Art, Shadows, and Light in the Darkness...

Sneaky Peeky # 2

2009-08-29T14:37:00.000-04:00

So, I’m getting close to having most of these pieces finished, but I thought you might like to see another update before they are all wrapped up:

I’ve been waiting on a couple of shipments of antique beads to arrive so that I could finish some of the chains; they came in this week so I’m good to go,

and I’ve also got to get all the custom boxes finished so that each piece has a snazzy place to call home.

I’m hoping to get most everything photographed this weekend so that they can all be up on Etsy by sometime next week.

I was also finally able to purchase some much needed toolery from Ornamentea-

I got a jeweler’s saw which will be great for working on some of the tin boxes I’ve recently gotten,

I also got a nice pair of magnifying goggles so that I can actually see what I’m doing,

and I got a good respirator so that I don’t die from the fumes and dust I’ve been creating. Well the respirator came from Home Depot, but I had to work extra hard to find one with lovely “fuchsia” dust cartridges.

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Finally, on a completely unrelated subject- I stumbled upon this shirt the other day on Etsy and think it must be about the coolest thing ever created- definitely have to have one.

Enjoy your weekend- M

Can You Say Score?

2009-08-26T13:34:00.000-04:00

You know every now and again, you get lucky. I’m not talking lottery-type lucky because let’s be honest- if I were that lucky I could pay somebody to write this post for me -I’m just meaning I’ve come across some really good items as of late, and cannot wait to get started turning them into new pieces.

The first two things I’ve found are these awesome vintage compact cases:

They both are just oozing potential with all their openings and parts that move

Here they are disassembled-

This one is great because it has a piece that rotates a complete 360, and it has a wonderful clasp for closing the compact

This one, however, might just be the coolest shape I have ever found- it measures 2.5″ x 4″ which is perfect for a neck piece, and it has 2 doors that open, plus a nice recessed area in the top

I was also fortunate enough to find some good items this past weekend at the fleamarket:

The keys will make great clasps

And though this piece of antique celluloid would make a great centerpiece on a necklace, I think I’ll resell it in my shop.

Last but not least, what has to be my biggest stroke of luck of all- to be the Dad of a kid who looks great in striped pajamas.

Until next time-

-M

Storm Clouds and a New Home

2009-08-04T16:52:00.000-04:00

I really love the loft where I live-did I say I really love it? Well, I do. From this height (on the 4th/top floor but up about 6 stories) you can see north almost to the Virginia border which is about 60 miles away. In the summer, especially in the evenings you have a great box seat to thunderstorms forming and moving east toward the coast, and the lightning displays can really be something.

For example:

This was a few weeks ago when a storm formed north of here; the storm cloud looks like something out of a renaissance painting.

It was catching the evening sun just right

These were taken back last spring

The lightning really put on a show that night

Then back in the early summer when a storm rolled through-literally. This was the craziest cloud I had ever seen-it stretched horizon to horizon, and actually “rolled” across the sky.

And finally a beautiful sunset from last fall

When we finally do move, I’m really going to miss this place; but I can hear the mountains calling, and sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway is something not to be missed.

-M

Artfest Ft. Myers 2010

2009-08-03T16:49:00.002-04:00

Just got a notice about Artfest Ft. Myers 2010 in the mail-

I checked out the website and application on line, and I have to say that this is probably one of the best put together shows I have seen in a while. They seem to really be interested in the comfort and success of the participating artists, which is often not the case with many shows. It is in Florida, so I’m not sure how that is going to work for us with a then 10 month old, but I’m going to apply anyway because it looks to good to pass up.

The application deadline is Sept. 16, and I encourage you to check it out if you are doing the show circuit. If you live in the area, maybe we’ll see you in February!

-M

The Big Crafty

2009-07-06T19:16:00.000-04:00

So as if I haven’t whined and complained enough about having so much to do before Bele Chere, my wife and I decided we would just add more to our plate by deciding to do The Big Crafty this weekend. It’s in Asheville as well (Oh Joy! 2 trips in 2 weeks, in a car, across the state, with a 3 month old!); I suppose we’re gluttons for punishment. Truthfully though, there is nothing I’d rather be doing than making art full-time while spending my days with my wife and son.

Anyway, if you are in the area this weekend, it’s a great show so maybe we’ll see you there!

-M

My Kingdom for a Canvas

2009-07-05T15:33:00.000-04:00

Well actually, I’m stretching a large canvas for a friend as we speak, but more about that later. In the meantime, I’m beginning to think that the panels in my studio are multiplying on their own.

what I’m wondering is- why can’t all the art that goes on them be already finished as well? I figure I have about 16 days until I have to begin packing for Bele Chere, and I’ve come to the realization that with 350,000 people expected to attend, there is probably no way to make enough art.

Luckily I don’t get to stressed about these things, especially not now that Jeremia is here…

I mean seriously, who could be stressed when you have this cute mug to look at all day long-

and I am making progress- I just hope that I’m able to get to all the jewelry pieces I want to do.

If not I suppose I’ll survive, there is always the next show.

-M

Liberty

2009-07-04T15:19:00.000-04:00

As we celebrate our Nation’s birthday, I thought I would share some wonderfully patriotic images from the past. Both of these date from 1910-20.

Happy 4th!

-M

Watermarks and Illuminations

2009-07-03T15:34:00.001-04:00

I was fortunate enough to pick up some beautiful early 19th century receipts recently, and I was thinking of using them as pieces in my jewelry.

The details and penmanship are truly something to behold.

However, the paper is wonderfully thin, and I think my favorite part of these may actually be the watermarks.

I think I’ll scan them instead of sacrificing them for art, or perhaps I’ll use them in a lightbox.

What is a lightbox you say? Lightboxes are hand-built illuminated pieces of art that I have been making for about 15 years. What I love about them is the depth and layering the pieces have, something that isn’t quite the same on a piece on canvas or panel.

You can see a number of pieces I have created over the years here.

One other random thing-

this crow sat out on our windowsill yesterday for about 15 minutes, discussing the world situation with any other birds who would listen… then again, maybe he just liked having his picture taken.

-M

Mud Slinging

2009-07-02T12:07:00.001-04:00

Literally. Went to the NC mountains this past weekend to visit with family, and ended up down at the river with my niece and nephew. We couldn’t go swimming because they didn’t have their bathing suits, but it’s not like that kept them from having fun.

The river is so nice this time of year even if the water is still really cold.

On the way home, I found a nice antique mall with a few necessities I thought I should pick up.

-a great ambrotype from the late 1850’s

-a nice antique bone brooch (this one will probably end up in my Etsy shop)

-a great old rouge to be transformed into a neckpiece

-and a nice petite tin which will be transformed as well

All in all, it was a great weekend, but now its back to it, Bele Chere is coming up in a little more than 3 weeks!

-M

Randomness

2009-06-24T14:43:00.001-04:00

This post is just what it sounds like- complete randomness. Well, I suppose there must be some order as I chose all of these random things to share at the same time, which I guess would make them not so random.

First a cloud- yes, it's really just a cloud- I shot it the other day looking out my studio window. Something about the way it was catching the light, out there without any of its little cloud friends, just doing its thing. I suppose I relate.

This is a shot of my booth that the Handmade Market in May; I meant to share this the other day and completely forgot about it. It was a good show and is a lot of fun to do in general, especially the November holiday show.

I'm in the middle of preparing inventory for Bele Chere, and have started on another new piece of jewelry. Here is an early look at some of the basic parts. I'll try to do a full update of it soon.

And speaking of jewelry, Virtue Adrift is now up in my Etsy Shop if you'd like to stop by.

Be back soon.

-M

Today's Flea Market Finds

2009-06-21T16:25:00.000-04:00

Went to the Raleigh Fleamarket today, and aside from the gianormus amount of heat, I had a pretty good day in terms of finds.

I found a lot of good photos, some nice pieces of vintage brass, some good antique jewelry, and a few other thing that will probably make their way into jewelry. Most of what you see will end up in my EandO shop later this week.

I only stayed about 45 minutes, and probably could have found more, but it was just to blame hot. I think it is officially time to hit the pool.

Also, two of the pieces of jewelry are now up on Etsy if you'd like to check them out.

250 Regrets

and The Evening Star

the others should be up tomorrow!

-M

All News is Big News

2009-06-18T16:53:00.001-04:00

Though some is bigger than others- If you have been to my Etsy Store lately, then you probably already know what the BIG NEWS is, but if not, well just see below.

Yep, my wife and I had our first child-a healthy, hungry baby boy named Jeremia. He was born on April 2, and has been the cause of many a sleepless night as of late. However, I wouldn’t trade him in on a mule (as my Mother is prone to saying), meaning I think he’s pretty great.

He’s already almost doubled his weight in 10 weeks, so I can just imagine what it’s going to be like trying to keep this kid fed during his teenage years.

As they say, eat, sleep, poop, that about sums him up at this point, though he will talk your ear off if he gets the chance.

But this isn’t all that has gone on, the spring shows went very well, and I’m currently getting ready for the next- Bele Chere. It’s a monster of a festival attracting about 350,000 people to the Asheville area of the NC mountains the last weekend in July. Seriously, it’s a great show, if you can find a way to go, get there. Good food, good music, good art, need I say more?

I’ve also been working on a lot of new paintings- here are two:

Treeline 2009 20 x 24 x 1.5

Trot II 2009 22 x 34 x 1.5

Click on either one to see more details about them in my Etsy Store. I’m also going to be listing -TOMORROW- all of the jewelry that I was posting about before Jeremia arrived. That includes: Virtue Adrift, The Evening Star, 250 Regrets, and others. So, be looking out for them- they may go fast!

Lastly, I still haven’t finished the website update, but I’m almost there- busy, busy, busy is my new middle name. Until next time… -M

I'm Back...

2009-06-17T23:03:00.000-04:00

...After a long hiatus- so sorry about that...but my BIG NEWS did get in the way. Well, not in the way, but it was a huge change for me, and I didn't want to come back until I knew I was ready. I'll tell you more about it tomorrow- and I have lots of news to share, along with plenty of photos! Talk to you soon.

-M

Virtue Adrift

2009-03-29T14:51:00.000-04:00

Finally after much hubbub and delay (all related to my BIG NEWS of course), I can show how VIRTUE/ADRIFT turned out.

I complimented the main pendent part of the piece with a annealed stainless steel chain that has been accented with an antique brass keyhole and and Art Deco gemstone glass button. The clasp for the piece is made from a pair of antique sewing scissors. I will not even begin to take credit for the originality of that idea; the first person I ever saw use it was Keith Lo Bue, and I thought it was a wonderful way to create a practical clasp with an unexpected object. You can see more of Keith’s fabulous work at: http://www.lobue-art.com/.

Hopefully from the close-up you can see some of the weathering I have done; I am a big believer that patinas should match in a piece- it gives a piece a much more professional finished look.

As with all of my jewelry, I wanted this to be a practical piece that could actually be worn, and while I wouldn’t necessarily say that it is an “everyday” piece of wear and tear jewelry, it would be great for those times when you’re looking to make a statement. Subtle it isn’t.

This piece, along with 250 regrets, The Evening Star, and several others will probably go live on Etsy in the next day or two (unless my BIG NEWS slows things- nope, I still can’t tell you what it is yet…). I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as these are up.

-M

Upcoming Shows

2009-03-25T14:18:00.001-04:00

So, I finally have information on a partial list of the Festival/Shows I will be doing this year-these are the spring shows. If you happen to be local to any of these, I'd love to meet you!

Art Walk- Durham, NC April 18, 19 2009

A Great 2-day event where you can meet about 200 different artists and craftspeople on a wonderful walking studio tour.

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The Handmade Market- Raleigh, NC May 3, 2009

A dynamite show which features around 50 local artists and designers showing the best in regional art, jewelry, clothing and handmade accessories.

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Artsplosure- Raleigh, NC May 16, 17 2009

A regional arts festival that attracts about 100,000 people annually. Features around 200 regional and national artists and craftspeople. An excellent show.

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There are about 10 more shows I am applying to for the Summer and Fall including shows in Philadelphia, Chicago, Richmond, VA, as well as more here in North Carolina. I keep you updated on the details as I have them.

-M

Adrift Part 3.

2009-03-16T11:49:00.001-04:00

The next stage of this piece is now finished- in these photos, I have included both the before and after-and I have started the work on the chain, which I should have finished by the next post.

I have assembled all of the parts; paper has been collaged over the photo of the lady (after she was embedded in a layer of casting resin-I wanted there to be a little depth between her and the paper), and I have glued small silver micro beads along the outside to hide the paper’s edges. Over top of the book page I have spread a thin layer of “snow” glitter which is actually ground up mica flakes that are semi-transparent. I like that it helps to hide some of the wording, and gives the piece some nice sparkle.

This image looks essentially the same as the last one, except now another layer of resin has been poured to cover the beads, glitter, and paper, and I have also collaged the word “virtue” over the page. The text was taken from an old 19th century book. You can also see (a little better) the shadow which has been created along the edges of paper near the woman’s eyes- this comes from the paper being raised about a 1/16th of an inch above the photo thanks to the first layer of casting resin.

This last image shows the beginnings of the chain which I am making from annealed stainless steel. I plan to add some very special additions to this chain which I won’t give away just yet. You can see it completed in the next post.

-M

The beginning of this piece can be found here.

Adrift Part 2.

2009-03-13T15:58:00.001-04:00

Here are the next set of in progress images- I have to admit they are not much to look at- but I really do think that the piece will turn out quite nicely in the end.

I have trimmed and set the photo down into the tin, and the paper will eventually cover the image all over except for the eyes.

On the back I have attached the nameplate with copper rivets, and I have also attached two stainless steel loops for the chain. The glue around the loops will be removed once the resin has been poured on the inside.

By the time of the next post, the piece should be much further along, and I think it will make much more sense.

The beginning to this piece can be found here.

-M

Here We Go Again

2009-03-12T17:59:00.001-04:00

As promised, and because I am feeling slightly confident after finishing “The Evening Star”, I wanted to show you the parts of the newest piece I am beginning.

What is interesting is that this piece feels very different from the last. I can almost see it already finished, and I literally just picked out these elements about an hour ago. On the right, is an antique cabinet card of a lady with a great stare, in the middle, a small antique jelly mold or cake tin, and left, a page from a vintage Danish book dated 1932.

This will again be a neck piece, but visually, I believe it will end up being much lighter and more delicate than its polar opposite predecessor. I’ll keep you updated as we go along.

-M

The Evening Star

2009-03-11T18:12:00.001-04:00

It is amazing how, as an artist, when I am working on a piece I come to realize that I am often working on both the conscious level and relative subconscious levels simultaneously. That can truly be said for this piece, “The Evening Star.”

The evening star as we know it most often refers to the planet Venus, which consequently is named after the roman goddess of love. Upon closer examination of this piece, I noticed that I was employing references to both without making a deliberate effort to do so.

The repetitive use of both the shape and the actual letter “V” not only helps to move the eye around the piece, but it also reinforces the piece’s name.

I noticed that the calendar piece I collaged into the bottom has the word, “Virgin” typed onto it, but the number “2″ is also clearly visible, and Venus is the 2nd planet from our sun.

If all parts of the piece are opened, the section that contains the words, “The Evening Star” is in the middle position or position 2 which again corresponds with Venus’s location in our solar system. I think the love references are fairly obvious with use of the photos.

It would be great if I could say that all of these elements were intentional, but they weren’t, and yet if they weren’t there, I don’t think the piece would be nearly as successful.

I did end up choosing to use the antique black glass beads in the chain along with stainless steel, and I think these two add a nice visual balance to the piece.

Oh well, its onto another starting tomorrow.

-M

The beginning of this piece can be found here.

A Walkthrough: Almost Finished

2009-03-09T15:30:00.002-04:00

I'm nearing completion of this piece- it now has a name: "The Evening Star."

The first and second photos show the piece closed and open-

And here you can get a good detail view on the inside bottom and top-

I worked on the bottom much like the top, using black glass beads, and silver micro beads embedded under the resin, but I've also added very small pocket watch hands around the tintype. I also riveted a piece of weathered brass on top of the lid which I think looks much like the peephole windows on a (space) ship. In the last image, you can get a much better idea of how the micro beads are embedded. Next, its on to making the chain- I'm thinking of using these great black glass ring beads that I picked up this weekend at a flea market. We'll see.

-M

A Great Fleamarket Day

2009-03-08T15:30:00.001-04:00

Every now and again, just maybe, you get lucky. Because I go to so many fleamarkets, I know that it doesn't happen often. But today was one of those days. Not only did I run into some great antiquing friends who I haven't seen in several years, but I found a lot of great items to use in my work, and great stuff that I will also be offering in my shop of vintage supplies.

Goodies, goodies, and more goodies-

Keep an eye peeled for things to begin going up sometime next week.

-M

250 Regrets: An Update

2009-03-07T19:20:00.001-05:00

No, no, not things that I woulda, shoulda, coulda have done- I'm talking about the other neckpiece that I was working on. I finally finished it- you can see the results below.

The chain is actually annealed stainless steel, and those are hand-formed antique clear glass beads that I think are a nice compliment to the pandant.

This puppy will hit my Etsy shop in the not too distant future (say about a week), I'm going to list about 10 or 12 pieces all at the same time (this piece included), that way there will at least be a little to look at. I'll let you know when everything is up- should be about the same time as the new website.

-M

A walkthrough part 3;

2009-03-06T19:37:00.002-05:00

or progress, progress, progress; or resin is really fun stuff.

I'm continuing to move along with this piece at a pretty good pace (usually a good sign for me). The metal inner piece is now fastened over the man's face, and I've collaged "VOL. IV" inside behind the small lid (I just love old cotton press-type pages). Resin has been poured in the top half of the compact, and I don't know if you can tell, but I have embedded small silver microbeads across the surface, small black glass beads along the inside edge, and a carnival glass Art Deco gemstone near the man's eye. At certain angles, the microbeads catch the light just right and sparkle like small stars. I have also embedded a transparency of the orbit of the Earth over the man's face to further expand on the space, star, heavens theme.

Next, I started work on the bottom part; as you can see I've cut an opening into the lid, and I've collaged part of an old calendar and a tintype of a young lady into the bottom section.

Here is what that part will look like when in the bottom of the compact.

On the outside front of the case, I've riveted on a drawer pull ornament, and collaged an eye inside the opening. Around the ornament, I have added gold leaf to give some shine to the front of the piece, and I've started the "weathering" process on the whole of the outside.

Everything is continuing to come along nicely, by the next update, I should have the interior almost completely finished.

The beginnings of this piece can be found here.

The second part here.

-M

New Art on Etsy

2009-03-05T15:59:00.002-05:00

Well, I just wouldn't be much of an artist or blogger if I didn't keep you up to date with ALL of the new art that I am doing- not just the jewelry. So, to that end, I would like to introduce you to two new pieces that are now making their first appearances on Etsy.

The first is called, "The Watchman"- it picks up right where my work left off at the end of last year- heading in a generally Steampunky Carnivalesque direction. Not sure how long this new direction will last, but with my life-long fascination with all things carnival, I doubt it will be ending anytime soon.

The second piece is called, "Dream of Flight." This is actually the second version of this piece, I did the first about 5 years when my Photoshoping skills were much more inept. I always felt like it was a good composition, and vowed that I would one day return to this piece when I had acquired more skill. This time around I'm particularly happy with the butterflies and their subtle shading, but as is often the case with Photoshop, I can still see plenty of flaws in this version, so there is always more to learn.

If you are interested in either of these pieces you can go here to find out more.

-M

P.S. For those of you who do not yet know about Etsy- ETSY.com is a wonderful website for all things handmade. Go, go now, you'll love it- I promise.

A walkthrough Part 2.

2009-03-04T15:50:00.001-05:00

As you can see, some progress has been made-the photo of the man has been fastened in, and I have collaged thin paper over his eyes; I also decided to turn him at an angle as if he is gazing upwards (I'm beginning to think this piece might have something to do with the stars, space, or the heavens). The inner piece has not yet been fastened over him, but I wanted to give you an idea of what it will look like.

I haven't worked any on the inside bottom part yet, what you are seeing are where the rivets are connecting pieces for the chain and signature plate on the backside.

I do now have the outside (front and back) covered with paper. I chose this great 19th century German book paper that dates from around 1850. It has been working its way into a number of projects as of late.

The last photo for today is a better look at the back. I have attached the rings which will hold the chain, and I have attached the signature plate. It does feel odd signing a piece before I am finished with it, but when building these jewelry pieces, necessity often dictates that I have to sometimes create a piece with the steps out of order.

If you would like to catch this piece from its beginning you can start here.

-M

A walkthrough

2009-03-03T13:50:00.002-05:00

I've started on this new piece (to go with the millions of others that are half-finished), and I thought it might be interesting to show to you how my thought process works as I'm making a new piece.

This is a vintage compact case from a local flea market which is about 3" in diameter, and a vintage cabinet card photo which has been cut to a round shape to fit on the upper inside panel of the case.

The other two parts fit into the compact in the upper and lower spaces, so the top piece will actually end up fitting over the photograph. As you can see, the outside of the compact is pretty rough, and I plan to cover it with some type of paper. As this will be a neck piece, I will also have to fashion some type of support on the back of the case that a chain can be fastened to. At this point, I haven't really thought any further ahead than the photograph of the man, and his placement in the case. I'll keep you updated as this piece progresses.

-M

Are You Kidding Me?

2009-03-02T17:07:00.000-05:00

Remember how I posted about a week ago, and showed the nice view out of my studio, while talking about how I couldn't wait for spring to get here? If not here's the post- anyway, here's the lovely view out of my window this morning.

Now granted, I like snow as much as the next person, but I like it on Dec. 25, or Jan. 18, not on March 2. The crazy thing is, it actually is supposed to be 70 degrees by this weekend, which brings up another good point. If it is going to snow here in the South (something that doesn't happen often enough in my opinion), couldn't it at least stick around for a few days? As I'm writing this in the late afternoon, the snow is already almost completely gone in the courtyard. Woohoo! Let's go make a muddy grassman!

-M

The sorting has begun

2009-03-01T21:53:00.000-05:00

in earnest. Having neglected EandO for far too long we have finally begun to seriously sort and organize, and price things for listing.

For those of you who may not know, my wife and I have a vintage and antique supplies store we operate on Etsy called Ephemera and Object, or Eand O for short. We literally have 1000s of things to put up, and the process will officially begin tomorrow. The first offerings will be some vintage jewelry lots, some photos, and vintage book pages-plus whatever else I can grab within reach.

Happy hunting- if there is anything in particular you are looking for, just yell at me.

-M

Even More Pieces

2009-02-28T19:17:00.002-05:00

So, I was scratching around today in boxes that I had packed away during the recent overhaul of the studio, and I found these 6 pieces of jewelry that I had forgotten about.

I made all of these last year, and for whatever reason, wasn’t satisfied with them, so I was going to give them the upgrades I felt they needed. Then, somehow I managed to stick them in a box and completely forget about them…genius. Adding these to the others that I’m working on currently, and I guess I’m up to about 30 pieces-most of which are necklaces. I still plan to have them all finished in a week or so, so at least I don’t have an excuse not to keep busy.

On a side note- the website is progressing nicely, and I think I’m still on schedule (see this post), so if you’d like to be notified when it goes live, be sure to join my email list here.

-M

What I'm Reading

2009-02-27T16:10:00.002-05:00

As a visual artist I have a shady confession to make- I have never been much of one for reading. I tend to like books with really great visuals, and the words are often secondary for me. However, my current obsession is quite the exception. I'm referring, of course, to,"The Jeweler's Studio Handbook" by Brandon Holschuh.

Yes, it certainly is great artistic eye candy, but the information included within its pages, is quite informative and straightforward without being boring. If you have any interest in jewelry making at all, I think this book is a must read. And even if you don't have an artistic bone in your body, this book is still a great read.

It reminds of several other excellent books I have acquired over the past few years. None of these are "How-to" books, but they are still really good "curling up in a comfortable chair on a drizzly afternoon" books.

Anonymous

The Perfect Medium

Rauschenberg: Art And Life

Enjoy.

-M

Another New Piece

2009-02-26T15:36:00.001-05:00

As if I'm not already working on enough other pieces- I decided in the middle of all of that to begin working on this one. It isn't finished yet- I still have the chain to make, but at this point I think its turning out rather nicely, so I thought I'd show it off. The piece is called, "250 Regrets". I'm sure there's a story there somewhere.

Front

Back

Once the piece is connected to a chain, it can be spun around so that the head rotates. The practicality of that-I'm not really sure there is any, but it looks cool.

-M

After Almost 2 Years

2009-02-24T23:54:00.002-05:00

I am finally working on overhauling my art website www.mikelrobinson.com

I'm hoping to have it ready within the next 2 weeks. At this point, I have the look of it ready, and I have made many improvements including streamlining the navigation, and adding some snazzy flash elements. I won't give away too much now- I'll save that for when the site goes live. If you'd like to be kept up to date with the release as well as other happenings going on with my work, you can subscribe to my email newsletter by joining my email list. The link is in the upper right-hand corner of the main page of my blog- you can get to my main page by clicking on the Candles and Ghosts header at the top of this listing. As another option, you can also join my email list by going to my contact page on the current site. Why am I taking the time to encourage you to do this?

A small "sneak peek" view of the front page

and another "sneak peek"

because not only is my new site going to contain a lot of new work, but there are going to be some "goodies" having to do with the site that only those on my email list will find out about. And besides, you like being among the first to find out about new stuff don't you? Anyway, I'll shut up now before I end up giving everything away.

-M

Good Friends

2009-02-24T00:08:00.000-05:00

You're looking at one of my favorite treasures in all of the world- it's a Sacred Heart piece made from an old Victorian paper cut sealed under bubble glass that measures about 2" x 3". I finally got around to fixing it yesterday. The piece on the right is the old antique bezel that it was in, and on the left is the new brass bezel I have placed it in. I've added a bail so that I can wear it on a leather necklace.

The reason I treasure it is because of where it comes from. As you know from my other posts, I collect a lot of antique found objects and ephemera, and I got this piece about 15 years ago from two of my dearest antiquing friends- Nancy and her husband Norm. They sold wares at a flea market I go to in Charlotte for more than 30 years- when I first met them they were already in their late 70's. I'd see them once a month, and we'd sit in their booth for hours, while Nancy told story after story of their younger years. Meanwhile, Norm would just politely agree while going around rearranging the booth that Nancy had just arranged. At first I went, just to dig through the old photos they sold, but eventually I was just going so I could spend time with them- it was truly like having a 3rd set of Grandparents.

They both passed away a few years ago, and boy do I miss them...if there is flea market in Heaven I'm sure they are there. It will be nice to catch up when I see them again.

-M

That Look

2009-02-23T12:42:00.001-05:00

All of you cat lover/owners know exactly what I'm talking about...

that look that says, "Please come unsuspectingly around this corner so that I can jump out and dig my claws into the back of your leg while I bite down with my razor sharp teeth and then quickly run away-

or what I like to affectionately refer to as the, "Kitty Kat Drive By." We've had "Kitty" for about 10 years now- you'd think she'd realize we're on to her little game, but I'm sure as soon as I put this camera down, I'll be sucker enough to do just what she wants....OWWWWW!!!! Why you little....

Flea Market Day

2009-02-22T01:49:00.002-05:00

I went to the flea market near where I live today-I'm fortunate that this particular market is weekly-and it further got me to anticipating the coming of Spring. After all, that's when the best markets occur, at least in my area anyway.

It wouldn't be a southern flea market without face jugs

A good looking table- but unfortunately nothing I needed

This guy's booth had promise

And finally, today's wonderful finds

Hope you have as good of luck hunting this weekend also.

-M

Soon

2009-02-21T01:33:00.001-05:00

This is the view outside my studio window- looks like its turning out to be a nice almost springish day doesn't it...well it ain't. At the moment, its a whopping almost 40 outside, and even though it isn't as cold here as some people are having to endure in other parts of the country, my point is (if I really have one), if its going to look that nice and inviting, couldn't the air at least be warm to match?

Spring can't get here soon enough for me...oh well, at least I don't have an excuse to not continue working on the new jewelry pieces.

-M

Pieces, pieces, pieces

2009-02-19T23:43:00.001-05:00

I've been a little busy (finally) the last couple of days working on some new pieces- most of these will end up as snazzy neck wear, but I'm working on some brooches as well. Currently I think there are about 12 pieces in the first batch, but I've got stuff scattered all around, so I'm not exactly sure. I also just purchased a couple of cool vintage compact cases that I hope to work on soon.

These are a little closer to being finished- actually the hand pieces is already done. I'll try to keep you up to date as I have them posted.

-M

The Other Half

2009-02-16T15:00:00.001-05:00

Here are some more images of the rest of the studio-

My Jewelry Desk

A Sneak Peek at things upcoming

Supply Shelves

Another Sneak Peak

Supplies, Supplies, Supplies

Is there a slight chance I have too much stuff? Naah...

-M

A Fresh Coat Of Paint

2009-02-13T12:38:00.001-05:00

Its amazing what a fresh coat of paint and a few days of warm weather can do to rejuvenate one body and soul...I repainted the floor in my studio a few days ago (I do this about once a year)

Looks new again-

and then it occured to me, upon taking this picture, that I haven't ever shown you around my studio. So what say let's take a tour...

Work desk

Inspiration and reference

A stack of items that will be available in my shop soon

Images for future ideas and random notes

Shipping area with a print ready to ship

Hope you enjoyed the first half- I'll post some more photos in a few days.

-M

A Change Of Pace...

2008-12-11T10:56:00.004-05:00

Do you ever simply just need a change? I know from time to time I do-this is one of those times. I have been a mixed media artist for about 20 years. I mostly create paintings, and more recently have added photographic and Photoshopic elements to my work. However, the scale has pretty much remained the same-usually wall hung pieces on panel or canvas.

For me to continue growing as an artist, I've decided I need to get really drastic with my routine. With that in mind, I have begun exploring the idea of making found object jewelry. Yes, jewelry-something I hardly ever wear, aside from my wedding band that is, yet a medium with great potential and possibility. At the very least, I love the scale, and how the thought process of creating a piece of wearable art is very different from painting, photography, or even working in Photoshop. It truly is a nice change of pace...

To that end here are some new examples. Enjoy.

Pleasures of Memory- Found Object Brooch

Time to Fly- Found Object Necklace

Time to Fly- Back Detail

Under These Stones

2008-11-21T01:52:00.001-05:00

Under These Stones

Posted in About My Work, Art Happenings, Installations, Photography, art with tags art, mixed media, North Carolina, painting, Photography on November 21, 2008 by candlesandghosts

Hello All,

I just wanted to drop a quick line to let you know that I have a new show of my photography opening tonight at Through This Lens gallery in Durham, NC. The show is titled, “Under These Stones: Vanishing Reflections of Rural North Carolina”, and it represents the first major show of my work in over three years. Piedmont Restaurant will be catering the reception which runs from 6-9 p.m., and the show itself will run through the end of December. Below is a link to the web page I have created for the show, and also there is a link to the Through This Lens gallery website. Hope to see you there!

http://underthesestones.homestead.com/

http://www.throughthislens.com/

Ferris Wheels

2008-11-06T11:30:00.003-05:00

Ah, to be a kid again...nothing like that sinking feeling of your stomach in your throat...I shot this image at the NC State Fair on a beautiful fall evening; it was one of 5 this year. I do wonder sometimes what happens when they are tearing this thing down, moving to a new place, reassembling it, and then realizing at the end that they have a bolt or two left over..."You mean it costs 10.00 for a one minute ride, and on top of that I could die?! Sounds like fun!!"

O.K. so maybe I'm in a bit of a cynical mood today, now that we don't have the election to brood over any more, I wonder what we're all going to do with our leftover angst. I keep expecting someone to pinch me and say, "there was a problem with a few of the ballots in Florida..." It seems like its been forever since we had a democratic process that actually worked the way its supposed to. Kind of makes me feel like getting on this Ferris Wheel just to relive the sensation one more time...anyway hope you enjoy the art.

The Escape Artist

2008-06-20T13:16:00.002-04:00

Here is another new piece the I have been recently working on-it’s called, “The Escape Artist”, and is part of a new series of whimsical pieces that explore the notion of dreams, both lost and found, and how as we go through life, we are often compromise or change our dreams, instead of following them fully.

Enjoy. Oh, and if you’d like to see more from the series you can click here.

Another Piece

2008-02-23T17:24:00.002-05:00

Here is a second image from the series- this shot is from Falls Lake in northeast North Carolina-these trees should be about halfway underwater. This is how bad the drought is locally. The water can be seen about 150 yards away in the background of this image.

If you'd like to purchase a small version of this image, you can click on the link above.

The Hidden South

2008-02-22T16:53:00.002-05:00

With the start of a new year I have been creating an entirely new series of art. The working title for this series is, "The Hidden South" - it is composed of many images I have shot during my recent travels. I am in my mid-thirties, and in the past several years, I have been through every southern state but West Virginia and Kentucky, and I am amazed at how much change (ie, development, globalization) has occured since I was a child. So many areas are almost unrecognizable now, and yet if you take a minute to look beyond the construction signs and asphalt roads, you can still catch glimpses of the south I grew up with-a place of stillness and beauty, much of it unchanged for the past hundred or more years. Below is one of the first pieces from the series- Enjoy.

You can see more pieces from this series here.

A guarantee of sanity,,,

2008-02-16T22:47:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine brought this great card back to me from London-

-Louise Bourgeois

I don't think there is much more I can say...

Centerfest...

2007-09-17T12:15:00.001-04:00

I want to thank everyone who was able to attend Centerfest in Durham this past weekend-it was a great success! The weather was wonderful both days, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience for my first time at an outdoor festival. Thanks so much to all of you-without you, it would not be possible for me to do the thing I love- creating art full-time! I've posted several photos of my booth-Enjoy!

A Little Sneak Peek...

2007-09-08T10:43:00.001-04:00

With only a week to go until Centerfest, I thought I post a little sneak peek of some of the work that I’m doing. This is only a small portion mind you, I estimate there will be around 35-40 mixed media pieces/paintings on panels and canvas, and hopefully around 50 pieces of jewelry. I also plan on having some prints available, and some other small matted works. Right now it looks as though the weather will be sunny and in the lower 80s-just about perfect- see you there!

The Power of Night

2007-09-03T15:19:00.000-04:00

"Luna" 2007 22" x 26" Digital Pigment Print Copyright Mikel Robinson.

I recently created this image and have been wondering since then, what is it with the power of the night? Why in the darkness do things seems so much different than during the day? Because I also work with light in my art on a regular basis, naturally I am also going to be working in dark spaces. But, in my mind, a darkened space, and the darkness at night are two entirely different things conceptually and physically. We associate night with sleep, with crime, as the time when ghosts appear, but in this day and age couldn't these just as easily be seen during the daylight hours? I think that is why she holds a watch with no hands, perhaps darkness is only a state of mind instead of a state of time. Who knows, maybe I just need some sleep. Enjoy.
You can purchase this piece online at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6892717

Centerfest is coming...

2007-09-01T22:22:00.000-04:00

For those of you who will be in the Durham, NC area the weekend of September 15 & 16, I will be showing at Centerfest in downtown Durham. You can go to their website here: http://centerfest.durhamarts.org/. I will be in row A booth 9. I will be showing new mixed media paintings, prints, and vintage handmade found object jewelry. Hope to see you there!

2007-08-31T02:06:00.001-04:00

I have had a number of requests by people wanting to find out more about my art, so I've decided to share a little more about some of the pieces I have created, and what they mean to me.

The first piece I'd like to talk about is called, "The Jester." It is a digital collage which was created in early 2006. When I first began collecting vintage and antique photographs, I was never quite sure exactly what I was looking for, and yet I would always be captivated by the amazing blank stares that you would sometimes see in old images. I know now that the blank looks were often as result of having to sit for very long poses that sometimes lasted several minutes. At an antique festival in Hillsville, Va, I remember finding this quarter-plate ambrotype of an older gentleman with an amazing stare, and what really struck me was the look of defiance in his eyes. Its almost as if he knows death is approaching soon, and he refuses to go quietly. I've given him a paper which is reference to his pseudo kingship-the fact that he truly has no control over his fate, just as we all have no control over ours, and yet we can go day-to-day through life sometimes never noticing the beauty in our mortality. The text of this piece reads, "remembering that which was", and the words are placed in front of an empty tree in winter. Through the text and image placement I'm also commenting on that fact that even the memories we have are not permanent, and they too slowly fade with time. The piece is titled, "The Jester" because it is talking about how humans have an amazing ability to deny their own mortality, and how we go to many lengths to fool ourselves into feeling immortal instead on appreciating and enjoying the beauty in any given moment in our brief lives.

To find out more about this piece or to purchase click the image below:

The Power of Light...

2007-08-30T11:19:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite media to work with is light. I find it amazing the power such a simple element can carry. The installation below is a show that I did in Raleigh, NC at ARTSPACE in 2005. To give you an idea of scale, the room is about 40' x 40' with 25' ceilings. The ceiling itself extends far above the pipes which are visible. All the pieces in the room are wired together to show how each of us are connected to others, and to our past. I am a strong believer that our lives are more than mere accident. Enjoy.

My Next Show

2007-08-29T12:12:00.003-04:00

Zeppelin 2007 20" x 20"

Digital Pigment Print and Mixed Media on Panel

Simpler Times...

2007-08-28T10:52:00.001-04:00

I spent the day hunting some new photographs for my collection, and even after collecting for almost 20 years, I am amazed at all I haven't seen. This was the best of what I found today. It's a great image on glass of a horse-driven buggy. I would have loved to have been there when this gentleman came riding by. Simpler times...

"You are a Southern Artist"

2007-08-27T11:19:00.001-04:00

So last night my wife and I were watching the documentary, "Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus", and I commented to her about wanting to return to being a "southern artist." She replied, "Sweetheart, you are a southern artist and always have been." That got me to thinking a bit...How important is it that where I'm from shows through in my art, and how does my being born and raised in the South affect the art I create? I realized that the answer to the first question wasn't nearly as important as the answer to the second; but the answers to both say a lot about who I am as a person, and as an artist. I've always known that I couldn't separate the spiritual element from the physical element in my work, but I haven't always understood why. I just knew that what I felt was alive-that it was real, and that everything I do in life centers around the line that blurred for me long before I was born. What I feel runs deep, I just never understood quite how deep until now. Enjoy.

Sanctum Series 2007 (Installation View 2)

So It Begins...

2007-08-27T00:46:00.002-04:00

So it begins...Everyone says you need a blog, so here is mine. I've never been much of one for keeping a daily diary, but we'll give this a try and see how it goes. At the very least, it will be a great way to keep everyone up to date with all that is going on with my art. Until I can get started with that, here's a link to my website: www.mikelrobinson.com, and I've uploaded a photo of some recently completed pieces for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.

Sanctum Series 2007 (Installation View)