Small Works Exhibit Ypsilanti

Artists in Small Works Exhibit

Great Lakes “Small Works”

2D – 3D Juried Exhibition

September 29 – October 29, 2011

Reception: Friday September 30, 5-7pm

Awards will be presented at the reception

The Following works have been juried into the 2nd Annual “Small Works” Exhibit

Bynum, Beth, MI – Poppycock; Postcard from Eogra

Yes, I'm on the road to Ypsilanti this weekend to enjoy the work of artist from the Great Lakes States. This is a lovely show with friendly people and good fun. I am thrilled to be a part of it. Besides, I get to see my son and daughter-in-law and my cousin and her hubby. It will be a great weekend

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WRG Open House Thank you

(Free postcard I made for the open house based on a challenge at Green Paper)

The Open house at the Wild Raisin Gallery was a "wild" success. Thanks to all my friends at the gallery who organized, advertized, brought food, cleaned, and made the day great. It was wonderful to chat with friends and family who have been so supportive. Thank you for the kind comments. I got a chance to give a few lessons on how I make my collage and that was fun too. Once a teacher...

Thanks again.

Autumn's Guest

Autumn's Guest #1 and #2

Back at work after a wonderful open house at the Wild Raisin Gallery. These collage are all about layers and texture. I think I put on at least ten layers. Sorry, no pictures of the process. I did get to use tissue my friend, Nick gifted me and paper I bought at Hollanders (my favorite paper store) in Ann Arbor: http://www.hollanders.com/, and tissue that was wrapped around a recent purchase. Moth and butterfly theme ( I know , Chris). I really had fun with my styrofoam printing as a second layer and then building on it rather than putting it on top. Enjoy.

MailArt~Haiku

Mail Art August~Haiku

I was so excited when Haiku was suggested for our MailArt theme this last month. After reading the many Haiku books I and my husband have, I settled on one I love:

The halo of the moon,

Is it not the scent of plum-blossoms
Rising up to heaven.

Buson
Then started the creation. I found tissues ,those little packages to put in your purse (one of my few purchases in Quebec City) since I knew it would be perfect. Here was my process:

Copied pink plum blossom tissue on plain old white computer paper, sorry the picture didn't turn out.

Next found little pagoda clip art, cut it out and positioned it on my copier glass, I ran the paper back through the printer...2 pages.

Made a little tag of the haiku, cutout some of the plum blossoms from the tissue and positioned them on my pagoda paper. Ran back through the copier.

Next came the add-ons. Konji for plum blossom. Gold flourishes and a crescent moon with my new metalic gold pen. Two vintage Japanese postage stamps. And my spiral flipflop stamp for the halo around the moon. One postcard for Leslie and one for Jewels.

The same, but different.

Yes glued my paper to a maila folder cut 41/2 x61/2 for the postcard.
Next the back of the postcard. Stamped. Added some tape for the divider.

A few spirals to match the front, a message to my pals and off to the post.

I really enjoy creating MailArt.

7th Annual All Media Art Exhibit~Frankfort

It was a pleasure to be part of the 7th Annual All Media Art Exhibition at the new Oliver Art Center in Frankfort. Friendly people, participants with kind compliments and encouragement, and a great company of creative artwork. "Crow Girl's Journey to Shanghai" was one of three collage/mixed media creations. Congratulations on a wonderful show and the new facility.

Yard Sale "Good Stuff"and Mudge

OMG, don't let me loose for one day. Or maybe I should blame it on Leslie since she posted her yard sale finds. Anyway, three children's books, a dictionary, a set of puzzles, a stamping kit, a folding ruler, and a square travel suitcase. Go figure...like I don't have enough stuff anyway. It was definitely fun and helped the economy and my neighbors. I'm all about helping. LOL No, that big eyebrowed guy isn't yard sale stuff, but "Good Stuff" Mudge, our Scottie Boy, who wanted to be a part of the picture.

Mary Green's September Challenge

Mary Green's September Challenge
Wah hoo. I finally am able to participate in Mary Green's Challenge. At the beginning of each month Mary presents images that one needs to use for your creation. Here is my 4 x 6 Postcard: "All Fannie Wanted Was a Washboard". I used all of Mary's papers plus an image of the washboards from Graphics Fairy. I got a chuckle out of it. Check out the challenge rules and join Mary for her great classes at: http://greenpaper.typepad.com/green/ I'm not proud, vote for mine ( please) and I win cool papers from Mary.

Art Journal #1 Completed

I'm not sure when this journal started ( I probably could find it by looking back at my postings), but I finished it today. This journal was a first for me. I tried out all kinds of ideas: water color crayons, paint washes, stamping, writing, sketching, collaging, and any combination of the above. It was alot of fun and I learned Mucho. When I look at other Art Journals, mine is very tame. The next book is waiting patiently on my work table. Here are some of my favs:

Keepers of Magic 20 x24 Collage on canvas

Keepers of Magic...name signed this morning, so it is finished. Monarch butterflies and Ruby-throated hummingbirds are common to my backyard. They embody power and magic.

It is amazing to think that hummingbirds can flap their wings at about 70 times per second. Hummingbird's wings will beat up to 200 times per second when diving. They are the only birds that can fly both forward and backwards. Hummingbirds can also hover in mid-air, fly sideways and even upside-down. A hummingbird can fly an average of 25-30 miles per hour. They can even dive up to 60 miles per hour. A hummingbird's wings will rotate in a full circle. Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds have been known to travel 500 miles over the Gulf of Mexico to breeding grounds. It is estimated that a Ruby -throated hummingbirds takes about twenty (20) hours to fly across the Gulf of Mexico. In Native culture they are the sign of love and harmony. I treat my hummers with the utmost respect.

Monarch butterflies are the only insect that migrates to a warmer climate that is 2,500 miles away each year, usually Mexico. If you ever found their chysalis, it is pale green edged in gold. It is called "the king of the butterflies". For the ancient Greeks, the transformation of Butterfly from pupa to adult was a metaphor of the soul's resurrection and immortality. In fact, the ancient Greek word for butterfly is a word which also means "soul" or "mind." Native Americans embroidered Butterflies onto their children's caps to bring sweet dreams.

Both of these creatures have a special place in my heart. My squiggle writing is a hidden message about them.

Enjoy!

My Opening at the Wild Raisin

(Postcard for my opening. This is the picture on my tutorial showing how I made my Postcards for the Creative Lenna Postcard Swap... Lenna received this card as a hostess gift.)

NEWS FLASH The Wild Raisin Gallery, where I display my artwork is having an opening event featuring my art! WHOOT! WHOOT! Read all about it:

Please join the Wild Raisins for another fun filled open house!! "More than Cut and Paste: A Look into the Collage Art of Beth Bynum" will be Sunday September 18, 2 - 5 pm.

Beth's work has been exhibited all over the state of Michigan, achieving recognition and awards. As a Raisin Member Artist, she of course shows the largest variety of her eclectic, poetic and beautiful collages in downtown Fife Lake with US!!

You will be treated to our usual fabulous food and drinks, tall tale telling and a fun time. We look forward to seeing you and your guests to celebrate with Beth.

The Wild Raisins

So...I'm addressing postcards today. You may receive an invite even if you live far away. I'd love your company, but know you will be with me in spirit. (Do they have an icon for jumping with joy?)