Corazon

The latest Santos for the June show in The Dalles has a mechanical heart made in the style of a Corazone.
The two below are carved from pine, one with paint and the other is burned with a copper cross. I wasn't sure which one would look best in the box body.

Recently I took a class from Michael deMeng called “Lonely Hearts” and as the title says it was making a heart, placing it in a box, then deMenging it, not a word but if you know his art you know what I mean.

The class was great, Michael has such enthusiasm and energy that flows into his students. He is funny and has a clever wit making the day go by all to fast. I have admired his work for years and wondered how he went about creating rust and attaching plastic to wood making it look like it was done by nature. I bought his book and enjoyed reading about a third of it before I miss placed it in my house. I have been looking for a week, dang I hate that!

 Wondering about the origins of the“Sacred Heart” I sat at the computer and  read for hours and took in a ton of information.
 

I believe it started in the 11^th century by the Benedictines , I found an interesting article and would love to condense it but would not be able to do it justice so here is a link if you would like to learn more. 

                                        

Standing tall on very large feet this Santos not only has wings it has a heart.

Walking Raven

This piece was inspired by a crow I lived with for many years, her name was Copper she was named after my studio. She talked and went for walks with me in the woods. She tolerated the dogs that lived with us and made friends with the family but her heart belonged to me and mine to her. The only time I was not chosen first was when there was a bright and beautiful object in sight such as my wedding ring or a new red bead.

When I made the leash for this piece I thought of Copper and how she might of grabbed it and made horrid noises to and frighten me away, she didn’t share well.

Waiting for dinner.

 She tried to take Thomas the Train back to her nest.

 "Walking Raven" stands almost 4 feet tall.

 Her crown not only has a bead Copper would love but is made from an old metal tape measure. 

Body detail and assemblage necklace.

 Her cloak is made from cotton and bright colored silk strips. 

 This piece will be at the The Dalles Art Center show in June.

This has been nice thinking of my old friend Copper.

Home from Artfest

 It will be hard to describe what a great time I had at Artfest. I will start by saying I had the privilege to teach some of the happiest, artistic, energetic students ever. The first day was Wire and Clay sculpture the students had such wonderful imagination and created their own and unique sculptures that surprised and really pleased me. The second class was Santibelli Saints (Santos) we had a big project to complete in one day but the work that was turned out was outstanding. I will let some of my photos tell the rest of the story.

Thank you to everyone who took my classes and to all the Artfest participants and your infectious energy.

Saints Preserve Us

Remember the vise I found a few weeks ago?

Here it is as the body of this long legged angel faced beauty. She has big feet but as they say “she has a good foundation”. Her charm is accentuated by the fact that she wears her heart on the outside for everyone to see, it is part of her saint like qualities.

I have been working like crazy getting ready for Art Fest here are two new Santos.

It never ceases to amaze me who comes out of the clay.

I thought this time I would use colored fabric to dress her and was happy with this look. I also tried to get away from the traditional gold crown and painted it black. I think it looks good on her.

I felted a wool pinafore to go over her clothes, I think it gives her a cool medieval  look.
   

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Here are a few more photos from Mexico

Orchids hang in a variety of colors and shapes from every surface at the botanical gardens near Puerto Vallarta.

 In the back ground my Mom and sister are coming out from the welcoming shade, funny words for an Oregonian to say.

A fight broke out between two Boat Tailed Grackles

They are tail to tail here.

 The fight went on and on.

The police had to be called in.

Day of the Dead

I just now finished my three pieces for Dias De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead at Guardino Gallery  2939 NE Alberta St. Portland.The reception is Oct 28 from 6:00- 9:00 pm.The show will be up till Nov21 but you will want to come opening night for all the fun.

This piece is Saint Cecilia she is the patron saint of musicians, the main body of the piece is made from an old accordion. The bellows are yellow and lean out from the wall, Cecilia is painted on canvas in the back and on the front  I framed it with molding.

This next ones title is "Religion on the Level"

It is a wire and clay sculpture that is mounted on an old level- yes I'm sorry I couldn't help it.

I love his peaceful face.

 And this one I'm not sure what to call her I have till Monday to come up with something.

I did find out I don't like making sculls and trying to work them into my art, I didn't know that about myself because I love all the day of the dead stuff I see everyone else make,hmmm maybe next year.
I hope many of you can come to the opening night it really is a party.