That Look

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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.