Auction Items 5 Art & Soul

WOW WOW WOW FAT BOOKS

Art & Soul Fatbooks:

Portland 2007
Portland 2008

Asilomar  2008

Pocket Skirt Fat Book – Hampton, VA 2010



 

 Art and Soul 
Pocket Skirt Fat Book
Hampton  2010

Auction Items 6 Art & Soul





 Beautiful Bead work from Terri Nickelson-Williams from St Helens Or

 She has been beading since she was 13 There are 2 necklaces (one the spiral heart is a choker tied with ribbons) 2 beautiful cuff bracelets beaded on a felt base with uhttp://fairysmasher.blogspot.com/nusual cabochons surrounded by seed bead bezels and a wee pouch necklace with tiny hematite stars  You can see more of her work at http://fairysmasher.blogspot.com/

 

Auction items Art and Soul

Our first offering is from deep in the heart of the Cambridge woods. Judith Gott from Gilded Lily Design. sent us a delightful set created with beads made of  hand dyed papers,wrapped in fiber and tiny seed beads. The necklace is a collection of  of these hand crafted gems on a neck ring. The earring with add that bit of sparkle needed on an ordinary Wednesday or brighten up a evening out, The colors are cheerful and will accent any outfit with a bit of whimsy

 Judith Gott has attended

Art and Soul retreats for 5 years She lives in Salem Oregon has a website where you can reach her for more of her art. She creates art with hand dyed papers,glass gems,rocks,fibers,and remnants of discarded fabrics. She also creates teeny tiny books as well as jackets and sweaters You can reach her at http://www.gildedlilydesign.com/ or visit her etsy store gildedlilydesign@etsy.com

Auction Items 4 Art & Soul

Felted Bag by Belinda Schneider

 Wall art "Dare to be" Beth Drobny and Peg Gyldenege
 Hand stitched TeaPot cozy from Iraq, silver wings,red feathers, matchbox,face,wings and many giggles

Auction Items 3 Art and Soul

Kathy Gould sent us these delightful  pieces for our upcoming ebay auction 

First Guns'n' Money Earrings created from spent bullet casings embellished with brass filigree and fringe made of shredded money from the US mint

From her artist statement

"I enjoy creating jewelry that has an elemnet of whimsy, or the bizarre, and sometimes requires a double take. Instead of explaining the inspiration or meaning of the pieces I prefer to let the viewers decide that for themselves. Or not.  Jewelry can jsut be something fun that you like to wear"

Kathy Gould

Aragon

See more of Kathy's work at http://www.aragonjewelry.com/

 

Lips Necklace

antique doll eye encased in lips of polymer clay. haung on a 16" Brass Ox Chain.

This wee sweetie can sit on a penny and you can still see a bit of edge.  Trying to give you an idea of size

 

Puzzle pendant brass frame is embellished with charms,chain,drops,and has a clear acrylic front. the image inside has 3 holes and 3 brass balls reminiscent of old children's dexterity puzzles. Pendant is hung on 2 strands of Brass Ox chain with filigree beads

Auction Items 2

Bluejay Dance from the queen of possibilities Hand stitched bracelet created with unusual lentil beads in aqua blue a mix of clear blue,frosted  blue and ab finish with black striped beads as an accent. A sterling silver toggle clasp and as a final touch of whimsy teal,black and soft pink silk ribbons



bluejay dance



Art and Income

I don’t know about you but in this wacky economy of the last few years all of my ideas of how business operates and how money is used and managed has been tossed like a waldorf salad.

I own 2 businesses one as an artist and one with my husband in crane repairs in heavy industry. I have many years of experience in banking and having to rely on the bank’s money to get thru times when my people really like getting a weekly paycheck and rent and all other incidentals of a business require payment. Then when customers pay me I pay the bank back and the circle continues.

Glenny Densem-Moir is an amazing woman who has been putting together a wonder art retreat for many years. It is a wild and wacky adventure held every year in Portland Oregon on the west coast and in Hampton Virgina on the east coast. As well as many other places.

She too has had the credit line with a bank and counted on it to cover costs while waiting for payments and such. This year with out warning the line of credit was pulled (the new rules of banking@#$%%$$#@) And she has been left holding the bag so to speak









I have been a vendor at Art & Soul for the past 5 years as well as a student .

I have enjoyed many wonderful classes and met some terrific people. In addition I am a teacher and have put together several retreats and events for artists to come together and create. I have experience in the challenge of juggling money to prepay event costs while hoping your careful planning will produce a wonderful and rewarding experience for your students.



I cannot stand by and let this financial crisis ruin Glenny’s reputation and momentum with the grand experience we all have shared both Teachers and Students alike.



You can help and get a great bracelet kit in return

Starting December 1, 2010 and running thru January 30,2011 all bracelet kits purchased on my website 100% of the kit price will go directly into a fund for Art and Soul called “Kiss my fanny MR.Banker.” or in polite company the KMFMB FUND

This account is set up by a team of lawyers to help build up funds lost by the line of credit being denied . www.wildhairstudio.com This will help all teachers to get paid sooner and perpetuate success at future Art & Soul events

I offer 3 different styles of kits and they are rated for experience levels. All materials are included in each kits. limited to stock on hand.

In these times everyone who owns and runs a small business walks a thin line of success or failure. Many ways of cycling money have been cut off and we need to be creative and give each other a helping hand.

I also am putting out the call for all artists who feel the call to donate an hand crafted item inspired by Art & Soul and I am putting together a team to set up an ebay auction site so we can auction off these things to Keep Art and Soul moving forward.

Please join me in supporting Art & Soul so that it may continue enrich our lives with art and the friends and experiences that feed our souls with love laughter and making art. Please contact me off line at peg@wildhairstudio.com

Please forward this to anyone who has loved art and soul and may like to help

Finding More

I started out this year to find inspiration and in passing on some of my stashed art supplies I have found peace. I am sitting gazing at the new growth pushing up through the fallen debris of last fall. My hellebore plants are stirring and making their presence known.


I am so blessed to live in a climate where new life is allowed to grow in the dead of winter when other parts of the country, the ground is covered either with ice and snow or a slippery slushy layer of mud sucks you into it’s gooey depths each step taken off of the cement sidewalk.

Seattle may be a grey and rain soaked place. But this last week has been a bit of peace and wonder. I paused for a bit after packing off some supplies to pass on and wandered into the garden.

The deep freeze in December had left a slimy trail of destruction in the veggie garden with parsley and sweet pea vines nearly unrecognizable. The raspberry vines were radiating life hidden and the promise of succulent ruby fruit in the heat of July.

Then I wandered to the front garden and spotted the emerging hellebore blossoms. Dainty pale pink edges poked out from tiny green caps and bits of creamy white merged with the pink. A few feet away the deep chocolate color of another hellebore was making its way to greet the watery sunlight.

Out came my clippers and I removed the old growth leaves, my hardy soldiers’ of last summer. I left the fallen leaves and other bits beginning the dance of return to the soil, just removing the leaves and tall sticks of the other plants that share this garden space.

The plants responded by popping up seeming to shake off the deep sleep of creation. Refreshing me with delight at witnessing this small moment of the turning of the seasons.

Filling up my soul with nature's small moments  causes it to blossom into creative designs, I must remember to wait for the right moment  for things to emerge. And I must remember this process can not be rushed, pushed or pulled for to do so distorts and ruins the simple beauty of my idea.

 How about you??? What filles up your soul with peace and quiet beauty? I would love it if you would take a moment to share

Looking for Inspiration

Well it’s been a while since I last blogged. Life has taken me on quite a ride and I am finally able to catch my breath and focus.
Do you find yourself inspired with the most glorious ideas when you don’t have a fig’s worth of time to pursue your idea? I have been heaped in the mire of overlapping businesses and sorting out the past possessions which have lost their pull by date in my world of art.
I am sorting, cleaning and putting together my studio in between work, gardens, shows, guilds, life, obligations and family.

I became inspired to write after I ran across these pictures I took this August in Downtown Seattle on an Architectural Tour of Lions, Griffins, and creatures OH MY.
It was a beautiful Sunny day in Seattle,[not a term used to describe this town very often.] our PMC guild arrived early to gather for the tour we were treated to a delightful look at the stunning details of buildings which have graced the skyline for many decades. Driving thru the city streets would never revel the beauty we encountered that day. We learned many of the buildings looking like marble or stone walls were actually terra cotta cleverly created to resemble other materials.
I got lost in the details and could have spent hours gazing at the vintage delights just hanging out waiting to be discovered.
I wonder do they come alive at night. What would a gargoyle say to an Indian chief? Do the faces wiggle to relieve the stiffness of the solemn look they were given at creation? Do the walruses wiggle their tusks?

All I know is they send my artsy-fartsy side off on a delightful daydream that has the possibility of becoming a wee bit of my art

We enjoyed the very modern to the art deco details. The walruses are from the Artic Club a gentlemens club of days gone by which is now a hotel.I am so very happy to see these buildings survive the wear and tear of everyday life as well as the nincomepoops who want to tear down and replace with more roads or parking garages. Take your own tour with the Seattle Architechtural Society or look up a simular group in your own area

Part two building a new office

Then at last we were granted our occupation permit and The big fellow was expecting a fight and had tensed himself ready to do battle. The last inspector arrived and simply signed off with out a whimper. He left and my dearest gladiator deflated and had to wobble home to rest.

The big move began the next day and now we are as snug as a bug in a rug. The office staff is sighing and fondly gazing out our windows at the ever changing sky.
Our first office weekly meeting happened in Ben’s office and after wards he crowed “ “WOW They all fit into my office” . It is lovely having a real kitchen complete with plenty of drawers.
We kept as much of the landscaping as possible. Of the seven apple trees we were able to save my favorite one. It stands about two and a half feet tall it survived all earth moving equipment dry weather and rabbit relocation. It stands proudly at the back of the property reminding us of the past as well as the future in this prime location.

We have been blessed by the land and the folks who lived here before us. As well as our terrific staff and families who depend on us now for work and support. It has been quite an adventure and we had a terrific group of young people who worked for us just to complete this project. This is our future and I am proud to say we are in great hands.
SO now you now the rest of the story. …..Where has the Wild Hair Queen been?

Where is the WIld Hair Queen

Meanwhile back at the office


At last at last after many months of blood sweat and lack of sleep we were able to begin the move into our new office. It was nearly a year ago on Labor day weekend when The big guy spotted a delightful piece of property for sale. He had been searching for about 3 years for just the right location. One of those places that must have space for both office and tools and tools and more tools for all our repair work for the cranes in our state as well as surrounding areas.
On a whim we decided to go see this place. Fell hard for it as it fit all of the requirements or would fit after some of that hard work I mentioned before. It was a charming place and had been a family home and small farm like yard. The folks renting it had been delightful care takers.

There were 7 apple trees and a bountiful garden in the rich abundance of harvest. Old time varieties of flowers and shrubs surrounded the ground, chickens clucked and apples shine. Here sat this jewel in the middle of warehouses the last bit of the old valley . The house is built of deep burgundy bricks. And the inside was in perfect condition just needed a fresh coat of paint and ADA requirements. We now have a kitchen, plenty of built in storage and room for each office employee as well as windows.. What a treat after being in a large metal building when you did not know if it was day or night.

The outside was a rather daunting challenge. First we had to work out all purchasing requirements unending blah, blah, blah and then the economy went sideways.. Fun, NOT. At last at the end of February papers were finally signed. City permits were required and that is an entirely other blog. I must wait until I can find the humor in the process.

Then we began the heavy duty work. We gave most of the plants away and uprooted those we wanted to save and replanted in a holding area. Big boy machines arrived and earth moving began. Large piles taller than the house surrounded us. Out went the Free Dirt sign. We were swarmed by folks. The dirt is terrific fine as silk and delightful to grow anything in. Three solid days of filling the beds of strangers pickups and trailers ensued till at last our dirt plies were reduced to the amounts needed for our project. Trenches were dug and all wiring needed was placed underground. Water hookups, new electrical panels and a large storm water drainage pond were created. Sounds like a simple thing but it was very complex and complicated. Then the parking lot was created a new sign and the landscaping surrounded our new home. AND

THEN>>>>>>
the inspections and inspectors to please all of the city requirements.
Throughout all of this I was providing lunch everyday to our crews and sometimes dinner as we would work into the evening until there was no more light, as well as keeping our business running at the old location and juggling all different duties required. Our Staff was excellent and have proved themselves to be winners in my book. I really appreciate all of the things they did to carry on in difficult circumstances. As well as work has been down for us but we have been able to retain everyone and they were able to learn some new skills in office building. One said to me he would be happy when our regular work picked up as his fanny was dragging after working at the new office.

Part 2 Fire Glass and Metal

Hi It has been a crazy few weeks since I wrote. We are converting an acre with a beautiful brick house into our new offices for our Crane Company and we have a deadline 14 hour days need I say more. Anyway here is part 2

My Kiln and glass are happiest when they have a good long soak in temps around 800 to 900 degrees. I leave the dial on low and say good night and leave the glass at this soak overnight. At the crack of morning a sniggle starts in my head and the wild call of the glass enters my dreams.
Time to wake up----- time to play in the kiln “Hellllllllloooooooo Peg, It’s me your glass here I am warm and happy sitting here basking in this glorious heat relaxed and happy waiting come on out and play.”

So groggy from my dreams and desiring a cup of coffee I get up pull on jeans and my fuzzy robe I wander downstairs to make coffee and start my bath water.
The smell of coffee hits my nose and I toddle off to the cupboard for a mug. Cup in hand I open the back door greet the morning and sniggle out to the studio. The kiln temp is in the perfect place at 850, I don my leather gloves and take a peek. Everybody looks happy and no one has gone dancing during the night. I then add the plug and crank the dial to high.
Off the bath, dressed and ready for public appearances 1 hour later I return to the studio.
Peek again the temp is now at 1400. I know it will not be much longer so I stay put and turn on the radio and work on a idea to take up some time. I check every 10 minutes

First check I can see the heat in the glass there is a slight shimmer

Check #2 the edges have begun to soften but not yet

Check #3 the forming has begun the glass looks soft and honey like all hard edges have transformed to rounded edges there is a grace to the glass each piece has emerged into it’s new form gone are the layers now a fusion of color and metal.

The glass that went it a bit wobbly emerges a graceful swan. The metal transforms differently in each piece. Some the metal reacts with the glass and changes the color of the glass. In others wee bubbles form in a pleasing manner at the edges of the metal. The dichroic glass gleams and captures you imagination letting you feel as if you could fall into the glass and find your self in a whole new world.

Meanwhile I keep to the task at hand and back to the kiln we go One last check and that shimmer and softness I have been waiting for is there and singing to me . Final checking the entire shelf for the same look and making sure the glass looks just right.

Part 3 finishes

Happily Getting Lost in Glass

Fairy Light2001

Angles 2002

Welcome to my 3 part series of working with PMC and Fused glass
I have been making and selling glass buttons and glass cabachons for the last 14 years.

I adore glass and color and working with a kiln . I can spend hours cutting, assembling and dreaming my way into glass bliss.

PART 1

Sunday was a day of perfect weather, much needed after our seemingly endless winter. The guild was meeting at my studio and we were walking on the wild side.
Glass and metal a seductive combination in my world. I had cleaned and straightened the studio preparing room for those attending to cut glass.

We began this adventure a year ago with PMC Paper and paper punches. Beginning with clever shapes of all sorts placed in the kiln and fired at 1650 for 10 minutes.
The paper punches available are amazing and we have several members who are also card makers and work with all sorts of art supplies to create some amazing cards and ATC’s
I have been very lucky to have been given some of the fore a mentioned items and I have them tucked away in a special box so I can pull them out when I need a bit of cheering up.

Anyway the PMC Paper after firing becomes pure silver and armed with these shapes we created some small pieces to create jewelry with or just admire.

For some this was the first time they had cut glass. It is rather intimidating to see a sheet of glass and the rather small tool you are given to cut with. But after a few lessons… a good surface and a ruler they were cutting like pros.

· cut
· clean
· assemble
Just like making a glass sandwich.
Placing glass - PMC Paper- clear glass top
. A weee drop of white school glue if necessary and then off to the kiln.

I have discovered through many, many, many firings in the last 10 years the very best method for me. Every kiln is a bit different and you must use what works for you but here is my journey.

Late afternoon I head out to the studio to begin the firing of the exuberant piles of glass sandwiches created on Sunday.
I needed to prepare my Kiln shelf.
I mixed equal amounts of kiln wash and water stirring to the consistency of pancake batter. Applied with a hake brush painting first in a up and down direction , dry then painting side to side.
When that dried I hand sand the surface( meaning I just use the palm of my hand ) to smooth of any lines or ridges.
I placed the shelf in the kiln turned it on low, left the kiln door open and dried the kiln wash. After about an hour I turned off the kiln and loaded the first load.

There were 4 trays filled with goodies I searched each and picked out all pieces that were only 2 layers thick not including the silver or copper pieces added.

Evenly placing the items on the shelf about ¾ of an inch apart
I then photographed the load.
(It is always a surprise what changes occur during firing. )
Turn on the kiln dial to low

Partially closed the kiln door leaving a 2 inch gap and left out the vent plug noted the time and returned to my house. This heating time releases all gases from glue,glass cleaners ect and keeps your glass clear.
After 1 hour back to the studio If the kiln has reached 500 then I close the kiln door put in the vent plug leaving the kiln on low and turned out the lights.

Nighty Night

Good Night Irene

Mother’s Day took on a different tone this year.
Last year the two woman who figured prominently in our family both passed away in the latter part of 2008. My Mother lived several States away and Dear Ruthie was our dear Friend adopted Grandmother and all around loving sweetheart whom we shared holidays with for 25 years.
There have been many changes but the thing that struck deepest in my heart is not having anyone to find just the right gift for. One of my greatest joys in life is playing the part of Fairy Godmother and granting wishes to people who are dear to my heart.

Holidays have never been very traditional around our house. We follow a different pace and usually fit the day around the current chaos of owning your own service business being on 24 hour call.
Not to say we didn’t try to be sort of traditional
This year new events took place to help me fill the void from the absence of these 2 women in my life.

My dear Friend Kathy invited us up to the 11th annual Camano Island Studio Tour, which she and her husband Peter were helping with. The drive was about 2 hours from our house and we were very excited about meeting all the local artists and seeing all of the incredible work they produce as well as how they set up their studios.
There were about 35 Artists and the whole Island was involved. We were able to see about 5 different places in the short amount of time we allotted. (Next year I plan on staying the entire weekend.)
We started out at a Gallery By The Bay .
There was a fun collection of paintings and Cheeky ceramics’ including some great crows.
As well as some engaging paintings of Belly Dancers by Dianna Shyne.
( You know how I feel about belly dance) She told us the painting were from the perspective of a three year old who wandered into a group of dancers and got caught up in the swirl ,color and tinkle of belly dance movement at the annual solstice parade in Fremont.
Let me tell you they are delightful!!!
Then off we went to see marvelous watercolors by Juanita Hagberg.
Next Stanwood House Gallery & Art Center
Chaim Bezalel’s porcelain bowls as mixed media with photography of interesting things. They had some beautiful paintings as well as Native American bead work.
Then…. oh be still my heart.. up a winding road to John Ebner’s garden and ok his studio too.
This was a magnificent garden planted with hundreds and hundreds of tulip bulbs as well as lilies still in the teenage time of their lives. The entire garden was a work of art by its self.

His studio and had beautiful water colors of NW places displayed everywhere
I purchased a giclee of “Sunrise at Deception Pass”. (One of my favorite places)
Next Kathy Hutchinson Weaving Studio and our eyes were treated to magnificent color combinations of beautifully woven articles of clothing. I wanted to take home an armful and it was all I could do not to rub my face in the softness.
Alas time was slipping away and we had to wave bye-bye and head back to the City for our next appointment but on the way off the Island we popped by
Marc Boutte’ Glass yummy hand-blown and sculptured glass and as a final treat
Lance Carlton Recycled Metal Sculpture set out on the grass among the flowering Fruit Trees.
It was a great way to spend Mothers day it helped add juice to my creative self and meet new artists as well as spend time with lovely friends who also managed to give as a bathroom break as well as lunch on the run. Thanks For a great Day

If you are interested in any of the fore mentioned Artists check my links to find them

Please leave a comment!?!

You can help me reach one of my goals which is to to network and connect with you dear reader

JUICY & RIPE

JUCIY & RIPE

.
What do those words bring to mind? Fresh strawberries warm from the sun. A tomato picked out of your backyard garden. Blackberries picked on a hike while resting in the shade on a warm September afternoon.

Those moments hold great promise I notice the fragrance wafting off the object of my desire, the pure color enhancing the moment and then the time of truth the taste. Did all of the triggers in my mind prepare me for the moment of bliss or did I get a shock of sour, stale or unripe.

For me creating my art has the same path. Often I find myself struggling to create or even thing creative thoughts. I need to get juiced up. I need the interaction with other artists who understand some projects are merely juice to get the creative mind in gear and making the place ready for a creative juicy ripe bite of my own artistic ideas.

Which leads me to my blog You will be noticing the new look and more information about me, while I am taking the class and the changes that are occurring from the Blog Triage Drs. Alyson and Cynthia. Each class session sets out new ways to look at what is there and how to make it better and better. Some things have been very simple while I feel like I am moving thru molasses for others. But what is most important is that I am excited to write and share things with you.

The following pictures are of my juicing up project to get in motivated for other things. My goal this year is to spend more time in my studio creating, using all of the lovely tools and products I have been collecting and stashing for too many years to count, with the promise I will get back to that and create something wonderful. Well the time has come and here I go…
I found these wooden shoes at an estate sale and I am currently in the mosaic phase. I have several large out projects to complete and the shoes are paving the way so to speak. I will keep you posted on the progress of my other projects