Ghosts and Angels

I'm introducing a new series of prints in my online shop. The series is called "Ghosts and Angels".  The prints are  a selection of images created from some of my favorite carved wood, mixed media pieces. The images are 7" x 7.6" on an 8" x 10" acid free, polar luster paper. They come with a museum board backing in a clear acid free sleeve. Each print is signed and dated and suitable for framing.

Angel of Transmigration

Mermaid Angel

Secret Garden Talisman

Medicine Box

Medicine Box #1

Part of a new series of works called "Old Medicine" The series is inspired by ancient healing practices, unseen forces and the mysteries of nature.The hand and leaves are carved from found aspen. The box an antique wood crate. Inside the box is an ammonite fossil and 3 vintage glass vials containing illustrations of plants.The piece is designed to mount on a wall. 

9" x 3" x 3"

Summer Stag

Summer Stag

This piece is carved from aspen wood collected in the mountains. It is painted with acrylic and metal leaf. The antlers are found manzanita with tiny carved and painted leaves attached. The antlers are removed for shipping.

Year of the Horse

Year of the Horse

In Chinese astrology this year marks the year of the horse. This piece is inspired by the qualities of free spirit and boldness that the horse represents in Chinese folklore. It's carved from fallen aspen branches. The base is made with a mosaic if vintage reclaimed crate woods and yard sticks. The hat is made with bit of reclaimed furniture wood and topped with an antique glass knob. The hat is adorned with leaves that I carved and painted. There's also a bit of antique tin nailed to the hat and figure. The piece is painted with acrylic and metal leaf and finished with wax. It comes apart in sections for easy shipping.

Size: 54"x 12" x 9.5"

Year of the Horse

Night Sky Angel

Because I live in a hot desert I've come to appreciate the long summer nights. I love sitting outdoors in the evening watching the night sky. This time of year is perfect for star gazing and watching monsoon lightening criss cross the sky.

Night Sky Angel

Circus Circus

This morning I escaped to the circus. Well, in pictures anyway. I love the way circuses and carnivals transport me to another world. They are part theater and part murky, magic, other worldly stuff. Both innocent and disturbing. Here's some captivating circus themed imagery that I discovered today~

Carnival BigTop-Hey Harriet Photography

Carnival Clown-Hey Harriet Photography

Acrobats

Circus Performer by Andrew Shaylor

Sideshow banner by Fred Johnson

After the Storm

After the Storm

This sculpture called "After the Storm" was made as part of a project called Peace by Piece  organized by Susan Lomuto aka The Daily Art Muse in response to her experiences with Hurricane Sandy.  After the hurricane Lomuto collected debris from the devastated beaches near her home in New York and sent it out to a group of artists. 

The bottom wooden section of this sculpture is made with pieces of the debris that I received.  I pegged and nailed them together then banded them across with antique tin to form a raft. The tree atop the raft is found lemon wood that I carved and shaped to accommodate the birds and leaves. I carved the birds and leaves from found aspen. The weathered debris in the raft section was coated with a layer of varnish to fix and preserve it. The sculpture is painted with acrylic. It sits on a metal stand and comes apart for shipping. 

A portion of the proceeds from this sale will go toward a charity that supports disaster relief. 

Debris sent to me from Hurricane Sandy

A Summer Order in Progress

In Love with the Moon

Here's something new from my shadowbox series. I've been playing with some slightly bigger boxes. This is 6" x 6".  The moon and figure are carved from found aspen. The arms are vintage German doll parts. The box is framed with a mosaic of antique crate woods.

In Love with the Moon

Happy Mother's Day!

Sacred Heart with Stars

Interview in Art Doll Quarterly

This week I received the summer issue of Art Doll Quarterly. In it I'm interviewed by writer and artist Ricë Freeman -Zachary. Her thoughtful questions made the process an interesting journey. She even shares little tidbits about me such as my previous foray into chicken wrangling...

Also included in the summer issue are articles and images from some of my favorite doll artists. There's a great story called "Stages of Joy" by Idiko Muresan one half of the artist team called Harem 6

Red Antlers by Harem 6

And a feature by talented woodcarver Stephanie Brockway about the making of her fabulous "Toolheads"

"Toolheads" by Stephanie Brockway

Betsy Youngquist's article "Land of the Fantastical" is full of  photos and information about her amazing beaded mosaics.

"Space Explorer" by Betsy Youngquist

For more information on the magazine: http://www.artdollquarterly.com/

Deer Dancing and the Art of Frédérique Morrel

It's deer dancing season. The Yaqui Indian Villages here in Tucson are holding their annual Easter celebrations. Yaqui Easter is a beautiful hybrid of ancient Yaqui religion and Christianity. It culminates with a night long dance of the deer in his flowery grotto. He's accompanied by a small group of musicians playing simple instruments and singing mysterious deer songs.

I like to think that right now elsewhere on the earth there are animal dances taking place to celebrate nature and the changing seasons. The refined tapestry and taxidermy of artist team Frédérique Morrel, created half way around the world in Paris and far from the Yaqui villages reminds me that whether it's a stomp or a waltz I'd like to join in the dance.

Artworks by Frédérique Morrel

Bird Branch Angel and other News

The cactus flowers are about to burst open here in the desert. This time of year always inspires me and percolates new ideas. These are two pieces born this spring~

Bird Branch Angel

Cactus Flower Angel

And some other news this month, I'm honored to have several works included in a new book "Contemporary Art of the Southwest"

"Contemporary Art of the Southwest"

Last but not least if you happen to be in the Tucson area I'm part of Tucson Artists Open Studios -a city wide studio tour this weekend, April 12-13. I better get the place tidied up!

Kathryn Polk-Printmaker

I just discovered the work of printmaker Kathryn Polk. It captured me. Dark yet uplifting. I see layers of influences and keen insight... desert mystery, alchemy, social comment, allusions to Mexican folk and outsider art. Keep looking and you'll probably see more. It's provocative and inspiring. Just my cup of tea. She also lives in Tucson, my hometown.  She has a great website where you can see more of her prints and drawings: http://www.nonindigenouswoman.com/

Lithograph by Kathryn Polk

"Rising From the Ashes" by Kathryn Polk

Drawing by Kathryn Polk

"Mommy and Daddy Wear the Same Size" by Kathryn Polk

Hello Spring~part two

This morning I spent some time in our garden before heading to my studio for the day. I love being in my shop but this time of year it's hard to tear myself away from all the blooming things and the delicious scent of orange blossoms that seems to float in the air. So I spent some extra moments sipping tea, pulling a few weeds and watching a butterfly dance around the yard. I think I have spring fever.

Butterfly Woman

Hello Spring

Welcoming the spring equinox~ 

Here are photos of some new pieces to honor the birds and the bees...and a few butterflies too!

Notes on Nesting-detail

Notes on Nesting

Flying Lesson #2 - detail

Flying Lesson #2

On the Table

Works in progress for two shows next month, a group show at Costello Childs Contemporary in Scottsdale, AZ and American Craft Council in Baltimore, MD.