Felting Fun

I know I've put way too many pics on here but how can you choose which ones to post when it was such a fabulous weekend? I must learn how to do that slide show thing.

There were 11 of us including the tutor, Val. It was just so great being with a group of women. We worked, we ate, we drank wine, we talked and above all we laughed. Women need to be with women from time to time I reckon. We stayed in Sylvania Park, a bed and breakfast and mohair farm just outside of Horsham, Victoria. The accommodation, food and wine was all included in the cost of the workshop and believe me there was so much food which Val had prepared for us. During the day when we worked Val had asked Pat to come and help with lunch. Pat was such a sweetheart. She would come around and make cups of coffee and tea for us and set up morning and afternoon tea so we didn't have to stop working. She would then come and whisk away any dirty dishes when we were finished. I could get used to that, I could get used to that very quickly.

Sylvania Park homesteads which is also home to the Mulgowrie Mohair Goat stud

500 acres only 15 minutes from the Grampians

Went for a walk and did some exploring when we arrived on the Friday

The Wimmera River is dry due to the drought with only stagnant pools here and there

Sunset and time to end my walk...

but not before finding this eagle's nest

I became a goat whisperer as I walked back through the paddock. I had to keep walking as stopping meant my clothes would get nibbled by the friendly goats.

In the kitchen having some pre dinner drinks

Dinner is nearly ready

My room, I loved it!

My work space in the back corner of the shearing shed

All the wool slivers laid out ready for felting my scarf

Val (in green) showing Glenn how to start felting her beret

Hard at work

I forgot what this technique is called but its felting onto silk chiffon. This was created by Wendy and it will be finished with some fresh water pearls being hand stitched here and there.

We made slippers and left them to dry near the fire. Mine are the blue ones.

Some hats.

We pinned folds into our berets and left them to dry on the on the fireplace

Here's Wendy creating another piece of beautiful silk chiffon with felt and fibre embellishments

Oops already uploaded this pic hehehe

The shearing shed was full of activity.

I had such a wonderful time it really recharged my batteries. I have put my name down for next year. I also bought a lot of wool slivers to take home. The first thing I want to make is a little bag for Zoe in her new favourite colour, pink.

Some Good Finds

Had a few fabulous finds in the op shops. Bought some old saucepans to use for dyeing. Found an old rusty iron one I had lying around and cleaned that up. Also bought an old linen shirt very cheap. It was coming apart in the side seams which gave me the idea to unpick it and use the pieces to dye. I spent the late afternoon sitting quietly, mindlessly unpicking. Those mundane chores are very good for me. They still my mind and I somehow find peace. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I adore the holes the machine stitching leaves and the different shapes of the pieces with button holes here and frayed edges there. It shows the fabric has had a history and that's somehow comforting to me. Mmm all too delicious without the calories. Will no doubt come home on Monday with some newly made felt which I will endeavour to dye. My excitement is building and building.

I finished the commission piece for Naracoorte Primary School that I will deliver to them on Thursday. Not sure on the title. Usually the title comes to me while I work on it but not this time. "Letters and Numbers", "School Days", "Learning", "ABC and 123", "Days at School" are some titles I have come up with but none seem quite right. Any suggestions???

altered, stained and found papers on canvas

100cmX75cm

Can't Wait for the Weekend

I'm finally over this cold and feeling more like my old self. Back to gym tomorrow, yay! Feeling a little frumpy without my usual exercise. I notice how grumpy I get without it. I think those close to me notice too hehehe.

I'm off to Naracoorte on Thursday morning. Will deliver the commission artwork to Naracoorte Primary School and say hello to the kids I met while I was artist in residence. Then going to pull down my exhibition and pack up all my artwork before going out to dinner Thursday night with Vanita and some of her friends and then Friday I'm heading off to Horsham with some new friends for the felting weekend. I haven't been in that neck of the woods since the 1970's. Horsham is the gateway to the Grampians which is one of the most beautiful places in Australia with waterfalls and fabulous bushland. http://www.thegrampians.com.au/ Well it was in the 70's hehehe.

Had a few low times in the last couple of weeks so this trip should really lift my spirits and once home will get back to cleaning out the shed so I can try out some dyeing and eco prints and felting. Oo exciting times ahead.

sniff

Still sick, sniff. Not really sick enough for bed but not well enough for gym. Just feel blah! Not getting a lot done which makes me grumpy :(

Its Sunday. I did end up getting a bit of a cold but not bad enough to stay in bed. The big shed clean up is moving along so slowly, groan. I do the same as I do for my artwork; small doable actions daily. Then the small actions will add up and before I know it the shed will be done, right? I try not to look at the whole thing. Just little sections. The shed is quite big, factory size so it will take some time.

Been reading Eco Colour by India Flint. Its a fabulous book about dyeing fabrics using natural dyes rather than synthetic. I really like the eco prints where leaves and flowers are used to imprint onto fabrics. The old fingers are itching to get into it and experiment with this world of textiles that this book has opened up for me. It will be my reward for cleaning out the shed. I need the space in which to do it and I'm determined not to use my kitchen. Check out India Flint's website but be warned its addictive. http://www.indiaflint.com/

Pruned my roses yesterday. Yes I know I'm about a month late but its been so cold and gloomy outside that I just couldn't bring myself to do it before now. I didn't intend to do it but I was walking through my much neglected garden yesterday and the sun shone with the promise of spring. I just needed to be out in the garden doing some ordinary mundane thing and before I knew it the roses were pruned and my hands cut from the thorns. Yes I have gardening gloves but didn't stop to put them on.

Today the sun is shining again and its been a pleasure doing the washing and hanging it out on the line. Its still cold but its nice to get some sun.

Watching Olympics

Made quite a big hole in the shed cleanup on Wednesday but now I'm getting a cold grr! Spent Thursday taking it easy. Laying around in bed, watching the Olympics and trying hard not to let this cold take hold. Now its very early Friday morning. Woke up hot with sore throat and thick head. No! I don't want to be sick now. Hard to stay healthy when people around you are coughing and sneezing. Ok, a big drink of water and back to bed, its much too early to be up.
Good news, got my requirement list for the felting workshop. Very exciting. Its only two weeks away.

The Shed

Is it just me or is time moving more quickly than usual. Hasn't been anything on the news about this scientific phenomenon so maybe its just me that thinks so.
There's been a few family issues of late. One involving my sister Ilka and another involving my daughter Julia. Too personal to discuss here but I can feel their weight on my shoulders. I'm very worried and saddened but trying to keep positive thoughts going.
Had a couple of bouts of overeating grr! I've been doing so well and then I made chocolate chip cake for Bob's birthday. My thought patterns are this: if you are going to have a piece of chocolate cake you might as well eat chocolate and biscuits and all those other naughty things you know you should keep away from. Chocolate chip cake is all gone now and I've vowed to get back on the straight and narrow.
After gym today I'm finally going to start clearing out the shed. I need my new studio space as I've truly outgrown the space I'm using now. I know it will take some time to clear the shed properly but it will be worth it. Artwork will probably be on hold for awhile although I know I will have to spend some time on my art otherwise I'll get really grumpy. My need to create is as strong as my need to breathe sometimes.
Wish me luck as I head off into the uncharted realms of the shed. If you don't hear from me soon, send out a search party. Yes the shed is that bad. I might need to leave a trail so I can be found in case I lose my way.
Off to gym first.

Photos of My Week in Naracoorte

THE EXHIBITION OPENING

Interview for the local newspaper




THE COLLAGE WORKSHOP

some beautiful papers were stained

and altered

made some new friends

Hi Grant

lots of sticking, sticking and more sticking

WORK FROM STUDENTS OF NARACOORTE PRIMARY SCHOOL

I was really made to feel special in Naracoorte. The Naracoorte community is made up of such a wonderful, warm and friendly group of people, who accepted me into their midst, it brought a tear to my eye at my exhibition opening.

My week as Artist in Residence at Naracoorte Primary School was an absolute delight. I had so much fun with all the kids, some of whom came to my exhibition opening, that I felt quite heavy hearted to leave them. Hi to Graeme, Annie and Adele. I wish to sent a very big thank you to Dylan Bartels who was such a support to me that I really don't know how I would've managed without him. He gave up his recess and lunch times to help me clean the multitude of brushes, paint trays and water pots and helped me set up for the next class. He worked tirelessly putting out chairs and helping me without even being asked. He's such a special kid and I hope I get to see him again when next I'm in town.

I also enjoyed the collage workshop I gave and made some new friends. I love sharing information I've gathered in my artistic exploits and in sharing I also get so much back. The group who attended the workshop have inspired me with a whole lot of new ideas which are formulating in my head. My art will have to take a back seat for a little while as I've outgrown my studio space. I'm about to give the shed a good clean out and plan to be ruthless and throw out as much as Bob will let me. We used it as a pottery studio and now its storage and a general dumping ground. Well that's all about to change so I can set up a nice studio space where I can leave work in progress set up and not have to pack up every night. Oo I'm so excited, plan to start the clean up next week.

Anyway that's me all caught up after my exciting week away. Will be going away again around the 28th Aug. My exhibition needs to come down and then I will be joining a couple of new friends in a felting workshop weekend which is being held in Horsham. Have wanted to get serious about felting for some time now but never got around to it. What's that saying of Buddha, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear". That's how I feel about this felting workshop. The exhibition, residency and workshop I was working towards was over and I was ready to explore new grounds and a new media when I heard about this felting workshop. Spooky isn't it? hehehe.

One more thing, a big happy birthday to my Bob who is 57 today. He's still my knight in shining armour and my best friend :)

Back Home From Naracoorte

I had the best time in Naracoorte. The community is so full of warm and friendly people who excepted me and made me feel so welcome. I'm having trouble fitting back into my normal routine. Still warm with the glow.Will post some pics soon. Still haven't unpacked all my art supplies, groan.

Now Its Saturday

Its Saturday! The day before I leave. My to do list is getting shorter. I'm off to gym this morning to have a swim, do my aqua aerobics class and then have a nice relaxing spa. Once back home its packing time. Have to pack all my art supplies, my artwork for the exhibition, collage supplies for the kids and my personal stuff like clothes etc. I only have a little car so I will have to be a super packer. Hope I can get it all in. Want all that done today as I want to be on the road at 8am tomorrow morning. Oh yeah want to do some last minute washing as well. Better get a move on.

Its Thursday

Its Thursday already and I'm heading off to Naracoorte on Sunday morning. I just need to finish off a couple of altered papers and then start packing my art supplies and collage materials etc. I also like to do some cooking for Bob and freeze it otherwise he will eat junk while I'm gone and we can't have that. I'm still a little nervous about the whole thing but my very wise friend, Laura advised me to "just tell them what you know". How simple is that? I know once I'm there I will have a great time. I mean who wouldn't have fun? A whole week with 380 children ranging from 5 to 12 years old (number has risen from 350) with glue paints and collage materials. I should arrive in Naracoorte about lunch time on Sunday and in the afternoon I will be shown the school and will be able to set up so all will be ready to start on Monday morning. Note to self: pack warm clothes, coat, gloves, scarf, Naracoorte is very cold in winter.
Looking forward to visit Gare's Swamp again. Its at the end of Vanita's street and its an ancient aboriginal meeting place. I feel really connected to this spot and can see why the aboriginal people used to meet there. It has a very spiritual feeling to it. It feels like you are connecting with the earth more deeply when you visit there. In summer the swamp dries up and there's just a meagre little pond left but its winter now and there will be loads of water and lots of bird life. The air will be crisp and it will be soooooooo peaceful, mmm.

The New Eating Plan Report

Its been two weeks since I started my new eating plan. Eating small amounts six times a day rather than three large meals. I have to say with a big smile on my face that this really works and its easy to maintain. Ok I had what I like to call two little "accidents" of overeating in the fortnight. Went out to dinner with a friend, overate, then had dessert. Thought I would celebrate my overeating with lollies and chocolates the next night. Tried not to be too hard on myself and got back on track. Weight is shifting fairly easily and I'm never hungry. Eating more protein, making sure I have three serves of dairy and watching my carb intake is fairly simple. Even with my two little accidents I still managed to lose 1.7kg (3.7lbs) yay! The big test will be if I can manage to keep it up while I'm away, fingers crossed.

tick-tock tick-tock tick-tock

Hear that clock ticking? AAAAAHHHHGGG! Just starting to freak out a little. Will I remember to take everything? What if I forget the staple gun? Still not 100% clear on the project I will do with the 350 kids. Still need to alter some more paper before I leave. Shall I leave on the Saturday or the Sunday? Inner critic working overtime.

Ok a nice deep cleansing breath. Today I have a date with Zoe. Its school holidays and she would like to visit the museum and maybe also the botanical gardens to feed the ducks. If there's enough time I will also take her to the children's library. She is such a little healer I'm sure a day with her will do me the world of good.

Countdown - 2 Weeks to go.

Only two weeks before I leave for Naracoorte. I felt so organised but as the time is getting closer I feel the panic set in. It feels like there is so much still to do but is there really??? Not a great lover of lists but I think I will make one just to make sure I don't run out of time. Hope all my artwork will fit in my car.

The computer is playing up. Turned it on this morning and it crashed and froze and then I couldn't even get it to load. Took about half an hour of turning it off and on, off and on before it decided to finally start. Its too old to bother getting it fixed and there's not enough money in the kitty for a new one.

Off for a walk and then its time for some washing (perfect drying weather) and hopefully some art will get done as well.

Only two weeks before I leave for Naracoorte. I felt so organised but as the time is getting closer i feel panic

The Right Text

I've been a bit slack in the art department. Been concentrating on fitness and diet. Back on track now. Finished the background of a new piece yesterday. I used my favourite technique of gluing on book pages, newspaper, phone book pages etc. onto canvas and ripping them back. Then a thin layer of acrylic paint and its ready to paint/draw on. I just need to find the right text. It sets the stage and starts the mind thinking about the story. Off to gym and a nice long soak in the spa. Hopefully the text will come to me.

This and That

Delivered two collages for the Blackwood Rotary Art Prize and Exhibition yesterday. Julia has entered as well but in the photography section. I used to exhibit in this event quite a few years ago but that was before I started doing 2D work. I saw the entry form lying on the counter of my local art shop so I thought why not enter again. Its good to get your name out there.

Picking Julia up from the airport tonight. She's been in Melbourne spending some time with a good friend of hers. A lot of shopping was done I gather and some much needed girly time.

After gym I'm spending time with my good friend Vanita. Being a teacher and living in Naracoorte I only get to see her in school holidays. Haven't seen her since February and I'm looking forward to connecting with her today. We always say we are going to do something different and end up having lunch and shopping every time hehehe. Lucky I love to shop.

P.s. New eating plan is working a treat. Never hungry and full of energy.

Nibbles All Day

Just a quick post to let you know that having little amounts of food more often feels great. No hunger, no cravings which makes me a happy happy girl. And as Bob says "A happy Uta makes for an easier life". How rude hehehe

Metabolism

Had a hissy fit yesterday about my weight. Well not so much my weight as my inability to lose weight lately. I decided to check my kilojoules/calorie intake as I thought I really wasn't eating very much but I could've been wrong. That was all ok. I know I exercise hard as well so I was really getting upset. Its harder to keep the flab at bay as you get older but I felt like I really work hard at my diet and exercise and I should see better results. Its all very depressing.



I don't like fad diets. I want to adopt an eating plan that I can stick to for the rest of my life. Very rarely do I eat junk food. I eat wholegrains, lean meat and fresh fruit a vegetables. Not much processed food so what am I doing wrong?????



People kept going on about metabolism and metabolic rate so I thought I would look on the net and see if there is anything to speed up my metabolic rate. Here's a couple of inspiring sites www.redbookmag.com/your/speed-metabolism-yl www.matraining.com.au/Content_Common/pg-matabolic.seo

It seems from reading this research I'm not eating enough. When you don't eat enough your body thinks there's a famine and slows down its metabolic rate in order to conserve energy and last longer. The body also holds onto its fat stores. I should be eating 5-6 small meals a day instead of 3 larger ones.

Anyway I thought I would give it a try. Anything that tells me to eat more is worth a try hehehe.
This is the sort of diet I will try along with my aerobic exercise and weight training.
Breakfast - wholegrain cereal and low fat milk
Mid morning snack - yogurt and fruit
Lunch - a little lean chicken or fish with green leafy salad
Mid afternoon snack - nuts and a piece of cheese
Dinner - Lean meat and steamed vegetables
After dinner snack - fruit
This is sort of how I eat now except I don't eat as much protein and I only have one snack in the afternoon and that's fruit.

Wish me luck. Thought I would try this out for 2 weeks and see how I go.

Hibernation

Been a bit slack on my posts but the weather is gloomy, cold and raining and I think I hibernate just a little. Can't complain about the rain, we need it so badly. Been in drought awhile now and haven't had our usual amount of rain through autumn and now winter either. Still the weather makes me want to stay in bed with a good book and eat chocolate. Bad girl! No chocolate, bad! Oh well I can dream can't I?

A Little Panic Starting

I just had a little panic this morning about my up and coming exhibition. Everything is going smoothly so where that came from I don't know. A big deep cleansing breath ... in ... out.

I'm not working on an artwork at the moment and it feels strange. I'm usually thinking of the next piece while completing the one I'm working on but The Best China was so big and consumed me so completely that didn't happen this time. Doing my reading for The Artist's Way Journey told me to just start and see where I go from there. How simple is that? Just start! So today I'll give my studio space a little clean up (something I like to do after I complete a new piece) and just start. There are a few little airy fairy ideas floating around so if I simply start, something will happen I'm sure.

Off to gym first to work on my health and then I'll be ready to slay dragons.

Time Travel

Had a lovely time with my friend Kris yesterday. Kris has had a bit of a rough time lately so I thought I would pamper her a little. I took her to Tangerine Treasures and Tea Rooms on Rose Street in Glenelg.

The music and decor act as a time machine so we went into the back corner away from the world and let the tearooms transport us back in time probably to the 30's or 40's. The tearoom is an L shape so if you walk to the back and turn left, there are no windows to remind you what century you are in.

Before we went in I told Kris the rules. "As we are stepping back in time we leave our troubles at the door. We only talk about nice things inside." I said.

We arrived mid morning so we decided to have some breakfast. Waffles with cream and maple syrup for Kris and raisin toast for me. Of course we shared so we could have some of each. I had a pot of Taylor's Earl Grey tea and Kris tried green tea with jasmine and we were set for a lovely morning of women's talk.

We were having such a good time we didn't want to leave so after a quick pit stop (too much tea) we decided to stay for lunch as well hehehe. So more tea and some sandwiches and more women's talk.

When it was time to leave and we finally walked through the door and back into reality we were very relaxed and contented. It was just one of those glorious days that becomes a treasured memory.

I love that quaint little tea shop. None of the tables match but each has its own old world charm and each has a doyley or an embroidered table cloth. The china is old English with floral patterns and not a matching set in sight. From Wednesday to Sunday, if you book in advance, you can have high tea (oo la la), sampling different teas with an array of delicious finger food. That will be our next adventure.

Paper Work

Yesterday was a day of catching up on some paper work. The way I figure it, if there's paper work you must be going forward. I wrote the proposal for an exhibition I'm planning to have with Julia and Zoe. Three generations of women. Worked on updating my CV and making it relevant to the proposal.

I also finalised the details for the artist in residence position coming up in the end of July at Naracoorte Primary School. I'm really looking forward to this one. I will be showing 350 primary school children (ages from 5 to 12 years) how to do collage. They each will get the chance to create a collage on a stretched canvas and the school will be having an exhibition in the art gallery. What fun, getting paid to play for a whole week.

I have a weekend workshop coming up in the beginning of August and I'm nearly organised for that as well. Just need a few more supplies.

My SALA exhibition plans are all coming along too. Just need to finish off the invitation. That's today's job.

The money I will be earning is going towards reclaiming our huge shed. We had it set up as a pottery studio and when we stopped doing that it just became a dumping ground and storage facility. Well I'm getting in some very big garbage skips and am going to be ruthless and throw everything out and turn it back into a studio. I had dreams of buying a new computer with that money but decided it would come to better use cleaning out the shed. I think its the next step in becoming more serious and professional with my artwork. I need a bigger studio space. A place where I can invite people to come and play with me. Some comfy chairs in front of the fire place (yes the shed has a fire place) to have a cup of coffee surrounded by art stuff, now that's what I call bliss.

Big White Scary Canvas is Finished

The big white scary canvas is completed. Its called "The Best China" and its 91x122cm (36"x48"). I have to say I have enjoyed the process of this piece so much that I'm a bit sad at it being over. I'm a bit lost now :( and not sure what to do next. Yesterday I tried working on the board books I want to alter but just couldn't get into it. Usually, as I'm working on a piece, I'm already formulating the next one in my mind but "The Best China" just mesmerized me and totally consumed me. It was great fun.

Market Day Has Come Around Again

View of Adelaide from the market car park. Won't find this view on any post card but I love it.

One of the flower stalls.

Fresh fruit and vegetables mmm yum.

Adelaide Central Market is alive with sights, sounds and smells to delight all the senses.

Bliss

Well I did get to spend the whole day doing my artwork yesterday YAY! The big white scary canvas is nearly done and I'm really happy with it. Will post a pic as soon as its finished. I love using text in my work and I'm having trouble fitting all the words in that I want to use. I will keep trying to resolve it because the words add another element and tell the story. Off to gym and then more art!

Whole Day in the Studio

It just so happens that I have a whole day to spend in the studio today so I'm not going to ramble on. Don't want to waste a second. Off I go weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Little Bit of This, Little Bit of That

Had a really good day yesterday. Been a bit mopey lately but now my high spirits are back. I did little bits of everything yesterday. The washing (its still on the line, too lazy to take it off yesterday), some more to the big white canvas, some photography, I watched my usual art programs on tv, my favourite being Sunday Arts and I spent time with Zoe.

The digital photography meet I've been attending, sets a mini project to do in the month till the next meet. This time its using macro and making sure your camera is on manual and you do the settings yourself. So I spent a few hours yesterday exploring the ideas I have for that but haven't got anything I'm happy with yet. Thank goodness for digital cameras where you can see the shot straight away and not wait (and pay for) developing.

Today is Mark's birthday (son in law) and we are going out to lunch but first I must head off to gym to keep my body healthy and my mood happy.

Fast Forward

Big white scary canvas is coming along nicely. All the background is done. Just need to add some text (love my text) and then onto drawing or painting my wooden chairs with a nice little teacup placed just so on the corner of one of the chairs.

Also have many ideas to alter the board books. Can't wait to get to them. There are so many ideas floating in my head at the moment and so many things I want to try I need two lifetimes or maybe more to get through it all.

Julia bought me a book on felting. Another project I want to get back to. I really need a fast forward button hehehe.

Anyway enough rambling, time for breakfast and a quick trip to the gym for my exercise. Once back home its back to the big white scary canvas and some washing. Thank goodness for automatic washing machines. They leave more time for art!

Photography

Went to a digital photography meet last night. They are held once a month and this is the second I've been to. We are learning and discussing how to use your camera on the manual setting. I've learnt about aperture and shutter speed and what settings they should be on for different situations. It gives you greater control over what the shot looks like rather than letting the camera do all the work on the auto setting. I have also learnt how inadequate my camera is. Oh well it will do me for now and what I use it for. No doubt in the future I will want to upgrade but I will cross that bridge when I come to it. Number one on my list of must haves is a new computer. One that's not a hand me down and doesn't crash five times in a row (and that's just when I turn it on).

Been good on the food and exercise front over the last couple of days and I'm feeling better for it. I do get tired of constantly battling with it. I swear I just have to walk passed a cake shop and I put on weight. I think I've got the slowest metabolism in the world. Listen to me complain, moan, moan, moan. With all that complaining you wouldn't think I'm in a really happy mood and raring to start the day.

Sex And The City

Went to the movies with Julia (daughter) yesterday and saw the long awaited (for some) Sex And The City. I never watched the series on tv. Was probably on too late or something but I really wanted to see the movie. Julia is a big Sex And The City fan and it was really special to see it with her. The movie was fantastic. It made me laugh and cry and was over far too soon. It was so enjoyable I consider it the best movie I've seen in a long time. Would love to see it again and will definitely buy it when its out on dvd.

Bad Girl

I have been doing so well with my eating and exercise habits that I thought I would treat myself to a few forbidden delicacies when I went to the market on Friday. That was the first mistake. I spent the whole weekend eating forbidden delicacies. I felt like I had a cold coming on so I thought I would take some time off and not go to gym. That was the second mistake. Can you see the destructive path I'm on? I have to stop this now before it spirals out of control. Off to gym this morning and then back to work on my big white canvas (not white anymore really). No thoughts will enter my head about my favourite soft and oozy cheese that I didn't manage to completely devour on the weekend. No its back to healthy eating and exercise. To be honest, eating the wrong food for 3 days has made me feel sluggish so back on the straight and narrow for me.....I hope.

Scared of the Big White Canvas? Not I.

I've started work on a large canvas 91x122cm (36"x48"). The large whiteness scared me at first. That's normal. I just grabbed the canvas and start sticking old book pages on and felt much better. My mind is working faster than my hands on this one. Probably due to the size. Its a bit frustrating when you want to get to the next stage, the next layer, or try the next idea and you still have such a big area to fill before you can go on.

This collage will be based on the old wooden chairs I bought second hand recently. The canvas is big enough to make the chairs nearly life size. Its going to be all about the background with the chairs to add interest to the foreground. These ideas could change as I go through the creating process but that's the joy of it, letting a piece evolve and not forcing it to go where it doesn't want to.

Its funny because these are the things that are frowned upon when you study art formally. Its meant to be planned out completely, doing little tests and mock ups until you get it right. No intuition or going with the flow is ever encouraged. Maybe that's what you have to go through to learn the principles of composition, design, colour and once learned you can go on what feels right and follow what you heart tells you.

In the Name of Progress

An eye sore to some but I just adore this old building. Its going to be demolished for what I consider ugly apartment blocks. The port has this old world charm. Hope that's not lost when all the modern buildings take over.

An old sailing boat on the Port River

How cute is this door? Its on a church close to my home. I've driven passed it for so long and kept thinking I must get a photo and I finally did. It would my a good painting.

Too Long

Its been too long since my last blog. Time has been rushing passed me again and before I knew it another week was over.

Went on a photo shoot with Julia on Thursday to Port Adelaide. It's one of my favourite places. The building are old and it evokes feelings of a bygone era when life was tough and men were tougher. I once went on a night tour of Port Adelaide and heard about the history and what it was like to live in those times and I have of course romanticised it in my mind even more. Its magical to me for other reasons too. My dad used to take me to the port for Sunday drives and longingly look at the ships that were in port especially the ocean liners. I think he never lost his homesickness for Germany even though he lived in Australia longer. Its that whole believing you belong to a culture that migrants never quite get in their new homes. My favourite building is still standing but not for much longer...redevelopment grr. Its going to be knocked down to build those ugly concrete multi storey apartment blocks. Its fashionable to live in the port now so the yuppies are taking it over and ruining the whole look of the place, just like the foreshore in Glenelg. Showing my age here a bit hehehe. Anyway I got heaps of photos of the old building and I suppose I'll just have to be content with that.

After my usual market trip yesterday I went to a few art shops and bought a few more supplies. I bought half a dozen canvases (one very large one and the others reasonably large) some more gel medium and a few conte crayons. Next to one of the art shops is an antique shop and I bought a couple of small boxes for some assemblage art. So now I have canvases to paint and collage, some board books to alter and some assemblage art to create. Why am I still here typing then? Bye

So Much To Do

My daughter took photos of my work yesterday so I can put better quality images onto my Red Bubble site. http://www.redbubble.com/people/utam Julia is a professional photographer so her camera is so much better than my point and shoot. The better the quality the images the more variety of reproductions can be sold on Red Bubble. Anyway now I have to crop all the photos and enhance the brightness/contrast etc. on photoshop and then put all the new images onto Red Bubble. Still haven't finished a painting that's been sitting on my easel for some time now, have to work on my exhibition invitations, start altering the board books I bought the other day, buy a new canvas for the painting that's swimming around in my head and above all I must do the washing today. Luckily I cooked up a large pot of chicken vegetable soup yesterday so dinner is taken care of. Means I can work right through. Only stopping to eat and watch Sunday Arts on tv this afternoon.
You can see Julia's work on http://www.redbubble.com/people/jewelstorm

Date With Myself

Yesterday I took myself out. Went to the Lion's Club Garage Sale. Haven't been in awhile so I thought I would have a look if I could find any treasures. Walked out empty handed. Then went op shopping and bought myself a very nice scarf. The weather is getting colder and there's nothing like a scarf to compliment your outfit and keep you warm.

It was soon lunchtime so I swung passed the supermarket and bought a crusty wholemeal roll with poppy seeds on top, some roast turkey and a tin of tomato soup. Haven't had tinned tomato soup in years. Took my supplies home and added some milk into the tomato soup as I was heating it. Makes it extra creamy. I watched Golden Compass while I had my leisurely lunch.

After my very big lunch I went out again in search of children's board books. I'm sanding them back and then will use them to do some of my artwork in. Maybe some collages, paintings and photos. I had to buy new ones because all the second hand ones were too well loved with worn edges and creases in their pages. I do really love artist's books and its been on my "to do" list for a long time. I'm finally getting around to it.

In the middle of my design for the invitations for my exhibition, still need to finish off a painting I started over a week ago, want to start on the board books and I have an idea for a new painting swimming around in my head. Looks like a huge creative time coming up.

Pulled back a little from my art work this week. I felt I needed some time off to refill my well and feel all the better for it.

Sisters

I received a chain letter by email recently and I usually ignore them. However this one was so nice I thought I would share it with all of you. I cut the "chain" part of it.

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter 'Don't forget your Sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.''Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do. 'What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life. After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned, this says it all: Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Men don't do what they're supposed to do. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favours. Careers end. BUT.........Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening onyour behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Lady Morgaine

Balancing Act

This morning, while thinking of the day ahead, I realised that I'm balancing the things in my life a whole lot better. I used to get all enthusiastic about my art and then do nothing but art and then I would get enthusiastic about exercise and concentrate on nothing but eating correctly and going to gym. Everything else used to slide and fall by the way side and only the thing I was focusing on would matter. Now finally I've seen the light. I'm managing to balance these things a whole lot better so they all fit into my life. Its a much calmer existence and I'm not feeling guilty about letting things slide. Now all I have to do is fit the house work into that equation and all will be right in my little corner of the world. Oh bother, wish I had a cleaning lady.

Busy Doing Nothing

Busy weekend not doing anything. Its funny how that happens. The whole weekend just goes and it feels like you were busy but nothing really got accomplished.

Julia and I joined a digital photography meetup group. We meet once a month and discuss the basics which is probably too basic for Julia seeing she majored in photography at uni. At the moment we are exploring how to use our camera on manual and choosing the settings to achieve the type of image we want rather than just pointing and shooting and hoping for the best. I really enjoyed our first meeting last Wednesday night. Its good to get out and do some different things. My camera isn't a real good one. Nowhere near professional standard but its not bad for a point and shoot. Its good enough for my needs now. In the future I might want to upgrade but I'll cross that bridge when and if I come to it.

Started working on the invitation for my exhibition opening in August. Its just a bit of playing around at the moment because I'm not really sure what I want or how I want it to look. Its hard trying to represent yourself in a small invitation. The exhibition is called Listen With Your Eyes so maybe I'll use an image of eyes ???? Who knows at this stage. I'm just playing around, enjoying the process and we'll see what happens. If all else fails I can always use an image of one of my works. Still have plenty of time so I'm not in a panic.

Apart from that I have made it a rule to work on my art every day. If the other things in my life don't allow for big blocks of time spent in my art corner I just do a little everyday. Just a little done daily adds up to quite a lot.

Day at Callington

Hartley Methodist Church 1865-1895

Oops forgot which church this is but I just loved the window and pink rendered wall.


This old wagon is at the entrance of a coffee shop.



Old door and window in an old Cornish Miner's cottage. Its being done up yay!


Old bank with sign still in the window.



I love the old Cornish Miner's cottages.



Wonder if this used to be a shop.



1939 Chevy being lovingly brought back to working condition.

The rear of the Chevy

Look at the texture of the paint.

And the colours.

Would love to achieve this look on my artwork.

This well loved ute is now used to store the firewood.

If you want to know more about Callington go to http://www.postcards.sa.com.au/features/callington.html

Busy Day

I'm feeling a lot better thank goodness. I hate being sick. It feels like a waste of time even though its a good opportunity to rest.

I'm off to my sister's today. She's going to help me to design my exhibition invitations on publisher. I've not used publisher before and I'm eager to learn. I always find it easier if someone shows me how and then I go and try it on my own. Computer stuff doesn't come naturally to me. Didn't grow up with them and so it takes awhile to sink in. Quite happy with my progress though. I have my own blog running, I'm in a group blog The Artist's Way Journey and I've recently put my work onto RedBubble which is an online art gallery and community. http://www.redbubble.com/people/utam I haven't made any of my work for sale as I'm just not up to that stage yet.

Better stop rambling and be on my way.
p.s. Will post pics of Callington trip soon.

Sick

I'm sick and feeling sorry for myself and its market day, groan. Its only a head cold, runny nose, sore throat and headache. I rarely get sick so I shouldn't complain. Will post some pics from my trip to Callington when I feel better.

My Friend is in Town

My friend Kris is in town. Don't see her often so its good to catch up. She's in town for the whole week and tomorrow we are going to visit Kris' sister who lives near Callington. The main reason for the visit is to take photos. Kris' sister has an old 1939 Chevvy with broken headlights and smashed rear window. They will make great images for my collages.
Callington is a really old town in Australian standards and some of the old cottages have lovely old doors with peeling paint. Of course my camera will be running hot and I'll have some nice new images to post on my blog as well.

And the title is ...

Finally came up with a title for piece below "The Harvest".

The Pears With No Name

This work is so new it hasn't even got a title yet. I usually know what it's called long before its finished but with this piece nothing came to mind. Its quite a large canvas and I thoroughly enjoyed the process. There was a stressful moment when I couldn't go on with it for fear of ruining it but I got over that thank goodness. No collage on this piece whatsoever. I've even allowed some canvas to show through which was very difficult for my German heart to allow.

*no title as yet*

acrylic paint and conte on canvas

91 x91cm (36"x36")

Friday is for Shopping

Another week has gone by and its Friday again. That means market day and time to buy the provisions for the nest week. The market always brings out the hunter gatherer instincts in me. Very grounding and good for the soul I reckon.

Foggy Morning

Since my son, Troy has come back to roost with us I have been driving him to work in the morning. This morning the hills were covered in fog with just a hazy outline showing where they are and the occasional light twinkling through. I love the fog. Its like a protective layer and makes me feel safe like a chick under its mother's wing. Drove home the back way. I wanted to enjoy the falling autumn leaves, grey skies and wet shiny footpaths without all the traffic. It rained all the way. I do love summer and the outdoor lifestyle that goes with it but when the seasons change its such a relief. Will be wanting summer back before too long. I will get sick of the wet but at the moment I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Not much art work was accomplished yesterday. A lot of fiddling and indecision without much productivity. I really like the effect I've achieved and its taken me so long to get it that now I don't want to ruin it. Oh yes I can hear the words "have faith in your abilities" and "just enjoy the process" but they're not really helping. I did do some drawing onto the surface yesterday and have a hint of some pears coming through. I know I want to stamp some text on too but not sure which word or words to use. Nourish? Nurture? Impression? Nah, none of them are right. Not sure if I want any collage on the surface. I do want to draw more and define some of marks made by the paint but which ones. This is worse than white canvas syndrome hehehe. Today I will push forward on it. No more pussy footing around. I'm just going to do it!

Its Finally Cold and Wet

The sky is all gloomy, its raining and its chilly. Its the kind of day you just want to stay indoors and drink hot chocolate and do artwork. I will do that too, but first I have to go to gym and get my exercise specially since I had one of those dreaded overeating days yesterday. In between doing my artwork I will also do the washing which has been piling up and and later cook a curry for dinner.

Had a lovely dream about an old friend who passed away quite a few years ago. Its left me feeling all happy and mellow with the promise of good things to come. I love those dreams. They stay with me all day.

My daughter, Julia has been emailing me links to fabulous artwork on Red Bubble. Its becoming quite the morning ritual. What better way to start the day but with a dose of good art?

No More White

The canvas isn't white anymore. Woohoo! Had the best time painting yesterday with really watered down paint. Masking areas of the canvas with watercolour paper and then laying down washes. Am really happy the way the paints bled into each other and also under the watercolour paper. Been trying for this effect for so long. Even the paper I used as a mask is really cool and will look great in a collage. Not sure if I will use any of it in this piece though. Will wait and see where this piece takes me I guess.
No art for me today though, I'm taking my Mum to visit my sister. Maybe I can get a couple of hours in after dinner.

Big White Canvas

On Saturday I unpack a new big white canvas ready to start work on. I stood it on my art table in the corner of my bedroom and there its stood looming all its glowing whiteness at me. The reason I started working in collage is a fear of that crisp white canvas. I have a fear of putting a mark on it. My theory is to stick a bit of paper on it, might be a page from the phone book or some newly stained or altered paper, and that glowing white canvas isn't white anymore. It has a mark on it and isn't scary any longer hehehe. I haven't started on the new canvas yet so there it sits blinking its whiteness at me like a neon sign. "I dare you to start, I dare you to start" it blinks. Well I will start today after gym so there :p.

I've been thinking of trying something new. I'm always thinking of trying something new but that's how the passion stays in my work I reckon. When I first got interested in collage, about 3 years ago, I saw some work by Peggy Brown in a book. I loved the subtleties of her work and tried to achieve that feeling in my own work. The inspiration of Peggy Brown's work took me through what my friends and family like to call my "beige period". I never really achieved the subtleties, just beige-ness hehehe. I looked on Peggy Brown's website http://www.peggybrownart.com/ again the other day and thought I might try her technique once again and see how I go. She works on watercolour paper but I want to try it on canvas. So big white looming canvas I'm coming for you today.

Latest Collage Finished at Last

Reflections of a City

stained, altered and found papers on canvas

46x91cm (18"x36")

I decided to stay home and work on my art yesterday. I've been struggling with this piece and having real trouble resolving it. I started fiddling with it in the morning and thought I would just continue with it and go to gym today instead. It turned out to be the right decision as its nearly finished and looking ok. Just one little area left to work on and then some coats of varnish to protect it.

My art buddy, Julia (daughter) has come out of her long artist block and is creating again. She has done some beautiful work in the last few days. Check out http://www.redbubble.com/ and type in Julia Thomas to view her work. She has also put some of Zoe's work on there.

While writing my morning pages this morning I was questioning where to go next with my artwork. I like to keep exploring new techniques and learning new ways to express myself. I don't want to stagnate. So often you see talented people doing the same safe thing year after year and their work starts to look lifeless. I don't want that to happen to me. I like to challenge myself. The point I'm trying to make is that I got some new ideas this morning while writing my morning pages and once I've finished the piece I'm working on I'm going to give those ideas a try.

Anyway I'd better have breakfast, do my morning chores and head off to gym. My body can't afford another day off.

Decisions

Shall I go to gym today because I missed yesterday? Or shall I spend the day on my artwork and go to gym tomorrow?

A Day Early

Its market day today. A day early due to the Anzac Day holiday tomorrow. The school holidays end soon and there's a holiday tomorrow which means the market will become a madhouse. Better get off early and better stay bright and alert to get through the pushing and the shoving. Wish me luck.

If yesterday was Monday, today must be Tuesday!

I'm finally settling into a good routine (for want of a better word). I'm using my time more effectively. My sister, who is highly organised, would be proud. I got 6 to 7 hours in my artspace working on my collage yesterday and still managed my daily mundane chores. Ok the nest could be cleaner but the washing is done, bed is made, no dishes in the sink and the family get a good home cooked meal at the end of the day. Can't ask for more than that.

I have a piece in an exhibition that's opening on Sunday 2pm, at Gallery M in the Marion Cultural Centre. It the oriental piece I had exhibited in Naracoorte for this year's Taste Festival. Julia and Zoe's work are also part of the exhibition. Got a few girls from gym interested in going to the opening. They said they wanted to go, not just to see the work, but to rub elbows with the artists because artists wear such arty clothes. Bit stereotypical but very amusing. I for one think I wear ordinary clothes and wish I looked more "arty" hehehe hahaha.

Wanted to write a little bit about my best friend, Vanita. She silently reads my blog and never leaves a comment but keeps tabs on me anyway. We don't get to spend much time together (probably a good thing for Vanita). She lives in Naracoorte which is about 4 hours drive away and is an art teacher in the local high school. I was lucky enough to be artist in residence in her class room last year and saw first hand what an amazing teacher she is. The kids adore her. She is also an amazing friend who helps me and supports me in all my endeavours. Are you blushing yet Vanita? I just wanted to let you know I appreciate all you do for me :)

Its Monday

Monday morning. The nights are getting a bit fresh. Have to put my dressing gown on while I run around doing my chores before heading off to gym.

Got a good start on my new collage yesterday. Its calling me now and I have the urge not to go to gym so I can go back to it now. No! I have to look after my health in order to create. All things in my life must be balanced. There's that word again "balance". That seems to be the hardest thing for me to maintain. Its all or nothing with me.

I read week one of Julia Cameron's Finding Water yesterday. In it she spoke about being connected to the higher realms while doing art. That's such a good explanation. I get so involved in the process, in the sheer joy of creating that I become so blissfully happy. Ok that sounds like I'm off with the fairies. Its a very difficult feeling to describe without sounding too "out there".

The new collage has a sea theme. This theme reoccurs a lot throughout my work. Yes I live in Australia and am surrounded by sea but its more than that. I'm also a migrant and travelled to my new home by sea. I was only 4 years old but I can remember the sounds, sights and smells. Its had a profound effect on my life and how I view home and family.

Still on the sea theme, one of the best days of my life was when Bob and I hired a canoe. We strapped it on the back of the ute and headed off to the Port Adelaide ship's graveyard. As the tide went out it revealed more and more of the ships that had been sunk there. They became beautiful rusty sculptures. There was only one wooden ship and that had turned itself into an island which I scampered over. Think I'll have to put a shipwreck image transfer into my new collage.

Happy in my Art Space

I've been spending a lot of time staining and altering paper so I have some in stock. There's nothing worse than being in the middle of an artwork and running out of paper or not having enough to choose from. Planning to start a new piece today YAY! I still get excited about it. Also starting the next book on the Artist's Way journey today, Finding Water.

Having my first solo exhibition at Naracoorte Art Gallery as part of the SALA Festival (South Australian Living Artist Festival). Opening August 1st. It was meant to be an exhibition showcasing 3 generations of women artists, exhibiting work from my daughter, granddaughter and myself but the gallery board decided that they wanted a solo exhibition instead. So its a bit sad on one hand and exciting and scary on the other. We are still planning to have our combined exhibiton. Just looking into another venue for some time this year I hope.

Off to do some mundane chores and then off to my art space to play.

New Work, Finally

Finally back on track and creating again. Just finished this piece yesterday. This is only the second piece I've made using this technique of staining and altering papers. I'm really enjoying this process. Want to do a few more in this style. My work has really changed and evolved in the 3 years that I've been exploring collage. Computer keeps crashing so I'd better stop rambling and post this while I've got the chance. Can't wait to start the next piece.

As Time Goes By

stained, altered and found papers, image transfers on canvas

46x91cm (18"x36")

New Product

Back in the creative flow and so happy about it. :) I've been trying really hard to keep a balance of all things in my life. I have a tendency to go full on in one area while the others suffer. Its either going to gym full on and watching what I eat to be healthy or its art with my head in the clouds. I don't even notice whats going on around me until somebody is hungry or has some other need and I crash back down into reality. However I'm trying not to do that to myself anymore. I go to gym, take care of the chores, work on my artwork, shop and spend time with family and friends all in moderation. It feels much more sane and much less erratic. Wonder how long I can keep it up.
Tried a new product on my artwork and I love it. Its not cheap but nothing connected with art and craft is. Its called Grafix Rub-onz. Its like the rub ons used in scrap booking only you create your own. You can print on them directly from your ink jet printer or you can draw on them if you prefer. Its such an easy way to do an image transfer. No more scrubbing off the paper afterwards. Not only can you use whatever image you want you can also use whatever colour you want too. Hehehe sounds like an ad but its really exciting to find products that are so easy to use and have endless possibilities. Will post a pic as soon. Had such a long break from creating I've been having a little bit of trouble with resolving the piece I'm working on. Its nearly there now but I had some struggles and difficult moments. Well enough on the words and on with the art. Hope to finish it today.

p.s. Zoe's new tooth is visible. She's very excited.

Fun Day

Had such a great time at the beach yesterday with 2 classes of 6 to 7 year olds. We travelled to the beach by tram which was an experience. A bit stressful making sure they all crossed the busy road safely and all got on and off the tram. Once we got there the fun began. We got to build sand castles and eat morning tea on the grass. Our group has so much fun that kids from other groups kept joining us. We built the biggest sand castle with turrets made using buckets as molds. Some were carefully put on top of the castle. A moat went all the way around and then some more turrets around the moat. The kids wanted water in the moat. They ran back and forth from the sand castle to the sea retrieving buckets of water but the water always seeped away. I told them if the moat was deep enough it would have water in it naturally. They took on the challenge and took it in turns to dig a section of the moat deeper and deeper. Just before it was time to go back to school we hit water. Yay! Such excitement as everyone peered into the deep hole to see the water in the bottom. A day of play was good for my soul. Went home happy and sandy.

School Excursion

Zoe has a school excursion today and I'm going too Yay! We are catching the tram and heading off to Glenelg Beach. Must remember my camera and my hat. Perfect autumn weather for a day at the beach.
Was able to get into the studio yesterday with 3 hours in the afternoon and then an hour or so after dinner. Made some new stamps to use as well. Can't wait to try them out. The collage is going slowly but I'm enjoying every moment of it.
That's all I have time for. Can't be late for school!

Back at Work Yay!

Yesterday was fabulous. I have been in such a lull regarding my artwork. Haven't got around to it for weeks but yesterday the dam burst and I was in my art corner for nearly the whole day. Came out now and again to hang a load of washing on the line, went for a quick shopping trip with Mum and Julia and cooked dinner but the rest of the time I was up to my elbows in medium and tissue paper. Didn't clean up till 8.30pm and boy it felt good. Got nearly the whole first layer done, the "underpainting" so to speak and I'm really happy with its progress. Have a lot of little things to do today after gym but I'm determined to do some more to my collage even if its not till after dinner. After all you can do one small creative thing everyday. You don't have to wait till you have a whole day to spend creating.