One days work

 a pile of stones, which was really fun to paint for some reason

 two sculptures with base coats of paint

 and then, with paint, hair and costume:

(the photos of the other sculpture didn't turn out so pretty, so, next time.) 

more to come soon!

<<><><>>

Working Away

 I've been busy. So much still to do. Here are some little peeks at my new pieces.

(blurry, I know, but I still liked the above photo)

 

also, I went home to the Bay Area for Thanksgiving and it was gorgeous and sunny and green. Exploring near Olema, an old 1930s bridge all mossy and mysterious:

the end. more to come soon!

<<> <> <>>

Windy Day

So, I was photographing this piece for promotional photos, and the windy day was making pretty things happen, so...I made a little animation. Ta-da!

 

  This is a taste of more complex animations to come, if all goes as planned! Also, wolves:

 

 

the end

<<><><>>

Onto the Next

The way things go:

 First, lots of sketches, finding reference and planning armature, 

sourcing materials and figuring out any assemblage issues.

 I like to sculpt the torso, legs and head first, then bake the sculpture, and then add the arms and hands, as the support of the cured body makes sculpting hands a bit simpler. Also then I don't scratch or dent up the body or face when I'm adding the details to the hands, which requires little tools and maneuvering my own hands in weird ways, usually.

This piece is based on the legend of the good wolf and the bad wolf, who battle each day in us all. Above is the good wolf, ready to be cured in the oven. Below, the bad wolf, who is still rough and needs lots of detail work. I'm taking a little break from him, to write this post. 

This piece will be called "The One you Feed."

And this last week, despite many glorious Halloween related activities, I finished this piece, more or less. The bundle of sticks were part of a box of gnarled apple branches, twigs and dried flowers that my mom collected in Mendocino for me. I have to get there soon, it is so lovely and foggy and rather magical, and is always a source of inspiration for me. The box of sticks has this scent of the forest that makes me want to be a hermit and gather my own wood for a little fire. 

for information regarding these pieces or the show in February, please contact Matt Kennedy, the gallery director at La Luz de Jesus Gallery at info@laluzdejesus.com

A few more sculptures

 So I've gotten a few more pieces sculpted and assembled, here are some peeks. Above is the beginning of the assembling process, which is the point in time when I wish I had a giant desk, and/or was more organized whilst making things.

 Here's it put together- complete with gold leaf, wire ribs and little flowers. 

Still working on titles, but it is loosely inspired by Nina Simone's "Feeling Good."

 Above, another peek at a piece I showed the makings of in an earlier post. 

This one has little golden fish swimming through murky depths.

Aaand because I am a burgeoning crazy cat lady, here is Pocket in the sunshine on my bed, relaxing more than anyone's ever relaxed before. Look at that belly. Just look at it. 

The upcoming week will be a week of wolves and arrows and as much Halloween-related activities as humanly possible. 

the end

<<> <> <>>

Steps

more progress on the new pieces i'm working on

 for my February show at La Luz de Jesus Gallery:

 this is how i get fabric to "fall" correctly: since most fabric doesn't act the same way when it is cut small as when it is a bigger piece, there is lots of pinning, gluing and dousing with "StiffenQuik", which...stiffens the fabric, so it keeps the shape you convince it to take. i think i will add a piece of fabric at the back to create more drama and more of a floating illusion.

 next up for hair and background, above.

ever feel like you're being watched? i do. 

the end

<<> <> <>>

Back to Work

So, there has been a bit of silence on my part, mostly due to the fact that apparently its super difficult to get internet at my new place. Lots of waiting and appointments and new cables later, I finally can give a peek at what I've been up to! So, here goes.

 

Well, first of all, as mentioned before, I moved! Pocket, above, as always so helpful. 

 

Then I had a marvelous short trip to Austin, Texas, with some dear friends, for another dear friend's wedding! Above, Danielle, me and Julian, being super cool.

We went to Barton Springs, which was cold and refreshing and had fishes and green things growing at the bottom.

 Waiting on the bridge for thousands of bats to come swarming out at dusk. So cool!

Dipping feet in Lake Travis with the blushing bride, Mylan! Congratulations to her and Taro!

The Lake at sunset, after which there were sparklers and dancing and toasts and lots of bubbles. 

 And also I have finally gotten going on some sculptures for my next series. Above, a really rough sculpt- look Ma, no hands!

 Still needs lots of details, hair, and costume, and to be attached to the background.

 I think my tools look pretty on my new desk. Or, should I say *some* of my tools. 

 The plans. I have a few blank spaces, but mostly know everything I have to do for this show...its a lot.

 and some peeks of finished drawings!

And finally, the chaos that is my desk right now.

The End

<<><><>>

September Night

First off, if you live in the Philadelphia area, go check out Summer Spell at Gallery 309, which I have some work in, and some really amazing people (Esao Andrews, Dilek Baykara, Amy Earles, and Sara Louise Davey, to name a few) have made things for! It opens tonight, Friday the 7th! More info Here

In more personal news, I am finally moving, which is exciting but also sad and tiring, but I am happy to be leaving this place. So, I thought I'd get a little update in before everything gets put in boxes and I can't find anything!

also, moving makes me realize I have an amazing collection of art supplies. This is not everything, not even close. But the spill-able things go in my silver trunk with the tiger paper lining.

 

above and below are some more or less finished drawings and paintings I've been working on..

and last night i returned once again to my alma mater and drew the lovely Sarah, who had some fun costumes. i think these were all 10 minute poses:

 some random preparatory sketches for various things

 this one might get those birds from above, somewhere...not sure yet:

oh and some notes from a visit to the Getty Museum's Klimt exhibit, which is quite nice and has a million lovely sketches. If you are in LA its worth seeing! 

the end

<<> <> <>>