Postcards from the heart
July 2024
Dear Art Friends,
Creating a work of art for someone going through a significant life transition is a humbling honor. I recently completed a piece for someone and, with her permission, thought to share some of its creation. In place of a postcard this month here is my process while creating “Grist” for my friend, Sandy.
Creating “Grist”
We started working together in late April after a long chat over coffee. It was the kind of conversation that left you tired and full. If the instructions are too specific, I become stuck in my head and lose the piece. Our guidelines were perfectly loose—make a pocket note piece with her story in mind. We knew it needed to be big to fill the space she had set aside.
I tackled the background for over a month. Here was the first layer, which included some meaningful words to her:
What followed was a month of layers:
While each layer dried, I kept talking with her, thinking about her, and writing about her story. I started to work on the notes for the piece. The base for each note is collaged and painted paper with sewing and writing:
I carried the notes with me during this process and started sewing them into small packages. They even made a trip with me to Chicago.
Once the notes are complete and I know which square will house each note, I sew them onto the grid. This piece had 128 notes! It was so large that I had to find creative spaces to support it while sewing. My son, Sammy, captured some of this process. I had to ask my dogs to stay back politely.
We wanted the background to set the larger context; it camouflages each note until you get close to the piece, where they almost overwhelm. Here are some detailed pictures of some of the notes in their grid spaces.
And here it is, the culmination of our shared journey, the finished piece:
I know it seems far away, but now is the time for me to think about artwork for the holidays. If you’ve been dreaming about a commission, I’d love to hear about it.
Upcoming:
Now that we are in July, it’s a busy month. Here are some places to see my work:
Cold Wax Medium International Juried Exhibition
This show takes place online through July, and I am beyond honored that my piece, “Torso,” is the second-place selection. The Juror, Dan Addington, will give a free live session to discuss the jury process on Wednesday, July 10th at 11 am ET/9 am MT/8 am PT. You can visit the show here:
Paperworks 2024
Paper is my favorite material. Paper’s pliable, fragile composition allows it to be sutured like skin being gently pulled back together to heal. I was thrilled that my work was selected to be a part of BJ Spoke Gallery “Paperworks,” an international juried competition for artists working on, with, or about paper. Click below to see the beautiful work of participating artists.
Curtis Center for the Arts
I have two pieces in the 41st Annual All Colorado Art Show, which runs from July 8th through August 31st. The opening reception is July 13th from 6:00-8:00 PM. I’d love to see any locals there.
NKollective
There are many beautiful shows running in the Santa Fe Arts District right now. I’ll be at First Friday today. I hope you will too!
Save the Date:
Art Students League of Denver Summer Art Market August 24th and 25th
Solo Show “Raw Materials” at NKollectiv September 20th through October 13th