The Artistic Community

African Prince   mixed on paper   34.5 x 21

For me, the artistic community is very comforting.....like a second home. Here one encounters some wonderfully diverse people, yet those who share the bond of a life's work that is often difficult, inconstant and not-so financially sustainable. These are the people who share the appreciation for creating at any cost. And these are the people with whom I feel the most comfortable. The Summit ArtSpace gallery was buzzing last evening at the opening for "Kaleidoscope 2008", a juried exhibition made up of members from the 4 local art groups: Akron Society of Artists, Artists of Rubber City, Cuyahoga Valley Art Center and Women's Art League. This year's exhibition was juried by Craig Lucas, retired professor emeritus from Kent State University. The Gallery is open Thursday - Saturday from noon - 5 pm. Each Saturday during the exhibit, there will be free demonstrations by various artists. Such a deal!  My mixed media work "African Prince" received an honorable mention. I am proud to show alongside all of the artists in the exhibit.

Braids

African Prince   mixed on paper   43 x 29

My mind adores free-play....where one idea leads to the next leads to the next.....Such was the case when I started experimenting with the linkage of charcoal drawing to crude printmaking. Our model for one 5-hour session was a young man college-bound in the fall. He arrived impeccably dressed....new shirt, new jeans and sparkling white shoes..............my heart fell. None of those things even remotely causes my heart to pitter-pat. Now his hair, all done in corn rows, was another matter. Texturally, braids of all kinds are beautiful and common to all aspects of life...in the garden, in weaving and in hair. Braiding is not only beautiful, it is strong, a way of combining single strands into a stronger group, yet retaining flexibility. Wow....I had my hook! The charcoal drawing was done during the session. At home, I carved a braided block and finished the work with printing. Nirvana! A braiding of several art forms that I enjoy!