She talks so much about digital collage..sooo show us

"Orange Barn Door"

"Simply Complicated"

"Tables Matter"

Photos I have taken with my IPhone, then manipulated, color added or changed.  Layered and printed on my own printer using archival paper and inks.  See my big grin?

Dandelions in my Garden

"Dandelions in my Garden"

38" x 38"

Collage on canvas

This project has been sitting on my work table for quite some time.  Between teaching classes and my digital collage, I was finally motivated to finish it.  It was the type of artwork that just didn't want to work. I don't know how many layers of gesso I used to cover up the parts I didn't like.  Much of the design is tissue, painting on tissue, and squiggle line on tissue. One thing I tried was putting tape on areas and then painting over it, moving the tape and painting another area.  Really liked the look.  Anyway, it was a great diversion from my new digital collage work.  

Entry in International Society of Experimental Artists

"More Than Tea Leaves"

What an exciting year this has been!  My piece was accepted into the Experimental Artist's Show in San Pedro, CA.  The piece is a collagraph on watercolor paper.  I added leaves cut from black paper.  Then I did an overlay with teabags sewn together and embellished with a stitched leaf pattern.  It was also a thrill to go to the reception for this show in San Pedro. The symposium offered a three day session on digital collage.  I was hooked.  Digital collage- the next big thing.

In 2015, the show will be held at the Dennos Museum here in Traverse City.  I am part of the on-site committee. If anyone is interested, this would be a good year to join and come to the symposium September 2015.  I'll be there.

Waaaay Behind on Posting

Been gone from my blog, but that doesn't mean I have been resting.  No, Sir!  I have been busy with shows, selling artwork as you can see below, teaching classes,  and making new work.  I am currently represented at the Gaylord Center for the Arts and AuSable Artisan Village in Grayling.  I will be showing my work at the Kingsley Branch Library from Nov. 12-26.  A reception will be held on Wed. Nov. 12 from 4 pm- 7 pm.  I will give a demonstration of collage techniques at 5.  Also, all of my work at that show will be available for 30% off the original price. Just an early start on Christmas.  I have been busy working on my largest project ever- a collage on canvas- 36" x 36".  Picture coming soon.  I also have been obsessing over my new found love- digital collage.  More on that soon, too.  And my son is working on a revamp for my blog.  Stay tuned.

SOLD
"Ancient Springtime"

SOLD
"Island Biker"

Honorable Mention at Great lakes Juries show in South Haven

"Crow Girl's Journey to Shanghai"
Collage on vintage book cover


WA HOOT!

"Crow Girl's Journey to Shanghai"

                     receives Honorable Mention at the Great Lakes 

              Juried Show in South Haven.  If you get down that way,                   pop in to see a great show.

Collage Class in Gaylord Sept. 17

SOLD

I started my art career by making paper collage.  Now I can say my art has been shown from coast to coast. It is the type of art that allows for free flowing ideas and no mistakes.  Yes, no Mistakes!  I will be teaching a collage class for beginners and beyond in Gaylord, MI on Wed. Sept. 17 from 10-3 pm.  If you or your friends are interested, call the Gaylord Council for the Arts at 989-732-3242.  Registration is important since there is only room for 10 participants.  The class costs $50.  Call to get the supply list and get ready to have a fun time.  I'll be looking forward to meeting you.

"Measure What Remains" accepted in South Haven's 5th Annual Great Lakes Show

"Measure What Remains"

Mixed-media

11" x 8 1/2"

Just received word that "Measure What Remains" has been accepted in the South Haven, MI 5th Annual Great Lakes Juried Show.  The opening reception will be on Fri., Sept. 12th from 5:00pm- 7:00pm at the South Haven Center for the Arts.  Unfortunately, I will be in CA, but if you are anywhere near South Haven, please visit the show.  

"Crow Girl's Journey to Shanghai"

A letter came in the mail today saying that "Crow Girl's Journey to Shanghai" was also accepted.  Wahoot!

Tea Bag Embellished Art

Mono print with tea bags and handmade paper

     

                                              Mono print, tea bags, book spine and                                                                                                                             designs on tissue

           


                                                       
                Mono print, stamped tissue, tea bags                      Mono print, tea bags, ephemera

Many of my works have started out as mono prints.  I have embellished them with rust stained tea bags, stamped tissue, and good junk I have found.  I have been teaching a class called "Mono prints to Multi-prints".  So many times, the direction I take comes from what I see in the mono print.  It is a very spontaneous approach...exactly what I like since I get to play.  Art continues to be fun and that's the way I want to keep it.

Flowers Sing in My Garden-SOLD

"Flowers Sing in My Garden"

Faux Encaustic

SOLD

I'm SO very pleased with the folks at the Au Sable Artisan Village Gallery in Grayling, MI.  Not only are they helpful, but they really care about the art, artists, and patrons.  "Flowers Sing in My Garden" was part of my Final Friday Featured Artist event going on until the end of the month.  It is a faux encaustic made with heavy matte medium spread with a pallet knife which gives the appearance of wax.  The flowers are made from painted playing cards and the stamens are antique embroidery floss.  It has many layers of tissue, cut paper, music and stamping.   It is an unusual piece.  I hope the new owners enjoy it.  Thank you..  Don't forget, you can see more of my work at this special place in Grayling.  The gallery is on Main Street and open from 11 am-5 pm.  Stop in.

Au Sable Artisan Village Show 2014

Here it is!  My show at the Au Sable Artisan Village, Grayling, MI.  It will be there until Aug.  22.  Check it out.

Art Show at AuSable Artisan Village, Grayling,Michigan

                        Collagraph,collage                                     Collagraph, relief print, collage

                          Collagraph, collage                                           Relief print, collage

Some of the artwork on display at the "Final Friday Featured Artist Show.  All are for sale.

                              Relief print, collage                                             Collagraph, relief print, collage

Join me and view my artwork at the "Final Friday Featured Artist" event planned for July 25- Aug.  22. Reception is Fri., July 25 from 5-7 pm with a demonstration at 6 pm. My show is hung at the Au Sable Artisan Village in Grayling, MI.  It will contain thirty pieces including collagraphs, collage, printmaking, and mixed-media.  I am very excited about this show and hope you can share good food and some wine with me.  Tell your neighbors and friends.  See you there tomorrow evening!
Enjoy.
Beth

Tea Bag art Accepted ISEA

"More Than Tea Leaves"
Collagraph, relief print, collage
22" x 30"

Fri. brought the news that my tea bag print had been accepted for the 2014 International Society of Experimental Artists Show to be held in San Pedro, CA.  191 entries and 80 accepted.  Boy, am I thrilled!  The center is eight tea bags that I sewed together and then free-hand machine stitched on the leaf design.  This was collaged to the original collagraph print.  You also might see my flip-flop leaf print among the leaves.  I further embellished the print using a black paper with embedded leaves.  Anyway, someone liked it and now I'm planning a trip to CA for the reception.  Waah Hoot!

Gaylord Art Center: A Great Stop to Shop

"2 Below Zero"

12" x 12" 

Collage on Canvas

SOLD at GACA Gallery

Traveling in Michigan is a joy.  View blue water, green, green trees, bluffs and sand dunes.  Stop at a winery or a brew pub or attend one of the many summer festivals.  But, if you are interested in beauty, stop at an Art Center.  Art for every taste can be found in the many local shops and galleries.  One such gallery is in Gaylord right on the main street, Gaylord Area Council for the Arts gallery and art market.  On display this month is artwork by winners of GACA juried shows throughout 2013.  Shop the gallery and gift area. You'll find my work there.  Thanks for purchasing one of a kind art.  I appreciate it.

"Postcard from Eogra is Traveling Again"

"Postcard from Eogra"

"Postcard from Eogra" will be making its way to the 27th Annual Northern National Art Competition at the Nicolet Art Gallery on the Nicolet Campus, Rhinelander, WI.  The judge, Linda Benedict-Jones chose 87 images from the 512 images that were submitted by 266 artists.  Show starts July 22 with an opening reception at 5 pm.  Show closes Sept. 12. "Postcard from Eogra" has been in a number of shows gaining a third prize at the Lowell, MI, Assemblage and Collage Show.  It has journeyed to the Mitchell Gallery in Annapolis, MD, and has had a stay at the Crooked Tree Juried Show in Petoskey, MI.

This piece is an all paper collage.  It features two faux stamps.  The artwork is 5" x 7" with an framed finish of 8" x 10".  

If you happen to be in the Rhinelander, WI area, please drop by and enjoy the show.

Question and answer

I have been asked by my friend, Jewels, to join in on a question and answer session which I gladly agreed to do.  So, if you are just joining me, or you think you know my "ins and out", you may learn something new.  Here goes:

What am I working on? 

1. Cleaning up my studio after finishing two commissions.

   

   Stella
   12" x 12"

Raven and the Golden Trinket
24" x 36"

Messy studio

2.  Organizing boxes of artwork to go to different juried shows in June.  I am relying on my friends to get them to the venues,that is if my work is accepted.

 3.  Gathering a little tool kit in my red lunch box to take with me so I can do some collage work on the road.

4.Hanging a show called "Art and the Garden" sponsored by Artcenter Traverse City.  I am the gallery chairperson.  Reception on Fri. June 6  Forgot to take a picture.

5.  Packing to go on a cross country road trip.  That's an art in itself.

           Oh, ART!

Sewing together tea bags and adding a freestyle pattern sewn on my mom's old Singer. Something like this.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?What started out as paper collage has turned into mixed-media.  It really all depends since I may incorporate an old technique like faux encaustic or something I have recently learned like collagraphs in a new piece.    

My attempt at faux encaustic.  Petals are painted playing cards.  Stamens are heavy cord.

Printmaking using relief printing and collage.

Why do I write/create what I do?

This is easy/hard to express.  In my humblest tone, I am amazed and delighted with what comes from ME:my head, heart, and hand.  It is always surprising how ideas just pop into my head. Even if I use someone else's ideas for my basis, the final piece will be my own concoction. When I get started I never know which way I will end.  I work and think all of the time. I even watch myself work on a project just before I go to sleep.  I might get up in the night and chance something in my work that is bugging me.  My motto is:  Sometimes it just happens.   I am a life-long learner, so there is always something new to try.  I get fantastic practice by doing MailArt with my friends Jewels, Leslie, and Lenna.  They were the start of my journey.  I am grateful for their support.  Here's some examples.

themed mail art swaps got me started

I joined Tag Tuesday 

                                       

Involved in many Postcard swaps

Not to mention- three Sketchbooks at the Brooklyn Art Libray

How does my writing/creative process work?  
This is hardest.  Pretend you are watching a video.  Usually I start out with a color scheme in mind.  I use a credit card to spread it around.  I use a marker to "scribble write" some sort of message across the canvas or paper. Or I might randomly use some rubber stamps with writing.  I add paper and images using matte medium.  Then I cover areas with an acrylic wash. Add pastels to define areas or shapes.  Stencil on numbers or letters.  Find letters or numbers in magazines and glue them on.  Scribble across the page with a black pastel. Watch to see what interesting shapes or patterns appear and add transfers or photos.  Tear off paper or paint over it.  I might cover up an area with gesso and add texture before it dries then paint over it.  Stamp with bubble wrap.  Paint some tissue paper or make some squiggle line tissue.  Look in my paper stash for something that will fit in.  

                             Meadow Birch                            Raven Blizzard

                               20" x 20"                                    12" x 12"

I wish you could see the texture in the background using gesso.  

 OK- you're probably getting the idea that what emerges is a random process.  Any of these techniques could be first or second or repeated.  I may find a piece of rusty metal in the parking lot just waiting to be in my work.  I like to make faux stamps and may base a piece around the faux stamp.  

Faux stamp

I might be looking in a magazine and come across a cool photo. Photographers are trained to have a good eye for composition.  Or maybe I'll meet an artist on line and find inspiration in their work ( I think Jo Murray was taking a class using a cross configuration).  Maybe it's as simple as getting pink tissue in my birthday gift and I use it in my picture. Whatever comes...does this make any sense at all?

Here's how it started.

Windmill at Dawn

 finished (right)

                                        Use of tissue and stencils

Nominate 3 artists that inspire me.  Jo Murray (blog above),  Robyn Gordon,  and my dear friends, ,Jewels, Leslie, and Lenna.  (I can't count)  I haven't ask any of these people to participate in this Q and A.  Please take some time to visit their sites. They are remarkable, each has shown me their own style and have lead me to other fabulous artists around the world.  Many thanks to all.

Whew,  that was long.
Beth

Art at Mitchell Gallery, Annapolis, MD

"Message from Abora"

10" x 8"

Collage on canvas

Faux stamp

It is very exciting to be a part of the Less <More Show at the Mitchell Gallery in Annapolis, MD.  All artwork had to be 10" x 8" or less including anything framed. I love postage stamps, rubber stamps, and stamping. "Message from Abora" includes a faux stamp created atop two real postage stamps to show the great edging.  It is a small pagoda scene, with found rocks and layered mountains in the background.  I cut out numbers and letters from magazine type to create a new "land".   This piece also includes my squiggle art tissue, collaged papers, and bubble wrap stamping. Many of these features appear in other pieces of my work.  

Check out my Postage Stamp People Sketchbook at the Brooklyn Art Library  

Faux Egyptian stamp in Sketchbook

or

                        

"Postcard from Eogra"

10" x 8" framed

Faux stamps

Paper collage

$200