Art for 99 cents!

Songbird Christmas Tree
5 x 7 inches
Acrylic on canvas panel

This sweet little winter tree is nestled with festive songbirds, ready to sing you into your holidays!

Buy it here on Ebay - starting at 99 cents!

This is my first time participating in an Ebay group auction, called Nibblefest. Every month, on the 20th, everyone lists their work - according to the chosen theme. (this month was christmas trees)

I *just* got home from New York yesterday, so I whipped this together in a jiffy this morning, and listed it this evening. If you ever wanted something from me, for a song, this is your chance! Be aware that this listing ends on Thanksgiving, so get your bids in early. :)

Etsy!

Morgan with the Poison Gaze
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on canvas panel

Oh if looks could kill! This is a portrait of a woman with a quiet fortitude and the determination to do what must be done.

This rich painting is layered with many glazes of acrylic to give it an intensity to match Morgan's gaze.

Available on Etsy

Another moleskin complete

So I finally finished my moleskin for the The Exquisite Corpse exchange. I'll need to get it in the mail in the next few days, while I await for the onslaught of other moleskins that are headed my way!


The front and back cover. Feathers just don't scan well! It really looks lovely in person.


This was the first spread I finished, and I love how the layers worked together.


She was a TON of fun to do, and my family really loves her boldness.


This is the only bird I did that isn't made up. I thought the crossbill was such an unusual bird, though, that it would fit in well with my other fantasy fowl.


This is my signature page. I cut out enough eggs (that sit in the pocket at the back of the book) for everyone to write their info on! I think its a fun play on the pocket use.


Here's the template on each of the pages for the other artists to use. They have complete liberty to work outside of the lines - its just important to know how the head will line up with the body and the body with the legs, so that when its cut you can flip the pages and it will all fit together well. :)

My other moleskin, the moon book is nearing completion, and I will have it in my hands soon! I'm so so so excited. These swaps have been amazing fun!

Etsy!

Shadow of my Former Self
7.5 x 5.5 inches
Collage on book board

This is a unique piece on an old book hardcover. It has fraying ends, like the raucous calls of an aging woman's memory.

Available on Etsy

Inspiration of the Month!

Susan Hodgin was another wonderful Art Chicago find! I found her work so approachable and I admit to having a facination with circles. I just find them deeply spiritual - so Susan's work is an obvious match for me.



What are your main inspirations in art?
My main inspiration comes from nature. The layering and complexity and interdependence of every ecosystem fascinates me, and I try to use that "system" when building up my paintings. As for inspiration within the art world, I am drawn mostly to the Abstract Expressionists. The freedom and expressiveness and openness in their work is very refreshing.

What is your art background? (education, experience, etc)
I received my BFA from the University of Montana, Missoula in 2000. I started out studying creative writing, fiction, but realized my short stories were mostly describing place, and have very little plot, character and narrative. After 4 years studying writing, I switched to painting.



What is your process for creating your work?
My process is less about outlining a picture and then filling it in, then about building, eliminating, adding, and perfecting layers upon layers of paint. I use the forgiveness of oil paint to paint over and into it until I get the end that I want. There are no "mistakes" in the way I paint, only more layers.

What is the single most important thing you want to communicate with your work?
I hope that people are able to feel something when they look at my work. That they can spend time with it, and feel something from it. I don't care what they feel. That depends on what they bring to the piece. I just hope they feel something.



What are your career goals?
Right now, I am a full-time painter. I am able to make a decent living at this thing that I love to do most in the world. But beyond that, I would like to grow to be more international, and be able to focus more on larger paintings.

What one object has been the most instrumental in helping you achieve what you have so far?
My live/work studio in downtown Indianapolis (The Wheeler Arts Community) and its fabulous rent. Without this opportunity to live and work cheaply as I first started out, I never could have gotten where I am.



Tell me three random things about you.

1. I am a healthy eater.
   
2. I like to camp.
   
3. I am always cold.