Lori Krein Studios Blog

Taking a Breather

2012-01-23T13:06:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a little break from making art for the next few weeks. I'll be doing some training for the utility company, and don't have much time to make art. I will continue to work on my healthy art project, though, and will keep you posted on the progress of that. More to come!

Visit my photoblog http://lorikrein.tumblr.com/
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New Work

2011-11-06T14:50:00.000-08:00

In preparing for Open Studios, I got inspired to make three of these large collages using some of the new paper I found recently at FLAX (an awesome art and paper supply store in San Francisco)

And Thanks to Rigel Brooks, who came by on Saturday and made this awesome video of myself and 3 other artists. Nice work, Rigel!

http://youtu.be/yn7ugipBIsg

Healthy Art Program

2011-09-03T09:37:00.001-07:00

Since I recently was accepted into the Healthy Art Program here in Santa Clara County, I will be incorporating green elements into my new studio (moving in this weekend...) Energy efficiency and eco-friendly materials are just two examples of what we will be evaluating during the studio makeover. More to come, as my studio gets inspected and we begin to trade the materials I use now for materials that are more environmentally friendly.

I'm moving soon!

2011-08-02T17:54:00.001-07:00

No, not back to NJ...just across the parking lot, to a new studio space! It's a little bigger than my current space, and rumor has it that there's a sink right in my studio, and heat!! Yahoo! No more bundling up to stay warm. We can spread out and relax while creating our collages!

I'll post photos once I can get in there, it's still under construction.

And I'll be planning for a "Grand Opening" soon...so keep checking back!

Teen Art Camp Projects

2011-07-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

Last week, I held a teen Art Camp in my studio. I had four awesome kids who were very involved in each project. We created hand-made paper, then made collages using the paper that we made. We did mask art, and found object art. It was a fun week! Here's some photos of their work.

Crossword Mask

2011-07-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

One of my new students created this mask art recently, and I love it! First, she covered the mask with brown lokta paper, then she added completed crosswords to make the hair! It's fun and interesting. I might try something like this!

Upcoming Events

2011-07-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

Summer is in full swing, as is the studio. But after this week, I'll be taking a break for a few weeks. If you are interested in taking a class, there's still two spots open for Saturday July 9th, class runs from 10-3, and is just $35!! Hope you can make it. Join my Meetup and sign up!
http://www.meetup.com/Creative-Collage-Workshop/events/21478031/

And if you know any teens who might enjoy an art camp, there's still a few spots open for my Teen Art Camp, July 18-22, 2011. Camp runs from 9-3 and the cost is $275.
Teens ages 11 and up are welcome!
Papermaking, art journals, collage, found object art and lots more!
Just shoot me an email if you're interested.

OHM collage

2011-07-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been attending a meditation class and wanted to create a collage to remind me how much I love to meditate...because I often get too wrapped up in my daily life and forget to do it. But when I do, I always feel so much more refreshed and ready to take on the rest of my day.

Technique: If you want to make this project, here's how:
1. cover a canvas with a light colored decorative art paper
2. Find an image or design one that you like.
3. Draw or trace the image onto a stiff cardboard or poster board, and cut it out to make the pattern.
4. Trace the shape onto the paper you want to use to make the collage, then cut it out.
5. Glue it onto the canvas.

That's it! It's a fairly easy process. What image inspires you?

Chakra Art

2011-07-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

Recently I began attending a weekly meditation class. I've been learning many things about energy movement and chakras. The teacher, Kika, was celebrating her birthday recently and I decided to make a her a collage. I thought this image expressed the Chakra energy field that flows within us, and permeates from us. I still haven't quite been able to access my Chakras, but I'm determined to keep trying!

Let's dance!

2011-07-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

While wandering around New York City this spring, I saw an advertisement on the side of a bus stop and it reminded me of how much I liked to dance when I was younger. I grew up near the Jersey shore, and we spent many nights dancing to live music until 3am. When I got married and had kids, the dancing became a thing of the past.

Now, the kids are older, and in the town where I live they have free music in the park, with a live band every Thursday night. The kids aren't interested in going, but I ride my bike downtown and dance for two hours, enjoying it just as much as I did when I was younger. This image reminded me of those days, and I decided to make this collage to express how important I feel it is to keep doing the things you love to do...

What did you do for fun when you were younger?

2011-06-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

My collage students never cease to amaze me. We all have access to the same materials, but everyone ends up making such a variety of art, it's amazing to see.
This week, Suki created this very cool bird on a branch. She tore up very tiny pieces of paper to make the "feathers" on the bird. Nice work!!

Summer Collage Classes Schedule

2011-06-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

I am offering many options for collage workshops this summer! Monday evenings, Tuesday mornings and afternoons, Thursday mornings, and Saturdays!!

On the right you can sign up for a collage class.

Open Studios was Awesome!

2011-05-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came by during Open Studios this past weekend. It was so much fun meeting new people and connecting with some old friends who I hadn't seen in YEARS!! It was lots of work getting ready for the event, but well worth it. And it was great sharing the studio with my friend Laurie, who raised some money for the Temwani Foundation, a children's orphanage in Africa.

Now, it's catch up time...getting back to the routine and making more art!

I'm also preparing to run a teen art camp this summer so if you know any teens who might enjoy this, please send them my way! More info can be found at http://BigArtBash.blogspot.com

Thanks for all your support!
-Lori

Recycled Art...before and After!

2011-05-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Someone gave me this old painting, so I made it into a collage.

BEFORE

AFTER

FInally spending time in the studio!

2011-05-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy springtime! I took a trip to NY, my youngest son had his Bar Mitzvah, my older son got his drivers license, and he also qualified for the California Regional Diving Finals.

SO, it's been a struggle to focus on my creative life, but things have started to calm down and I'm spending more time in the studio and feeling more peaceful and centered.

Open Studios is coming up on May 21 and 22, so I guess I'm motivated to get lots done before we open our doors to the general public!

Here's two of the pieces I've finished recently.

Hope to see you in the studio soon!

Contemplation

2011-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have an artist friend who I sometimes envy. I envy her accomplishments, her travels, (she is single, and has no kids) and her connections with other artists all over the world. She speaks at conferences about creativity, she holds workshops in Italy, she sells her art at high-end galleries. She also creates on-line videos about inspiration, creativity, and how to do the type of art she does. She has written two books featuring her artwork and her poetry.

Although doing just one of these things might not be enough to make a living as an artist, doing them all makes it lucrative. She is making a living through her art. So it seems like a life to be envious of.

This friend? She does not exist. The life I described, is the life I envision for myself.

What's stopping me from living this life? I am living it, but on a smaller scale. (for now, anyway)

I don't travel much (except for family vacations), I teach local workshops, and I sell my art at local coffee shops and galleries. I speak at local elementary schools about my life as an artist. I have a local TV program about art, that features local artists. I was recently written up in the local newspaper (the cover story!) On top of all this, I am raising two boys who are now teenagers. Many of my artist friends (and other friends, too) tell me that I accomplish more in one day than they do in an entire week. Perhaps, but what do I have to show for it? I certainly don't make enough money with my art to support myself.

Why?

Partially, it's because I'm not clear about my goals, so although I do a lot of things, I am too spread out so I am unable to do any of these things very well.
Partially, it's because I want to be here with my kids, at least for a few more years, and traveling the world would make it difficult to be home for dinner!

But, in a few short years, I can do all those things. I just need to begin preparing myself so that when the time is right, I will be ready. So, I am enlisting some help. I am researching some programs to help me figure out how to focus my efforts and propel myself towards my goals, whatever they may be.

I'll keep you posted.

Open Studios is just around the corner

2011-04-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

And there's so much to do to get ready! I've started some new projects and feel lots of creative energy flowing through me. I plan to make more mask art pieces...and some really cool clay necklaces. No photos to post yet, but soon! I just taped a new episode of my TV show too, of an artist friend of mine, Torchy Hunter...she makes the most amazing fabric flowers...

But for now, I am off to NYC for 5 days of fun and visiting lots of people I haven't seen in awhile, like over 15 years in one case! I look forward to being inspired by the magical energy that you can only find in New York. Planning to visit the MOMA, The MET , and maybe the Guggenheim. But, mostly the visit is all about spending time with old friends and family, and reconnecting with a very important person from my childhood, who was sort of my second mom when I was growing up.

Don't worry, I'll bring my camera and share lots of photos when I get back.

Then it's another major event in my life, as my 13 year old son has his Bar Mitzvah in 2 weeks!

May is going to be an amazing month.
Hope to see you in the studio!
-Lori

Scheduling Challenges

2011-03-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

So many classes, so little time. I'm trying to nail down a class schedule for April, but it's tough to figure out which classes to offer, and when, and for how long? Will the tile class take one class, or two? Suppose no one signs up? Or just one person? Getting a new business off the ground has its ups and downs, and one of the difficulties is scheduling lots of classes and then wondering who will show up. Well, I guess I best just get it done, and see what happens!

50th birthday party, again!

2011-03-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

When my partner and I decided to offer birthday parties in in the studio, we figured we'd get mostly kids and maybe some teenagers. But we were wrong! Our first two birthday celebrations were for 50th birthdays! The second group, which was this past Saturday, consisted of 7 therapists! The guest of honor was reluctant to tell me this, because she thought I might be intimidated, but I was elated! I felt this would be a great group to work with! And I was so right.

We started off with a short, guided meditation focused on looking towards the future. After some instruction on how to work with the decorative art papers, the group went right to work. They all worked on a mask collage...and the results were incredible! (Photos will be posted tomorrow)

I think we've hit on something exciting. When a group of people create together, they not only create beautiful artwork, but create a special bond as well.

Next party is for a teenager...can't wait!

Montana out-of-towners visit the studio

2011-03-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a real treat. A family was visiting San Jose from Montana..well, the dad was working here for a few weeks so his wife and kids came into town for two weeks to spend time with him. Since the kids are home-schooled, they had the flexibility to do that. Because their dad had to work much of the time, the kids needed some fun activities, and since it's been raining almost non-stop here for weeks, the mom was desperate for some fun indoor activities. She found us while searching online, and came by the studio on Wednesday afternoon for two hours.

The kids had a blast...they chose to do some painting, and then the older boy worked with the found objects and made a robot. He said "I didn't know this was considered art!" It was awesome. We had some great conversation, and learned all about Montana. They had so much fun, they came back on Thursday! This time, mom stuck around and did some artwork herself. I think she was happy to have someone to talk to, since they didn't know anyone in town...they were happy to have found us but wish it had happened sooner in their trip, as they were leaving the next day.

I am amazed at how people find us! But happy that they do.

Judy Rookstool, Recycled Art

2011-03-01T17:59:00.000-08:00

After the recent article ran in the local paper, I started receiving many emails from people sharing their stories about art they have created from recycled materials. Here is one great example of what you can do with a few old cookbooks! Thanks for sharing, Judy!!

Artist’s Statement, Cookbook Series Judy Rookstool
For 50 cents at a garage sale, I bought a cookbook published in 1943, The Woman’s Home Companion Cookbook. The recipes and household suggestions come from the period in which conflicting expectations of women resulted in the burden of many roles, but this book was geared to middle- and upper- middle-class conventional mainstream homemakers. The text sets the context: a conventional, married female with family as the cook and center of the home, wartime shortages necessitating the thrifty use of ingredients at hand, and an emphasis upon nutrition with aesthetic presentation.

The numerous recipes evidence a slight nod to regionalism, but little to indicate the multitude of ethnic influences already a part of American food preparation.
There were handwritten notes by unknown owners on particular recipes and some pages contained spots made by unknown ingredients, and I’d like to think I have incorporated the history of those who have owned and used the book.

There are many pictures of cooking techniques, mostly in black and white, but I was particularly drawn to and inspired by the color photos of food, carefully arranged on platters and placed among elaborate table settings.

My series of art pieces explores some of the assumptions made by the book’s editors and the culture of the early 1940s and I have portrayed some of the conflicting roles expected of women of the time. For example, while some women were recruited to work in wartime industry (Rosie the Riveter), most women continued to be defined by their ability to create a home and family, run a household, and to provide money-saving, delicious, nutritious meals.

I have used a variety of mixed media treatments from selected parts of this cookbook: book cover and binding, individual recipes, food and preparation technique pictures and text. I chose collage as the best way to incorporate these elements, and I also have added paint to interpret further my response to the book. Although I’ve used several conventional canvases, in most cases I’ve used supports recycled from garage sales and thrift shops (and in one case, sewn) in keeping with the shortages of the 1940s and with my own philosophy of re-use.

It's chilly in the studio but warm in my heart

2011-02-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

Last week, there was a great article written in the local Resident newspapers, and then yesterday it was reprinted in the San Jose Mercury News about my collage and creativity classes. Mary Gottschalk did a great job of capturing what I am trying to do for people...giving them room to express themselves...and I am so grateful.

But the best part has been the notes I have been getting from people who have read the articles, offering to send me the craft items that they don't need anymore. How generous! I'm sure that I will be able to use most of these items, especially in the Art Academy camp I'll be offering for kids this summer. One of the projects will be "art from found objects" and the more stuff the kids have to choose from, the better!

SO, keep those note coming, and thanks to all of those generous people out there!

For more information on summer art camp, kids art birthday parties, adult creativity retreats and workshops, visit my new website, http://BigArtBash.com

Weekly and monthly adult workshops schedule can be found HERE on my meetup site.

Hope to see you in the studio!
-Lori

Is it almost February already?

2011-01-23T22:41:00.001-08:00

Wow. Seems like it was just New Year's Eve! Well, I've had a busy month, making plans for the year. I'm happy to announce that I will be adding a few more things to my art offerings.

Art Parties for Kids
If you're looking for something new and fun for your child's next birthday party, consider an Art Party! Held in my studio or at your location, your child and their friends will enjoy an hour and a half of creative fun. Choose from a variety of projects including Name Design, Lovely Landscape, Amazing Abstract, Color Splash, and Ship Shape.

$20 per child (Limit is 8 children if held in my studio, 12 child limit if held at your location)
Parties are held on Saturdays or Sundays, 10-11:30, or 2-3:30.

Lady's Night Out
Looking for a fun activity for you and your friends? Why not have a creative night out? Make collages together! It's fun and any one can do it.
$20 per person, 2 hours, all materials included.

Team Building using Art (for Corporate Clients)
Looking for a fun way to re-connect with your team? Art is a great way to bring teams together.
Choose from a menu of Team Building Projects, for example:

Pass the Painting: Each team member paints for 5 minutes, then passes the canvas to the next person. This continues until everyone has painted on everyone else's canvas!

Team Mural: Team members design and create a mural together, then discuss what the mural represents.

Contact LoriKrein@gmail.com for cost and scheduling.

Art Class for Home School Groups
Do you home school your kids? Are you looking for a place for them to learn and practice art? We'll work together to create a customized art program based on your group's needs.

I'm very excited to be venturing forward in these new areas. I look forward to hearing from you!

Too Many Ideas, Not Enough Time

2010-12-21T19:47:00.001-08:00

I have too many ideas. I need to focus. This has been an issue of mine for almost my whole life. I'm going along, doing my thing, whatever that happens to be at the moment, and ideas keep popping into my head for new projects. So I spend less and less time on the old projects, and get excited about the new ones. It's fun to start something new! But, this time, I feel that if I begin the new projects I am thinking about, I will sabotage all the work I've done for the past year.

Specifically, I've been building up my workshop clientele and producing my TV show during 2010. For 2011, I should be focusing on how to make the classes better for those who come, and how to market the classes so that more people sign up.

For my TV show, I need to try and get sponsors and figure out how to get the program on more cable stations across the country, and create shorted versions of the shows so I can put them online.

If I start working on the new project ideas I have, I'll be distracted and spread too thin.

So my new year's resolution, on this Winter Solstice, is to staying focused and continuing down the same path, resulting in a more satisfying journey.

The Next Adventure

2010-12-05T19:05:00.001-08:00

This weekend I attended a workshop about how to work with Traumatized Teens using Art Therapy, through JFK University. Although I am not sure that I'll work with teens, the information will still be useful to me when working with adults. I took the class because I want experiment with new techniques while working with the people in my classes and workshops. I also hope to take additional classes so that I'll have a variety of things I can suggest to people who might want to work through some issues they might have. I've also been reading a few books on Healing through Art, which have been very helpful in validating what I have already been doing these past two years.

I started this blog so that I could share my journey with those of you who happen to read this, and I am so excited to share this new adventure. I have seen people in my classes heal using art, but I had no idea there was a whole world out there of therapists who were using these techniques. I look forward to learning more from people who have been doing this, so I will keep you posted as I learn more.

Student Work

2010-11-19T13:44:00.001-08:00

Just thought I would share what people in my classes have been doing.

Open Studios coming up!

2010-10-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

Open Studios is in just 2 weeks! This event is held at my studio building, The Alameda Artworks of San Jose...November 6 & 7, from 11-5 both days, and is a benefit for Sacred Heart Community Service of San Jose. I've been preparing some new pieces...check 'em out!
1068 The Alameda, San Jose, 95126

poetry and art

2010-10-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of weeks, I've been writing lots of poetry, something I haven't done for about a year or so. It just keeps coming and coming, so I figure I better let it flow and capture it while I can. I've decided to try and create a book with poetry and art together, so now I have put some pressure on myself to make this happen, and it's funny how the words have begun to subside. When I was writing just for fun, the words flowed. Now, not so much. Either I've gotten it all out, or I am having writers block! So, I'll just go with what I have and if more bubble up, I'll keep going. I've got some interesting discussion groups coming up too, hopefully that will give me more inspiration.

Today I sat at the Art Object Gallery, where I am participating in a show. I have 4 pieces up, along with 20 other artists friends who also have work up. We had a steady flow of people from the Japantown festival, so it was fun talking to people.

And, since I have not shown my work in awhile, it was nice to see it up on the walls, nice to see people looking at the art. I have mixed feelings about showing my work lately, and have not been pursuing venues. I'm not really sure why.

But lately I have been making more art, so maybe I can plan to show something in the spring, and at least there is open studios!

We just taped two TV programs last week, which went well, and am looking forward to more.
Friday night is the reception for the show at Art Object, from 6-9..hope we get a big crowd!

Different type of creative Energy is flowing

2010-09-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

September is always filled with my kids getting back to school. I also have been reorganizing my studio, and planning for a group art show in October. In the midst of all that, it's been difficult to focus on making art.

But my creative energy always seems to find a way to come to the surface. This time, it was in the form of poetry. I haven't written poetry in a long time, so it felt really good to have the urge to write, and write some more, and then even more. The poems just kept coming, so I kept writing. Last time I wrote poetry, I was expressing my confusion about where I was and where I wanted to go. Some of the poems were sad and dark, but some were inspirational.

This time, the theme centered around falling in love. I recently read a book by Alain de Botton called "On Love", and it inspired me to think back on when I was much younger, and how easily I fell in love, and then just as easily fell out of love. I'll be sharing some of these poems on October 8th, 2010, at the opening reception for my next group show. The reception will run from 6-10pm. I hope you will stop by to check out the artwork, have some refreshments, and hear some poetry!

The show will take place at the Art Object Gallery in Japantown neighborhood of San Jose, 592 North Fifth Street, San Jose, CA 95112

See you then!

TV Show Schedule for Sept.

2010-09-18T12:11:00.001-07:00

Until I tape a new show next week, here's what you'll see on the next two episodes of my TV show on CreaTV, San Jose's public access TV station. You can also watch streaming video, if you don't have Comcast, from anywhere! Just go to their website HERE on Thursdays at 6:00pm. (pacific time). Then click on "What's on TV" and Watch Live.

Or, watch anytime by going HERE and typing Lori Krein in the SEARCH field.

Sept. 23: Part 2 of "Collage Inspired by Romero Britto Painting"

Sept. 30: Join me and my guest Stephanie Freeman as we demonstrate some fun kids craft ideas!

Thank for checking in! Have a creative day.

Reorganization continues

2010-09-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Today was day 2 in the big studio clean up! Yesterday, my awesome (and super organized) neighbor, Denise, came to help. We put all collage materials on the new metal shelves, and made a plan for the rest of the stuff. Today I went back and cleaned out the old dresser, which can now be removed, and began working on the assemblage "corner". The goal was to create a better traffic pattern, by moving the table away from the wall, so people in my classes don't have to walk all the way around to get to the supplies. I am anxious to hear people's reactions tomorrow in class!

Did I really need to reorganize all my stuff? Not really. No one complained about the traffic pattern, nor the location of the supplies. But, cleaning out all the old crap and making everything look organized helps me to be more creative. It clears my head, so I can concentrate on the art instead of thinking about how messy the studio looks. Now, I have no reason to procrastinate! I can create like mad. I have so many projects to work on, I hardly know where to begin.

So, if your workspace is cluttered and you find yourself avoiding spending time there, take a few days and clean house! You'll feel better, and will look forward to your creative time, too.

Reorganization time!

2010-09-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

I've never been very good at staying focused, even though I always manage to get lots of stuff done. With that in mind, this month has been all about defining my goals and figuring out how to stick to them.

Reorganizing my studio was the first step. This cleared my head for creating! Then, one of my writer friends and I began a Creative Action Planning Support Group for others like us who have so many ideas, it's hard to contain them.

We meet every week, and share our accomplishments and our goals. Here's some of mine:

Continue posting HOW TO presentations on SlideShare
Experiment with watercolors
Create collages of my kids from photographs
Finish my "I don't wanna..." poetry series
Edit my TV show episodes for YouTube
Share new ideas with my classes each week
Tape an episode of my show of me going to yard sales!
Blog at least 3 times per week

There's more, but these are the highest priority ones. Well, I'll keep you posted on my progress!
Happy creating!

Peak Inside My Studio

2010-08-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

I reorganized my studio this week! It's beautiful.

My Latest Collage

2010-07-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Romero Britto http://www.britto.com/

Progression of collage creation.

Time flies!

2010-07-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

Wow, has it really been close to a month since my last post? Sorry to all you faithful readers out there! It's been a busy summer. Most recently, a writer friend and I have decided to start a new support group for artists, called CAPS (Creative Action Planning Support group) We had our first meeting last week and it went very well. We have about 8 people who are interested. I hope we can help each other stay focused and move forward in our respective creative careers!

And I have been working on a new collage, which has inspired a topic for an episode of my TV show, which, on Aug, 15, will be airing at 6PM on Thursdays instead of 12noon on Mondays.

I've also been booking some guests for the TV show, which has lead me to think about the purpose of the show. Does every show need to be a project? Or can I mix it up a bit, with interviews with other artists who use eco-friendly materials? Maybe that's another show entirely.

I also went on a 5 day trip to Utah last month, which was amazing. Mostly I have been focusing on getting back into shape by swimming, biking, and going to the gym more regularly. It's working! I feel great. I have more energy to focus on my art!

The Universe at Work

2010-06-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

People have been coming to my class to heal their pain, make art, and interact with other people in the class. This was not something I expected to happen. I figured people would come because they wanted to express their creativity, and didn't have a place of their own to do that. Maybe they came for that reason initially, and then found out that making art makes them feel better. It certainly makes ME feel better if I am bothered by something happening in my life!

The icing on the cake has been all the wonderful people I am meeting. I am making new friends, and that's really amazing at this point in my life.

I have struggled for many years about what to do with my life. I never felt like I fit in anywhere, although most of my adult working life, until two years ago, I was working in the corporate world, so I guess it's not a big surprise that I didn't fit in!

Anyway, finally, I fit in. It's taken me a little while to figure out what I wanted to do as an artist, and I think I have finally figured it out. One of my students said the other day..."Maybe we're doing exactly what we're supposed to be doing!"
Yes, I think she was right.

I love having people in my studio, I love the interaction between everyone, and I love being able to provide a space for people to come and be together. And, of course, make art!

So...the other day I got an email from an artist in Santa Cruz asking for information about how I started my classes and how I run them etc. We chatted for awhile, I told him a few things. Fast forward to this morning, I go to my massage therapist, and it turns out, this guy is here DAD!

So, the universe is smaller than we think.

I'm off on vacation for a few days, so I'll post more when I get back! SO much to share.

On to the next thing...

2010-06-16T21:24:00.001-07:00

Lately I've been working on decoupaging my dining room chairs. They were purchased at a thrift store, and although I loved the style of them, they were painted with a black lacquer, which I did not like. So, after I finished decoupaging my dining room table, I decided to do the chairs as well. I'm using brown paper I found on the sidewalk as I was riding my bike to the studio one day, on two of the chairs, and banana mash paper on the other four. I'll post photos tomorrow..haven't taken any yet!

But, I was ready for a break. So, I started doing some vision boards. Now, I'm moving on to doing art journals! Another woman in my class has been doing them for awhile, and for some reason lately I have had a strong urge. So, I will be doing a demonstration when I tape my next TV show tomorrow...and am very excited to see what happens. The best thing about this is, I can use old books from the thrift store as my "canvas", and old magazines, and other scraps of paper and things I find laying around. I love looking through magazines to find words that inspire me. This will be a way for me to get my creative juices flowing, to reach inside my head and pull out my thoughts, and a form of "art therapy" that allows me to express myself in a very eco-friendly way.

And I found this great quote today!
We're so engaged in doing things to achieve purposes of outer value that we forget that the inner value, the rapture that is associated with being alive, is what it's all about. --Joseph Campbell

Latest student work...

2010-06-06T11:15:00.001-07:00

There has been so much creative energy at the studio lately! I just had to share what people have been working on. It's amazing how much variety there is, even though everyone is working with the same materials...we are all inspired by such different things. And I have also noticed how much the artwork, and the process of making it, reflects our personalities. Detail oriented? Then you'll probably work on a piece for a longer period of time, and it will be more detailed. Free spirited? (like me!) Your work will most likely be looser and done quickly. At least, this is what I have noticed after getting to know people...

We hit paydirt at the flea market!

2010-05-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I went on a field trip with two of the women who take my class. We went to the Center for Creative Reuse, and Miki's paper in Berkley. Then on the way home we stopped at the Oakland Colosseum Swap Meet...and almost immediately we found this vendor who was selling broken and miscellaneous jewelry. We sorted through the piles and piles of treasures, for about an hour! Then we negotiated our price, down to about half of what we originally asked for. We walked away with our bags filled with earrings, necklaces, and pendants. Here's a few shots of what we found!
And, a message to Patricia...do you think this will last for awhile?? So many assemblages to make, so little time....

Student works

2010-05-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

So exciting!!

2010-05-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

There's been so much happening in my creative life lately, I don't even know where to begin. I guess the biggest thing is that I entered a video contest with a local film maker, David Rigel Brooks, for the ARTSHOTS competition. Rigel created a 90 second video about me and my art, and now people are voting on their favorite video. Click HERE to check it out and to vote...

I spent the last three days constructing an email blast to about 800 people! So, we'll see how it goes. I really hope people will watch all the videos, they are all really quite interesting...and vote for their favorite.

I'll keep you posted on the results, which will be announced in a few weeks.

I attended a huge art party last weekend here in SJ, it was the most fun I've had in awhile. Dancing, food, friends, and of course lots and lots of ART!

My classes have been filling up, close to or at capacity! This is really the best news. I've been so blessed to have met such amazing women, we talk and laugh and cry together. It's really a dream come true for me, to have created this little community in my studio. People coming together to express themselves, play with the materials, experiment, share ideas, talk. I had no idea it would be so gratifying. And, it all happened so naturally...I didn't have to work very hard to make this happen, it was like, "Build it and they will come" sort of thing! And, they did, and still are (coming!!) I've added Thursday evenings and Saturdays for those who can't come during the week.

For more info, JOIN my meetup and hopefully you can come to a workshop! Prices range from $20 - $25 per session, depending on the time.

I might add some day-long workshops in the future, if people are interested.
Will post photos later...gotta run!
Have a creative day!

Post Open Studios...

2010-05-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

Well the Open Studios weekend was a great success! We had a steady flow of visitors both days, even though the weather outside was beautiful, people still came by to check out the art! It was great to see so many new faces and also to see some old friends. I enjoyed having Laura Calin Bennett as my guest artist, her work was a nice compliment to mine and it was great having company all weekend! The studio is almost back to normal, tomorrow we'll have class and get back to the regular schedule! Thanks to all of you who came by!

Open Studios, day 2...

2010-05-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was great. We had a steady stream of visitors through the studio, and it was so much fun talking to everyone. The best part was seeing people who had been through last year, and came back to say hi or buy more art! The whole building was alive with people talking, and laughing and having a great time. I was exhausted at the end of the day, but now I'm well rested and ready to go! Here's some pics from yesterday...

Open for Visitors!

2010-04-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

Open Studios, that is. After a hectic week of preparation, the studio looks great, and I'm eager to greet all the visitors we expect this weekend! We got a great write up in the Willow Glen Resident newspapers, so we expect a huge crowd. Hope you'll come on by!

By the way, I finished re-doing that ugly table from my previous post...it came out great! I used brown butcher paper that the stores use when wrapping my decorative art paper... here's a photo, but you'll have to see it in person to really appreciate it!

Decoupage Mania!

2010-04-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

In the building where I have my studio, there are about 35 other artists. People are constantly reorganizing their space, and leaving items in the hallway marked "free" in case someone else can find a use for it. Last week, this old table showed up in the hallway. Since my collage workshops have been filling up lately, I figured I could use that table for my classes. So, I dragged it in to my studio. Then I discovered that the legs were wobbly, and the top of the table was a mess! The formica was peeling off, and under that was some ugly pressboard stuff...well, some people might see all that and run for the hills. Not me. I saw a great opportunity for rebirth! So, I scraped off the old formica, and began to envision what the new tabletop would look like after I decoupaged it with paper bags! Last month, I decoupaged this other table using my scrap piles.

This is how it looked once I finished

I'll post more photos as I begin to transform the table into something much nicer. In the mean time, I am prepping for Open Studios, which is just 2 weeks away, May 1st and 2nd, from 11-5, 1068 The Alameda in San Jose. I hope you can join us!

Meet-up workshops are growing!

2010-04-06T08:47:00.001-07:00

I recently found an amazing website called MeetUp.com. You HAVE to check this out. It's not a dating service...people organize activities and other people can join in. Everything from book clubs to hikes to girls night out. I created a meet-up for my collage workshops, and have been meeting all kinds of people! It's a great way for people with similar interests to connect. If you want to check out what we've doing in my workshops, feel free to join the meetup, http://www.meetup.com/Creative-Collage-Workshop/

No obligation to come to the workshops, but you can join the meetup and just check out the photos and other comments that people have left.

My artwork will be hanging at Willow Glen Coffee Roasters, 1383 Lincoln Ave
San Jose, CA 95125 for the entire month of April! Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the view!

Spring Cleaning!

2010-03-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

The studio has gotten a little messy lately, with all the classes and such...so I spent some time today organizing things, sweeping (YES, I said sweeping!!) so it looks much nicer now. Next I'll re-organize the paper bins, and I also want to take photos of all the found objects and other materials I have available so I can post them to my Meet-up.com site. I think it would help if people knew what kinds of things I had for them to work with when they come to class.

I got some great news today...I've been chosen to participate in a project called ArtShots, an exciting new collaboration between Artsopolis and the San Jose 48 Hour Film Project designed to match local filmmakers with local artists, resulting in dozens of short films highlighting the thriving Arts and Culture of the Silicon Valley.

We'll be working on the project during the month of April...I'll keep you posted!

Update

2010-03-30T09:07:00.001-07:00

The studio has been a buzz with so much creativity recently! Check out this cool lamp made by one of my students, Suzy...she decoupaged rice papers to the shade, then tied some silk scraps to the base. I think it's so fun! I might need to make one for myself.

SWAN Day (support Women Artists Now) was this past weekend, and now everyone is gearing up for Open Studios, May 1 and 2, 2010. It's going to be quite an event! Hope you can stop by.

I finished reading the Point Zero book by Michele Cassou, and I learned lots of great ideas for how to really tap into your creativity zone and allow yourself to express what's inside without criticizing yourself. I've been experimenting with image transfer techniques lately, and I find it's a very subtle process that can create some awesome results.

I'm not sure what my next big project will be, but I can feel something brewing...something quiet and powerful. Which, I find, is how many things in life can be. The most powerful things are usually the most subtle. Well I am off to the studio...I need to do some clean-up today!

New challenge for me!

2010-03-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Wow it's been quite the busy month. I taped two more episodes of my eco-friendly TV show, taught three Saturday workshops in addition to my regular Tuesday and Thursday classes, and now I've been asked to teach the Art Merit Badge session to the Boy Scouts. I am looking forward to it! I only have 4 days to prepare but I already have most of the skills and materials I need.

I also came upon a great book recently, it's called Point Zero: Creativity without Limits, by Michele Cassou. I've only just begun to read it but already I can tell it's going to help me immensely. I've always been interested in the creative process and have read a few books on it, but have had trouble transferring that knowledge to my classes, and to myself. This book seems to be geared towards just that. The author lives just one hour from me, so I hope to be able to attend one of her workshops in the near future. I can stay with my best friend, who lives just 15 minutes from her studio!

I'll be sharing what I learn from reading the book in upcoming posts. Stay tuned!

Upcoming Collage Class

2010-02-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

I've scheduled a collage/assemblage class for Sunday Feb. 21 from 10-3. If you have ever wanted to learn how to make a collage or assemblage, you should come! We'll begin by dicsussing the history of collage. Then I'll demonstrate the techniques for how make both a collage and assemblage, so you can make one yourself! Most of the materials are eco-friendly. We will be using found objects which were purchased from yard sales, thrift stores, and a place called SCRAP in San Francisco. I've got tons of old washers, jewelry, thread, cool do-dads of every kind!! You will be amazed at how you can transform these objects into a piece of art you will be proud of.

If you prefer to make a collage, I have a huge assortment of hand-made papers to choose from. I also have the canvas and glue and any other supplies you might need. So, come on over and spend a few hours creating!!
There is a $40 fee, and the deadline for registering is Thursday Feb. 18.
Just shoot me an email if your interested! LoriKrein@gmail.com

Trash? Art? Or Both?

2010-02-11T22:51:00.000-08:00

I went for a walk yesterday. Without a destination in mind. I can't remember the last time I did that. It was nice. It felt good to slow down. Usually I am in my car, driving here and there, the world rushing by in a blur. Today, my car was in the shop, and I had to pick up medicine at the store so I got a ride to the store, but opted to walk home. While strolling down the sidewalk, I kept spotting interesting objects lying on the ground. Fodder for my found object art. But I resisted...mostly because I didn't have a bag to carry the treasures! I wondered why I have this attraction for junk. Why do I find it so thrilling to turn trash into treasure? Where does that come from? Rummaging around in my grandfather's metal shop? Perusing the flea market when I was a kid, finding treasures for pennies? Who knows. But as long as I still have the burning desire to make something beautiful from something laying on the side of the road, I'll keep doing it. And next time I decide to take a walk, I'll bring a bag.

Figuring out facebook

2010-02-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Facebook is the new blog! Now that I have this blog thing figured out, it's old news. Oh well. Guess I better jump on the technological bandwagon and get moving on my fan page...I have it started, but it's frustrating trying to figure out some of the stuff. I spent much of last year getting my website looking good and keeping it up to date...then I started this blog, and you can see how successful I have been (or not been!) at maintaining IT! Now, they throw one more thing at me. It's a wonder that I have ANY time to actually make art!!

I have decided to try and clear out some of my older work to make room for some newer stuff, so I am going to have a blow-out clearance sale at open studios in May. I am having lots of ideas for some new, simpler art. Minimalist. Soft patterns. Darker colors.

I finished decoupaging my work table, and it looks very cool but I am concerned that it is too colorful and will be difficult to work on, especially now that i have decided to go in a more subdued artistic direction. AH, but sometimes thats the way the creative process works. New ideas come when the old ideas no longer feel good. So this table project confirmed that for me! I am definitely ready for some changes. I feel it in my surroundings at home too. Once the warm weather comes back, I am ready for some intense spring cleaning. For now, it's time to start doing research and gathering ideas and inspiration so that i can move forward...

been awhile

2010-02-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

I haven't been blogging lately. Duh. I guess that's pretty obvious! Well, I've been rather busy producing my TV show, holding workshops twice a week in my studio, and trying to figure out how to make a fan page of Facebook, which people tell me is the new BLOG. There's just so much social media out there, I don't even know where to begin. My head is spinning with all the possibilities!

Before I forget, I have also been planning for my upcoming month-long show at Barefoot Coffee Roasters in Santa Clara, it's called "Connections". I hung the artwork, the reception is this Saturday, Feb. 6 form 7-9PM. Food, music, and free hair styling consultations by Denise, from Fusion Hair studios in Willow Glen. I hope you can come!

I'm also considering all the other things I can be doing to promote and spread the word about eco-friendly art. Some possibilities
I can make how-to videos out of my TV show, write articles about being an eco-friendly artist, and I can try to submit my artwork for shows.

For now, I think I will stick to the TV show and my classes. That's keeping me busy enough.
More tomorrow! I'm working on a new decoupage table! It's awesome.

Preparing for the first taping of my TV show!

2009-09-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Well it's only 4 days away, my dream come true..to be on TV! Hosting my own show, no less. I have the two projects ready to go, I have my title: Lori's Art Studio, I am creating the title and credits sequence, now I just have to figure out what to wear! I think I might actually go buy something new for this special occasion. Next thing I need to do is write down all the things I need to tell people who are watching. Announcements and such.

Other news...
Here's an updated shot of my new studio space! I love it.

Did something a bit crazy today. Every time I drive on this one overpass I see this old book laying on the side of the road. Every day it gets more and more weathered. I have been obsessing about it for weeks! Finally today I picked it up. And to my surprise the title of the book is One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest. Figures. Why did I want it? Because I want to make a collage out of it, of course!More to follow.

Lots of energy today

2009-09-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

Gotta calm down. Lots of changes happening in my little art world, and I am feeling the stress a bit. Artist who had a studio across the hall, moved out b/c she had to take care of her mom. We will miss her, she was a great asset to the Alameda Artworks, and we feel like we lost a member of our little family. But she won't be far so maybe we'll see her sometimes. So, I have decided to take over her space. It's a little bigger and I will have more wall space and can teach classes on Sat. mornings if I want to. I hope I made the right decision! Of course I am over-thinking it all....like, why do I need more wall space? I should not have that much art in my studio, because not many people see it except for Open studios! I should have my art out there in the world, in coffee shops, at exhibits, etc. My focus is to do the TV show and increase my classes, so why do I need to move? I'm not sure. I guess one reason is I feel a little cramped where I am even though I have room for stuff, it takes up lots of wall space. And I have to keep moving things around to make it fit. Hmmm maybe I should just get rid of some of it? Well, anyway, we're still working out the details with the landlord and I think that might be why I feel a little nervous..sort of being in the middle of a transition is not comfortable.

Tie dye craziness!

2009-08-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

So, been a busy week already! Well it's always busy, but productive..creatively, anyway. Started working on a comission project, tie-dye background with peace sign! Need to make 2 for a friend's kids bedrooms...so I did the tie-dye tissue paper, then today finally glued it to the canvas...omg it looks so cool! Will post photo tomorrow...forgot my camera today...it was too delicate to transport...felt good to make something.

Then, yesterday I dropped of a large abstract line-art piece that will be on display in the lobby of AXIS, a new condo community in downtown San Jose, and they liked it so much they asked me to do two more to go with that one! Not a money maker at the moment, I am doing this for "free" but what great exposure for me! Very excited.

More tomorrow!

Summer is over, almost

2009-08-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

Been a fun summer. I'm in mellow, laid back, vacation mode still. Been riding my bike, fling paperwork, sleeping late. Ready to get moving with fall projects: illustrating a children's book I wrote a few years ago, planning for my cable TV show, and getting more people to sign up for my collage classes. Thought I might be taking over the little gallery in Campbell, since Claire is leaving, but it looks like someone else is going to take it over, which is probably just as well, I have so much already going on! So, one more day of being lazy then I'll get back into the swing of things.

Floral Collages

2009-08-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

I actually found a few hours to work this week, in between having company and preparing for a vacation! I made these miniature floral collages on little plastic box frames. I love them, they look happy and colorful and inspirational. I want to make more!

I also got some children's books that use collage as the illustrations, so I can see how it's done. Preparing for illustrating two poems I wrote a few years ago, with kids in mind. Between that and November open studios, and teaching my collage classes, and hosting my cable TV show, I think I will be pretty busy.

Looking forward to it all!
Now I am off to vacation. See you in a few weeks!

Laying Low

2009-07-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

One more month left of summer. I still remember the days when summer was a time to chill out. Relax. Go to the beach. Sleep late. Go on vacation, and it would actually be a vacation. Now, things are a little different. Summer means organizing camps for the kids then driving them to and from. Normally this works out well, most camps are from 9 or 10 to 3:00, so I still had much time to do what i needed to do during the day ( most of the time it's been working at a "real" job) for the first time in many years, I am not working at a regular job this summer. (well, I wasn't last summer either, but we were moving and driving across the country and packing and unpacking...) Anyway, the schedule this summer left me with little time to work on my art, as the day was broken up into 3 hour blocks of time, which made it hard to focus.

Soon I will be going on a trip so I have pretty much given up on doing anything productive until Sept. Then, watch out! Have lots going on in the hopper.
I guess summer is good for contemplation, if nothing else.

Summer Break

2009-07-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

I've tried to make time to go to my studio this summer but it's been difficult. Kids have lots of activities and I don't have any chunks of time to work! But, I am working on my own TV show which will be broadcast on the local access station (Channel 15, San Jose, Comcast) and live stream video on the internet. Probably in November. Right now I am attending classes at the station to learn how to use the equipment and preparing for taping which will begin in Sept or Oct. I am so excited about this! Something I always wanted to do, but never thought I could...the program will focus on how to make collage and eco-friendly art. Think Bob Ross but instead of painting, tearing and gluing paper to make art! I'll keep updating this blog as time goes on.

Frustrating but fun summer

2009-07-15T23:01:00.000-07:00

I should just write off this summer and stop putting so much pressure on myself to produce art. Between driving the kids around and all the other things I have going on, I can't seem to find a nice block of time to work. I've been having fun doing other things, of course, so it's ok...it's just that I want to make art!! But the summer will be over before I know it and I will have plenty of time to spend time in my studio. So much I want to do! I also am very happy to announce that one of my pieces has been chosen for the University Art juried show! I am SO excited! Cash prizes for the final winners, not sure if I made it that far yet...and I am prepping for Open Studios in November.

Exciting weekend

2009-07-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

This has been one of the most interesting weeks I've had in awhile. As some of you may or may not know, I auditioned for a reality TV show that Bravo is producing, and this one was right up my alley, it was for artists. ARTISTS!! I have no idea how the show will be formatted but I imagine it will be similar to Project Runway. I have been a reality show junkie for so many years...ever since the beginning of Survivor. I love watching them, and I always thought it would be fun to be on one, but none of them ever fit ME. Finally this one does. So, I spent 10 days preparing my portfolio and filling out the application, drove 6 hours to LA, woke up at 5AM to get in line, and I can't tell you anything else because we're not supposed to, but I can tell you it was a real learning experience. I have no idea if I made it on the show. If I do or don't, I am so glad i did it. If I don't make it this year, next year I will try again.
Just trying out was such fun! I would do it again in a heartbeat. But now it's time to move on to the next adventure in my life.

Spring Cleaning

2009-06-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Been feeling the urge to do some reorganizing in my studio, so I've been cleaning out my drawers and shelves and it feel much better to be there now! I feel l burst of creativity coming on...preparing for next week, when I will have 4 days of 6 hours each day of uninterrupted time. It's really hard to get into a new project and then have to clean up after just 2 hours. Feels like i just get started...I am really looking forward to next week. It's been way too busy for me so far these past 2 weeks. I went to the training class at CreaTV tonight, "How to Host Your Own Show" it was very good. Learned lots. Getting psyched for my show, start taping in the fall. Need to begin working on the details for that...well its 9PM and I am beat. Time for couch comfiness.

Thoughtful week

2009-06-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Laura, for letting me know that you're reading my blog! I just got home from an "art and music" event in Los Gatos. It was very uplifting. Just a bunch of musicians and artists and friends, hanging out and talking and networking and enjoying the music. I went to this on a whim, not knowing what to expect. I brought 3 pieces of art to display. I got lots of great feedback and admiration for my work, which is always nice to hear! The best part of the evening, though, was realizing what a small world it is! I ran into the guy who is painting the cabinets at my next door neighbor's house! And, turns out that one of his roommates is the daughter of the woman who has a gallery in Campbell, next to the one I will be sharing. Which by the way I received the key for today! I brought some stuff over...but didn't have time to hang out. Soon enough. So my goal this week is to set some goals for myself. To take the time and step back and think about what i am trying to do and the best way to do it. I usually work the other way...do it, then figure out why! Which, I suppose, has been working out ok so far! The other possible drama in my life is that a smaller studio opened up in the building where i Have my studio, and I am contemplating getting it and moving out of where I am. And share with just one other person, instead of two. Most likely, I will not do it because I am not in the mood to move all my stuff right now! And I know that my current studio mate would be very sad. Well more on that later.

talking to myself?

2009-06-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

I wonder if this is really a blog or just an on-line diary for me. Seriously, I don't think anyone is reading this! I never get any comments, and I don't have but 1 follower. And why is this? Mostly because I don't tell anyone about it! Yes it's on my business card, and linked from my website, and I guess a few people have actually come and read a few posts. But I don't remind people about it. I don't flaunt it. Why not? Not sure. Do I want people to read it? I think so. think I am just on the brink of doing as much as I can do with my time, and writing in this blog has not been on the top of my priority list. What has, you might ask? Exercise? Well, it was for a couple of weeks. Making art? Hmm, well of course, always is...but even that has been pushed down the to do list. It's the kids. I explained to someone today what it's like to try and keep track of mot only my own busy schedule, but two others as well. Summer seems to be busier than during the school year. SUch is my typical day: 8:45am, drive older one to city college class. 9am go to studio. 12pm pick up at the college. Drive to pool for diving lessons, or just for fun diving. 3PM pick up younger kid at day camp. come home. work on VolunteerSpot, do housework, answer emails, prepare dinner. Evening activities include scouts, piano lessons. Oh and my own activities! Art group meetings, classes, fun events (rarely do I ever had the energy for this!

So today I was really feeling like i needed to step back and think about if I am spending my time the way I want to spend my time. What can I change? What do I want to do differently? I guess that's what I need to figure out. Feels like something is missing. Meditation? time with friends? exercise at the gym? get drunk? Nah. weekend away?

Guess I need to stop moving for a moment so I cna actually think about it.

EVENT THIS THURSDAY NIGHT!! June 18 2008

2009-06-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

I will be the featured artist this Thursday at the Thursday Gig, at the Stone Griffin Gallery in downtown Campbell, 6:30PM. Pot luck (optional)
I will be talking about my eco-friendly art, showing examples and explaining the process I use. Hope you can come!

411 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell

Go South on Hwy 17
Take Camden Ave. exit.
Turn left at Bascom Ave.

Go north until you see Campbell Ave. where the Pruneyard Shopping Center is.
Campbell Ave. is between Camden Ave. and Hamilton Ave.
Turn left onto Campbell Ave. After going under the overpass, Stay towards the left as you approach the railroad tracks. At the light, stay straight (DO NOT bear to the right)

Drive over the railroad tracks. The gallery is 2 doors up from the tracks ON THE RIGHT. Parking lot is between the tracks and the buildings or on the street.

Contact Info: Elizabeth Parashis
408/410-2313
artpages@earthlink.net

Frustrated

2009-06-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

I have been known to overextend myself at times. Sometimes, it's not my fault. I have my own activities to do, and try to keep a good balance with the kids and other family obligations. But at the present time I am overloaded, and it's my "fault". I've taken on too much, don't know what to give up, and can't focus on anything because I keep thinking about what else I have to do. Mostly I want to work on my art projects (not necessarily making art, but marketing, writing, blogging, communicating with my patrons/collectors, entering art shows and contests...) the list goes on and on. But, this week I find myself buried under a mound of other things that i have committed to doing, and am obligated to do, but don't want to because it's all taking me away from my art.
But, complaining about it won't help. I better get to work and finish those other things so I can get back to doing what I really want to do. Oh wait, now I remember what the problem is. I have an in-law coming to stay with us for 5 days. Love her! But it is one more thing that will prevent me from, you guessed it, doing art. Sigh. Life. Sometimes it gets in the way of life.

New Blood in my Collage Class

2009-06-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

Great collage class today! Had 5 people. Did some awesome stuff. Will post tomorrow. Am too tired! What's happening?
1. Will find out on Thursday if my collage retreat in Oct is a "go" at Mt. Madonna.
2. Working on an "eco-friendly art" eBook, as a prelude to my TV show on CreaTV in the fall.
3. Offering my services to help people make their own website on otherpeoplespixels.com
4. Helping AlamedaArtworks get their blog started
5. Waiting to hear back from Barefoot Coffee roasters and monsieur beans coffee shops

Three more days of school for my kids, then we're into summer mode.

More tomorrow!

Admin and other boring but necessary stuff

2009-06-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

I really really want to go to my studio today. But, I have overextended myself and need to take care of some administrative junk today, like tracking my expenses, compiling my email list, and sending an email to announce an upcoming event. I need an assistant!! HELP!

I did have one very exciting thing happen this morning! One of my pieces has been published in Somerset magazine summer 2009 edition! I sent in one of my assemblages, pictured here, last FALL and this morning I am flipping through my latest copy, and there is was!! I thought they had lost it or something. I was hoping they would also print the back story about how I found the materials at an estate sale, then created this piece for the man's son, but all they did was publish HOW to make it. Oh well. I am happy it was there!

Also, I have submitted a request to hold a collage workshop at Mount Madonna this fall! I have dreamed of doing this for a very long time. Now I have the place to do it. I find out tomorrow if they will "accept" me! Keep your fingers crossed.

Weekend Retreat

2009-05-31T22:03:00.001-07:00

Well I am back from my weekend retreat. I went to a Sensory Awareness Workshop at Mt. Madonna center, which is in Watsonville, in the mountains. Beautiful, spiritual place. Workshop was awesome. Photos to follow, as well as much new art in upcoming weeks. Come back in a couple of days!

Loving these landsacpes and city scapes!

2009-05-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Wow, it' been a frenzy of creative activity here at my studio. I've had a bunch of new people coming to my collage class, and I've been busy making some new collages. I've been inspired by the coming of spring here in California, which is reflected in my landscapes.

Except for this miniature, which is made on one of those plastic box frames, I found a bunch at a yard sale and they are perfect for making these little collages. I was in a colorful mood on this particular day...

I've been working on a series of these city scape collages. This one is 30 x 40.

This is also a miniature collage, it's 4" x 6". It was so much fun to make.

Now i am off to a long-anticipated retreat in the Santa Cruz mountains for the weekend. Yoga, workshops, and hiking. See ya when I get back!

I'm on a roll!

2009-05-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

More new stuff. I was so lucky to be able to spend almost all day in my studio today, so I was very productive. I have been invited to be the featured artist next month at a local art gig, so I am trying to make some new stuff to show. Problem is I have a hard time sleeping! Well, I fall asleep ok but wake up very early, and jump out of bed so I can get to work. The creative juices are flowing again!

New piece

2009-05-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest piece I've been working on. I think it's done!

Big project to do

2009-05-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

I am going to submit an entry for the upcoming show at University Arts. Financial Prizes are a big draw. Gives me motivation to work on a big piece! Not much else happening. I will post the work in progress....this is a busy family week though, so we'll see how much I can get done.

Itching for Change

2009-05-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

Once in a while, I get the urge to make a change in my situation. Sometimes that takes the form of a new job (I've had at least 10 different jobs in my adult life, if not more...) or moving across the country (long story) or just going on a vacation. Recently, I've had the urge to make a change in my creative space. I love my studio, it's big and bright and I share it with 2 excellent women (although we are all hardly ever there at the same time...) and i get to have lunch every day with at least two other artists in the building. It's what I dreamed of for a long time. But, lately I find myself yearning for a space where there might be some foot traffic. Although this space is awesome for creating art, it's not very good for selling it. We did Open studios and had tons of people coming through, and lots of us sold art, but this happens just once a year. If I had a space where there were at least some people coming through, I wonder if I would sell more art. Trouble is, having a retail space also means committing to being there (or hiring someone to be there) for certain hours during the day. And my expenses would increase. So, I ponder alternatives. Subletting a small space inside another retail space (maybe an art gallery?) which might give me more flexibility with my time, but might not be big enough to work and hold my collage classes. Well, I will ponder this for awhile and see where it takes me. More tomorrow.

Trunk Shows

2009-05-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will be participating in the downtown Campbell Artwalk. This event happens monthly on the main street of the town where I live. The art galleries stay open late, and they invite other artists in the community to come and set up a table on the sidewalk. It's actually a nice thing for them to do! And it's a great opportunity to showcase my work to a new crowd. The only thing i don't like about it is having to pack up the car, set it all up, then break it all down and pack it back up and bring it all back to the studio. It's exhausting! But, once I am set up I love talking to the people and just hanging out. If you live in the south bay, you should check it out! It's the third Friday of every month. I'll be located in front of Satura Cakes, which is sort of across the street from the Sonoma chicken coop.
See ya there!

So much to do, so little time

2009-05-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

A friend emailed me today telling me how impressed she was about how I was moving forward with my art goals. It does seem that lots of things are happening for me right now, but sometimes I tend to dwell on the things that ARE NOT happening! Like, all the contests and shows I want to be submitting artwork for, but I never seem to have the time to make those real special pieces to enter into a show. I file the announcements away, until I find the time to make a special piece. Also, I want to have my own retail space, but I can't afford the rent for something big, so I have my eye on some small spaces near by, just in case something comes available. I love my studio, and all the people there, so it would be very difficult to leave...but on the other hand, having foot traffic would give me some chance to sell some of my work, so I think it would be worth it. It will probably be awhile before that happens, but I think about it all the time lately. Maybe I can manifest a great space for myself...positive thinking at work!

Open Studio is Over, what's next?

2009-05-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well, the fun never stops. I'll be participating in the downtown Campbell Artwalk this Friday night. All the art galleries in town are open late, and they invite "guest artists" to come and set up a table in front of one of the businesses. I did this back int he fall and sold nothing! But, it was cold, and dark, and I didn't have a very good display. This time, it's spring, and warm, and hopefully I will have a better display. I was concerned that I wouldn't have enough artwork to display, after Open Studios, but I have plenty, even after selling a bunch.

Today, I went into San Francisco with a friend to go paper shopping. We had a blast as usual, and stocked up on some cool new papers! I plan on working on another large piece this week, since the last one sold quickly.

Did I mention, the bast part of Open Studios was hanging out with all the other artists in my studio after the thing was over, trading stories about the people who came through and how much fun we all had over the weekend.

Open Studios, success!

2009-05-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it was quite a weekend. All the artists who work in the same building, The Alameda Artworks, were unsure what to expect this weekend at Open Studios, with the economy and all, but it turned out to be one of the best ever! Many pieces of art were sold, and we had a steady crowd of people who were very interested in talking with the artists to learn more about them. Eleven pieces of my artwork found homes this weekend, which is what it's all about for me. Of course the money helps to defray my costs and pays the rent, but what makes me really happy is that so many people wanted to have my art in their homes. What a thrill! I had a blast talking to everyone. The energy was great, and everyone was in a good mood. One year ago, I was living in Maryland, hearing via email about Open Studios at The Artworks. I was so eager to be a part of it all. Well, it's happened, and it was more fun than I ever imagined. I feel so blessed that i am finally able to pursue my passion, and live in a place where people come out to support local artists, even in a bad economy.

Thanks, to everyone who came out this weekend. You make our "job" worthwhile. We all appreciate your support!

open studios

2009-05-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Down to the wire...two more days to prepare. Today I finished making labels and price tags. Tomorrow I will spend the day hanging art, then in the evening I will pick up more artwork I have hanging at a local gallery. Lots of my eco-friendly art will be for sale! Friday I will hang that up and finish cleaning up and making the place look presentable. Then I will crash until Saturday! Yipee! Can't wait. My first open studios at this location, I am very excited. I always set my goal to sell one piece of art. I will be happy! Of course I hope to sell lots more, as I have many affordable items for sale. Now I need to flop on the couch and rest!

Reorganize, again

2009-05-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

Recently I have found myself feeling out of sorts, for no particular reason. Sort of in a fog. This has happened to me before, and I find that to get myself out of this "funk" I feel the urge to make a change in my environment. Lately my studio has been feeling sort of cramped, mostly because i have too much stuff, and not enough space to put it in. So I brought in a new shelving unit and spent today rearranging and to place looks much better, and I feel better too. Seems to have recharged my batteries...ready to create some great new pieces, and ready for Open Studios, which is this coming weekend. Can't wait! Check my website for details...
http://www.Lori KreinStudios.com

New Artwork and TV show follow-up

2009-05-02T19:48:00.001-07:00

Well, the SVTAGS (Silicon Valley Technology, Art, Green and Sustainability show was broadcast today, and I think it went pretty well! I realized that my artwork tied together because of the eco-friendly theme, and that was a nice thing to realize. I thought I came across pretty well on TV...I was having a good hair day, thank goodness.

Now it's on to Open Studios. I made a bunch of new pieces this past week, mostly small works, but I did make one large collage...I will post it tomorrow. Once I get a DVD of the TV show I will upload it to Youtube so that all of my fans can take a look if they like!

I'm putting an outline together for my own how-to show in the fall.

Open Studios Home stretch

2009-04-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

Two more weeks until Open Studios. It's gunna be nuts...trying to make a bunch of stuff so I will have things to sell! I have a fairly good variety of items, reasonably priced...but I have lots of ideas so I hope to be able to make even more!

My First TV Appearance!!

2009-04-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

Well...it happened. Finally. After years of sending in corny, home-made videos to Survivor, Deal or No Deal, The Apprentice..and never hearing a word back from any of those people, I was asked to appear on a local cable TV show about the environment and eco-friendly art. As myself! To talk about ME and MY ART! Were there other guests on the show, with whom I had to share the spotlight? No, because the other artists could not make it! So, it was just little old me, being interviewed for 30 minutes, about ME and MY ART!! It was a dream come true. I was so nervous...I spent an hour, trying on half of my clothes, doing my make-up, deciding which pieces of art I should bring with me...studying the questions and my answers! I thought, what if I forget everything? Well the good thing is, there were no lines to memorize! All I had to do, was talk about something I know a lot about..ME AND MY ART!! So, that's just what I did. Once things got going, I think it went pretty well...the crew (THE CREW!!!) was very complimentary...they set up the lights, the cameras, the mic...man, I felt like a real guest.

I know you must be eager to see this! Well, if you live in San Jose and have comcast, then you are in luck. Set your DVR or TIVA for 1:30pm on Saturday May 2, and you will have the pleasure of hearing me talk about ME and MY ART for 30 minutes!!

CreaTV asked if I was interested in hosting MY OWN SHOW where I would do different art projects each week, to teach people how to make cool art from up-cycled or recycled materials. How COOL IS THAT! I told them I would think about it. (secretly, I was like..ARE YOU KIDDING? WHEN DO I START??) but in reality, I can't do it until the fall...but that will come before i know it.
Oprah, here I come!

Summer Plans Don't Include Me

2009-04-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

I'm always stressed out during this time of year, because it's time to plan for summer. Now, if you don't have kids, then you might be clueless about this stress. But let me tell you, it's hard for someone like me, who hates schedules and routines, to have to plan activities and camps and summer school for two kids, while attempting to still find time for myself in the process. If I had a full time, regular paying job, then off they would go, to summer camp, every day, except for maybe a week or two here and there for a family vacation. But, since this is not the case, we cannot afford to send them to camp every week. BTW, day camp costs about $200/week/kid. Sleep-over? about $500-$700. Why am I writing this on my "art blog"? Because if things go the way the seem to be going, I won't be doing much art at all, this summer. One of my kids will be taking Spanish at a community college, which is 6 weeks, 4 days per week, so between driving him back and forth, and driving my other child to HIS camps, and then there are weeks in-between when there will be NO camps..I just don't see much art happening this summer. I better get used to that! But, in just a few short years, the older one will be driving, and he won't be interested in summer camp anymore anyway (let's hope for a summer JOB) so I guess missing out on one summer of making art won't be a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

Creatrive Block!

2009-04-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

Yup, it happens. And it happened to me. Oh, I have plenty of excuses...too busy doing other things, the kids had lots going on, I was too tired, I had to wash my hair, I had to do the laundry...the list could go on and on. For almost 2 months, I hardly step foot in my studio, except for my Tuesday Collage Class. I just didn't have the energy. I didn't have any inspiration. Mostly, I just didn't FEEL like it. I began to question why I even wanted to be an artist in the first place. Or if I was really an artist at all. I had a bunch of activity in the fall...3 shows in three months. Completed a class to learn how to be more business-like. Sold a bunch of work. Created a bunch of work! I was a frenzy of activity. Then, it came to a dead stop, sometime in February. It's lasted until just this week, when the excuses ran out, and I dragged my ass into the studio and picked up a paintbrush, sorted my art papers, and made something. And, I even liked it! Then I made something else, and before I knew it, I had completed FOUR new pieces of art. And, I actually feel like doing more. I still feel tired, unmotivated, and lazy...but I have just enough energy to get myself there and once I am there, I'm ok.

Open Studios is in just a few weeks, May 9 and 10...I am hoping to finish a bunch of pieces, so come and check it out! I think the block is slowly going away. Horray!

Creativity Workshop

2009-03-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

I will be leading highly interactive, high energy workshop so you can learn new techniques for getting your creative juices flowing, whether you are an artist or not!

You will learn:
- How to clear creative blocks
- About convergence and divergence
- How to develop and maintain your creative routine
- How to use image streaming
- The importance of music and writing
- Mind mapping techniques
and much more!

This one day workshop will be held on Sunday, April 5 and Sunday May 3 form 10-4 at my studio in San Jose, CA
Cost: $75
Pre registration is required. Contact me at LoriKrein@gmail.com to register.

SWAN DAY (Support Women Artists Now)

2009-03-27T21:07:00.001-07:00

March 28, at the Alameda Artworks! Panel discussions, Poetry, art, food, FREE! Come one, come all! (Yes, even the guys are invited!) 10 -4.

Today I got my studio ready for all the visitors we are expecting tomorrow. You know when you have company coming, you want your house to look clean and organized? Sometimes we invite people over just to have a reason to clean. Same thing with my studio. I pulled out some work I had done before...put everything on display, priced everything...made it look somewhat organized...It will be a fun but tiring day. I am participating in the afternoon panel discussion, The Spirit of Art, talking about how to tap into your creativity. I'll also be reading poetry right after lunch, with a few other poets.
So I am off to prepare my poetry! Hope to see you there!

New Beginnings...

2009-03-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

It's been about 6 weeks since I have spent any time at my studio, aside from the Vision Board/Collage class I teach there on Tuesdays. Yes, I have been busy with other things, but, really, for 6 weeks?? This weekend I finally confessed to myself that I am probably stuck, having a block, stalled in my work. I have been researching materials for a workshop I am putting together on "Tapping into your Creativity", which I plan to start teaching in April, and what's so ironic is, I am learning all these new techniques for unleashing creativity...but here I am unable to make a single thing! On the other hand, I AM creating this workshop! So, I guess I have to step back and realize that creativity comes in many shapes and sizes, even for me. I am a visual artist, yes, but I am also a writer, a poet, and a teacher. Just because I haven't created any artwork on a canvas lately, doesn't mean I haven't been using my creative talents. I've just been using them in a different way. So, I am not going to beat myself up anymore. I reorganized my studio today, and in the past, that usually means I am preparing for a burst of creativity. In the mean time, my Creativity Workshop is coming along. Maybe I need to DO some of the things I am learning about!

Sometimes I wonder

2009-03-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

OK, well maybe I wonder more than just sometimes. Seems that I wonder almost all the time. WHat about? lots of stuff. Today, I wonder why I continue to use my computer way more than I really want to. I think it is a huge detriment to our family life. We all end up in our "corners" on out computers at the end of the day. I hate that. But I don't know how to change it. I keep in touch with many friends and collegues via email. I am testing a new website. Manage my photos. I am writing ebooks for the same website. I try to write on this blog sometimes. I need to research our next vacation. Write my notes for my creativity class. Advertise my creativity class. Read my Best Friend's Blog. It goes on and on. I end up spening hours on this damn computer...even though what I really want to be doing is playing cards or charades or monopoly with my kids. Soon they won't want to play (one already refuses!), they will have their own lives, and I will look back on this time and wonder what was so important on this computer that I wasted hours on it, missing out on interacting with my kids?

Creativity workshop under development

2009-03-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

I've been away for a few days at a family function. Been doing research for my next project, a creativity workshop, to help people tap into their creative side! For those involved int he arts, as well as those in other walks of life. Might be too broad of a target audience...still hashing it all out, but am very excitied about it. No schedule or dates set yet but will post them as soon as I know. I love this part of creating..the newness, the unknown, the formation of a brand new endeavor for me. This has been a dream of mine for awhile, doing workshops on this topic. I have had to put aside my visual art projects for now, can;t do everything...but I am ok with that. Will get back to that soon...

Surge of a defferent kind of creativity

2009-03-06T21:13:00.000-08:00

STILL havent been to my studio, except to teach my vision boarding class on Tuesdays. But, I have been working on another creative project. Has to do with a particular musician who is coming to town in a few weeks...I am trying to get an interview with him...to help the local food bank...through the public access TV station here in San Jose. Everyone is supportive and behind the idea, now all we need to do is get the artist to say OK! It's a long shot but that never stopped my from trying!

ALso I met with a friend who has a background in design, she is coaching me every week to help me figure out which direction I want to go with my artwork. Our first meeting was very productive! She suggested I do some small collages (studies) based on one of my older pieces (see photo) I guess tha't my assignment for Monday!

I sold a small eco-friendly, inspirational plaque to an old friend the other day!

And, I am working on making a cd with photos and music and all that for one of my kids who is bridging from cub scouts into boy scouts! Very fun. So, although I haven't been making any collages lately, I have been flexing my creative muscles in other ways!
Until next time...

From my perspective...

2009-03-01T15:02:00.001-08:00

I am taking a little detour from my pledge to only post things here about my creative life, not my personal life. But, I feel that I need to express my feelings about the events of my past 24 hours. I took my son to the USS Hornet, which is an aircraft carrier-turned museum. From the website:
"The Aircraft Carrier USS HORNET Museum is a national treasure, having participated in...World War II and the Apollo 11 manned space mission. Now peacefully moored...the USS HORNET is a timeless memorial to those who defended our American values and to those who have pursued America's technological advancements."

Ok, I agree about honoring those who defended or country, and the technological advances are also nice, I suppose. So please don't write me about being ungrateful to those brave men and women who risked their lives so that the rest of us could be free. I get that.

But, the complaint I have, is it seemed to me that this whole experience in some way glorified war in genera. Glorified big planes, helicoptors, missles, fighting. Boys love this stuff (and so did the dads) what bothered me was not what was said, but what wasn't said. It would have been nice, had our wonderful tour guides mentioned the word "diplomacy" just once. It would have been nice if they had told all these young, influential boys that the BEST way to solve a conflict is not by bombing the other guys, but by talking to them and trying to solve the problem that way. Granted, I get that the other guys don't always want to talk, lie when they talk, and go back on their word. But it would have been nice to at least talked about that. I left this place feeling depressed, oevrwhelmed, and had the strong urge to go to an art museum where love, peace, joy, and freindship were the main theme of the exhibit.

Since the docents at the USS Hornet didn't explain to our boys about diplomacy, I guess that will be the topic of discussion at our dinner table tonight. And you?

The lost month continues

2009-02-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

It's been weeks now, since I have been at my studio. Life is getting in the way! I don't even know what I have been doing...working on the group show, planing and going on a family ski trip, handling new tenants moving into our house back east, one of my kids is going from cub to boy scouts, working on a start-up website...those are just the big items I can think of off the top of my head. Not to mention the normal every day stuff. So, if there's actually anyone out there reading this, I am sorry I have not been adding anything lately, but creatively, there's not much happening right now.

I did receive a critique about my mask art from Ken Matsimoto at the Art Object Gallery (where I am participating in a group show) and it was a very productive conversation. I also went to the San Jose Museum of Art opening reception for the Andy Warhol exhibit, and dressed up in my funky 60's outfit...it was fun! And, I am pitching an idea for a show to CreaTV on monday. More on that later... Next week life (barely) begins to get back to normal. But not until Wednesday!

One more thing...tomorrow night there will be an artist panel/discussion at the Art Object Gallery from 6-8, 5th and Jackson, Japantown, San Jose. COME JOIN US!

The Morning After

2009-02-08T17:26:00.000-08:00

Well, last night was the opening reception for the Momentum Group show at the Art Object Gallery. We had a steady stream of people from 4-9! I had a blast talking to people about my art, and reading my poetry, which is rare for me to do but once I got going, and felt the positive vibe from the audience, I felt right at home. I had created a few booklets with a collection of some of my poetry, and two people purchased them, and asked me to sign them. Wow. It was thrilling. I also sold one of my masks! It was just so fun hanging out with some really cool people, some I knew, and some I didn't. I made a couple of new friends during the evening, which is always a nice surprise when someone new comes into your life and somehow you know that it is the beginning of a special friendship.

Now, I am contemplating what's next. I need to regroup, and spend some time in my studio, and think about the next few months. It's been a whirlwind.

Momentun and Exposure

2009-02-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy few weeks. But I felt, today, like I was really making lots of progress towards reaching my goal of getting my work out there into the world! Tomorrow, the group show that I am participating in at the Art Object Gallery in Japantown, San Jose, opens. (reception is Saturday from 4-9) Additional info can be found HERE.

Today, I hung some of my work at the Kaleid Gallery in San Jose. I have my own little space, and was very pleased to be accepted there. It's a really cool gallery, very eclectic, and my work seemed to fit right in.

So, what's next? I need a vacation! But until then...I'll continue looking for more places to display my work. I'm planning on sending my information to Hang gallery in San Francisco, and the Barefoot Coffee roasters in Cupertino. It's been a wild ride so far, and I am hoping to keep the MOMENTUM going!

Where did the day go?

2009-01-29T22:38:00.000-08:00

I had big plans to finally get back into my studio today, and get some work done! But, I ended up reorganizing my stuff, which is usually what I do prior to a big creative burst. I had to find space for all the assemblage materials that I had to move out of another space I was working in. It felt good to get it done. On my plate for upcoming weeks...bring artwork to the Kaleid Gallery in San Jose, bring my work to the Art Object Gallery in San Jose (for the group show) and tomorrow I will take down the art i have hanging in the coffee shop in Willow Glen. I also applied for a public art proposal (mural) and for the Saratoga Rotary Show. I am in the market to buy a new SLR digital camera, and have been shopping for that...I am getting closer to making a decision. Well let's hope that next week I will actually be able to CREATE something new!

Sob sob, no time to get to my studio!

2009-01-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

Maybe tomorrow. But i have been planning for upcoming months. I got accepted to show my work in the Kaleid Gallery in downtown San Jose! Very exciting. I've applied to a couple of other show, and of course still very involved in planning for the upcoming show at the Art Object Gallery in Japantown in San Jose..so all is good but i can't wait for things to calm down so I can just go get lost in my work.
Next week, on Feb. 3 I begin my Vision Boarding workshop at my studio. i am looking forward to that! Hope to see you there!
for more info on the class, check my website
http://www.LoriKreinStudios.com
click on NEWS link for details.!

Group Show Planning

2009-01-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

It's been another busy week. I'm one of the organizers for a group show I am involved with next month, in Japantown area of San Jose, at the Art Object Gallery. It's taken lots of my time, I have not even been in my studio all week. I've discovered that I am seen as a mentor to many other artists in this group, which was surprising but thrilling at the same time. I didn't know how much I knew until people started asking questions about showing their art...and it seemed that I knew many of the answers. Usually I am the one with all the questions! So, it's been very satisfying, but time consuming. This week I will be making prints of my work so that I can sell them at the show.
Reception is Feb 7th 4-9pm if you want to come!

Juggling Act

2009-01-19T08:20:00.001-08:00

The best thing about being an artist, is having my own schedule. I can work any time, day or night, for the most part. I can take days or weeks off, and spend the summer with my kids. I have breakfast with them before school, then I run off to my studio, and I'm back when they get home from school. We spend the evenings doing homework, playing Monopoly, and watching movies. It's wonderful, having all that flexibility.
Well, except for when I go to meetings with my art and poetry groups...which happen once a month on Sunday and Saturday afternoons, and Monday and Wednesday nights.
Oh, and of course there's the show I do on some weekends, where I am gone pretty much all day. And, sometimes I bring art back home to finish up. And I don't always get to my studio...I mean, SOMEONE has to clean the house, and do the laundry, and shop for food and bake chocolate-chip cookies and make dinner, RIGHT?? Oh, and don't forget about exercising every day. Good thing there are 48 hours in a day!
The juggling act goes on.