So, off I go!
HAPPY SATURDAY!
Another Semester Comes To An End
May 8th
And what a semester it has been! It started out kind of rough. This was my first semester being full-time and boy did I feel it.
By mid-term I was seriously considering dropping a couple classes because I just didn’t feel I could keep up. But…by the grace of God (seriously!) I was able to hang in there and pulled off STRAIGHT A’s!!!
Can you believe it? Straight A’s.
I’m just amazed. I’ve learned so many new techniques and a better understanding of working with dyes and textiles.
Though I’m sad the semester is over, I’m looking forward to a summer of exploration with lots of projects that have been bouncing around in my head. I’m giddy with anticipation to get started.
I am also looking forward to heading to Peter’s Valley in a couple weeks for a workshop. Woohoo! Lots of crafting fun! I’ll be keeping you posted.
Artist Interview – Cathy Nault
May 4th
Cathy Nault
What is your background (schooling, training, etc.)?
I am currently seeking a BFA in Crafts at VCU. I took numerous art classes throughout high school and have continued taking classes at various studios/shops around Richmond.
What medium(s) do you work in?
I like working in a variety of mediums. I often tell people I have A.D.D. when it comes to art making because I still can’t pick just one medium to work in and stick with it for too long. However, I would say I’m most passionate about painting ,textiles and recycled art…at the moment. ☺
What is it about this/these medium(s) that fascinate you?
I enjoy painting with acrylics because you can see the results of your work more quickly than most other paints and mediums. I like the fluidity of it too.
With the textiles, I’m still learning. It is a lot more versatile than I thought it would be. With the recycled materials I like find unique ways of using the materials in art.
How would you describe your work?
All over the place! Mostly realistic.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the challenge of creating something meaningful and different. You’ll often find animals in my work as well.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by my family and the desire to create.
Why do you think it is important to create things?
Creating art is a way of expressing myself-something I may find difficult doing with words. I believe God has given me this passion for art and I intend to use it.
Were you exposed to art/creating as a child (through school or elsewhere)?
Yes. I took every art class available to me in school growing up and my mom and I took ceramics classes together.
Do you think art is important for children’s education? If so, why?
Absolutely! I think it is important for children to have the freedom to express themselves. Art education gives children an opportunity to be creative and imaginative.
What else do you do for fun?
I enjoy just hanging out with my family. I also volunteer with a local humane society.
Where are you now with your work? Where are you going?
Right now I’m exploring with find objects and recycled materials. I also plan to do some silk dyeing over the summer and just ‘play’ with different mediums.
I haven’t decided where I’m going just yet. I’m just enjoying the ride!
Artist Interview – Andrea Danner-Schultz
May 2nd
Andrea Danner-Schultz What is your background (schooling, training, etc.)?
I majored in Art Education in college at VCU — BFA 1995. Before that I took a variety of art classes in the public school system and some private classes as well.
What medium(s) do you work in?
I work in a variety of mediums, but my current favorite are pmc (precious metal clay) and acrylics.
What is it about this/these medium(s) that fascinate you?
PMC: This product is amazing! You can stamp it, press it into molds, shape and sculpt it and then it becomes pure silver after firing it in a kiln. It’s a bit like magic!
Acrylic: This medium has become one of my favorites. I love how forgiving it is. If you make a mistake, you just simply paint over it. I like to work in building up layers for some dimension to my pieces. This is actually I technique I learned with watercolors, but found it works very well with acrylics too.
How would you describe your work?
Simple and sweet. (this is often the comments I hear as people look at my stuff at shows)
What inspires you?
I am inspired by nature. I have a great love for flowers, birds, and plants. These are the source of inspiration for both my paintings and my jewelry.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by both the desire and need to create as well as the determination to make myself successful as an artist. I just can’t imagine myself in a 9-5 desk job environment.
Why do you think it is important to create things?
For me, it is just something I “have” to do. If I don’t I am miserable, if I do . .. .well, then I am happy.
Do you think art is important for children’s education? If so, why?
Art is a way to express ourselves in different way. It gives children an different form of communication and expression than other outlets. So, yes I think art is fundamental to a child’s well rounded education.
Were you exposed to art/creating as a child (through school or elsewhere)?
Yes, I was lucky to have experienced some great art classes through school as a child.
What else do you do for fun?
I walk my dog every morning in the woods. I am inspired during our walks and it helps keep my in shape since I spend a lot of my day sitting in my studio.
I also love to dance and take Zumba classes – another great way to express yourself!
Where are you now with your work? Where are you going?
I am constantly growing and changing as an artist. I continue to take new classes and read books to improve my skills. I find myself trying to create a happy balance between making what I love, but also selling it successfully too.
For more information about Andrea and her work, you can visit her website Artwork by Andrea, her ArtisticCreations etsy shop or check out her blog.
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