Rock, Scissors, Paper

For the past few months, things have been very busy in the studio. I never intended for this to be an art blog, but for now anyway, that's what is going on around here. We've been making handmade paper, experimenting with pastels, and making collages. It seems that one idea leads to another. Before I even finish one piece, I'm ready to try something else. I could easily spend the entire day working away, ignoring everything else that needs my attention.

The pieces in the photos are not finished. I repeat, not finished. They are all works in progress, rough drafts if you will- some not even glued yet. So I think I am being very brave sharing these with you. 

            Abstract pastel with collage. Still waiting to work on his shoes and pants

Collage with handmade paper

I think I will call this "Channeling Matisse"

          I can't wait to get back to work-this is so much fun!

  

New Year-New Endeavors

Ok, I'll be the first to admit it. I am not the most savvy when it comes to social media. I can barely remember my passwords. So it's been a challenge for me to set up a shop on Etsy and connect that with my new Facebook account and my blog. That being said, with a little help, things are up and running. There is still some fine tuning, like designing a banner for the Etsy shop, but that is in the works. Regardless of the outcome, it has been a learning experience.

Now I just need to focus on creating some new designs other than pillows. As time allows, we will be adding more items to the shop. There are two of us on this "fishing expedition." My work is more craft than art- Brent is the artist. It requires so much time going from idea to finished product. I think the key here is to accept our limitations and enjoy the journey.

Here is something I am working on now. Not sure where I'm going with it, but I'm enjoying using new techniques. If you have time, check out our shop at: www.eye4dsign.etsy.com   Don't forget to leave out the "e" in design!

Brown Paper Packages Tied....

For me, there is something wonderful about brown paper packages. Maybe it is a reaction to the overwhelming glitter of Christmas that makes me want to wrap my gifts in something that feels a bit more organic, simple and homey. When you're ready to start wrapping all those presents, here are a few
ideas that you might want to try. They are all relatively simple, but anything but boring-happy wrapping. 

Gyotaku

As you may know, Nantucket is one of my favorite places on the planet. I'm always inspired by the work of local artists, and recently had the pleasure of meeting Pete Van Dingsteen in his studio on Old South Wharf.  Pete makes fish prints in the traditional Japanese style called Gyotaku, which is creating prints of fish on rice paper.

This is one of Pete's prints. I love the way he printed on the dark blue paper. Another Gyotaku artist on the island is Chris Bonelli, whose work below has a much different feel from Pete's.

I decided that as soon as I returned home, I had to try my hand at fish printing. Well, the results were a bit disappointing, but we learned a lot and are anxious to try more prints, both on paper and fabric. Here is the first attempt.

I wish Pete were here to offer some guidance, but I guess like most things, it takes practice, practice.