Spring studio sale

You are invited to our Spring Studio Sale on Saturday, April 30th from 10am - 4 pm
gift ideas for mom, grads...even a little something for yourself...

Jody Cain of Latitude Studios and Christine Stoll of Christine Stoll Jewelry will be joining me...
vintage treasures, upcycled jewelry, collage prints and paintings are just some of the items 
we'll have to entice you...mark it on your calendar...

Phinney Show this weekend!

If its the first weekend in December, then it must be time for the annual Phinney Winter Festival...its a fabulous artisan show in Seattle...115 artists, live music, food and plenty of holiday cheer - what's not to love!

This is the 14th year that I'm participating in this show...I've got to say that its one of my favorites...not only for the new friends I meet as well as connecting with old acquaintances, but I get to finish up my holiday gift shopping...I'm a big supporter of buy local, buy handmade.

In addition to my original mixed media art collages, I'll have plenty of affordable gift items too...

Hot off the press, these folded notecards with fabulous vintage images...

Art tags that can adorn a gift, enliven a bulletin board or even be a bookmark...

Collage journals, all one of a kind...a place to record thoughts, remember ideas, start 
that first novel or just keep a list of anything you like...

Hope that you'll stop by and say hello...I'm in the Blue Building on the second floor...introduce yourself and tell me you read about the show on either my blog, my Facebook page or Instagram and there will be a free gift for you!

Holiday Gifts for you

its that time of year again...the holiday art shows and festivals abound!
I hope that you will consider giving a gift of art this season...whether its for a treasured friend, a loving sibling, a helpful neighbor or even a little something for yourself, a hand crafted gift can mean so much more than one bought at the shopping mall.  

I have two upcoming shows  - 

First up - Holiday Studio Sale this coming Saturday, November 21, 10 am - 4pm, at my home in Everett.  Jody Cain of Latitude Studios and Christine Stoll of Christine Stoll Jewelry will be joining me...a little bit of something for everyone!

then its the annual Phinney show...a perennial Seattle favorite...
always lots of great artists and plenty of gift giving ideas!

I hope to see you at one or the other - maybe both!

and if neither are convenient, remember I have an Etsy shop with notecards and petite prints - if you mention that you are buying a gift, I will ship direct to the recipient and will gift wrap your purchase for free.

Honored to be featured...

I am honored to be featured on the latest posting on adi & bert blog...

Claudia, a lovely artistic soul from New Zealand who writes this blog, has a regular posting where she highlights various makers and their craft...I am privileged to be the current profiled maker.

Please hop over and give it a read...and find out how I ever got started in this crazy collage business!

a life less ordinary

Yesterday I actually got out my real camera...as opposed to my phone...and shot some still photos.  I'm on deadline for a magazine article about holiday gift wrapping (yes, its August, its hot and dry but I'm trying to get in the Christmas spirit as I write this piece due on Monday) and I needed a couple of pictures to complete my tutorial.

I decided to play around a bit after I got the shots I needed...I was reminded this week of a book I own when I saw a shot on Instagram by Barb of Keeping With the Times, where she used the book "A Life Less Ordinary" as a prop...I was inspired...

Its a beautiful book...filled with simple and uncluttered images...and attests to the beauty of friendship between two women...

And it made me think...about my own life...it is a life less ordinary...for the last 15 years, I've been pursuing my ambition to be an artist...and though I am not rolling in the dough, I am rich in other ways...deciding how I spend my time, determining how my energy will be used, discovering a wealth of talents...

And I too have some wonderful friendships that have formed along the way...both within my local community as well as online...others who support what I am doing, offering encouragement along the way, building a network that strengthens all who participate...

One of which is Barb of Keeping With the Times...today I'm linking up to her Instagram post Sunday Sundries...which encourages each of us to celebrate whatever we wish...today I celebrate my life less ordinary...and the friends who are a part of it...

Happy Earth Day!

I remember the first Earth Day in 1970...I'm glad that we are still giving a nod to the Earth and all its wonders...and I am still hopeful that more and more of us come to realize that we must treat this planet with all the love and respect we give our personal homes...because, in the big picture, the Earth is our ultimate home...

This idea of treating the Earth wisely is part of what fuels my art...foraging from those things that others throw away and find no value in...finding new life in remnants of the past...creating combinations of everyday ephemera.

I'm pleased to have three of my collage assemblages included in a gallery show at the Schack Art Center which is all about recycled art.  "Saving the Environment: Sustainable Art" runs at the Center from April 23 - May 30; the opening reception is tomorrow evening from 5-8 pm at the Center which is located in downtown Everett.

If you're in the neighborhood, stop on by...I'll be there...along with plenty of great art to amaze you...you'll be surprised at what others may think is junk can be turned into fantastic art with just a bit of insight and inspiration...

birds of a feather, part 2

As I started in my last post, I was at a loss for a creative spark...

naked plaster of paris eggs...sat in a carton in my studio the last two years...

but then I was brilliantly inspired...and went to work...



Using my trusty bristle brush, I glued delicate feathers onto the eggs...

being careful to gently keep each strand smooth and not become a gloppy mess...

I also experimented with a little tissue paper; knowing that the tissue would be light and translucent as it dried...and a bit of french ephemera...because really, isn't everything a little better with a bit of french flair?

After the glue was dry, a little light sanding and a tiny bit of wax...
and finally a springtime vignette...

the contrast of the dark feather against the white plaster brings out all the details...

and highlights how delicate each feather is.

I like how this egg with the tissue paper layer resembles brown transferware ironstone.

And the partial shell that I created holds a tiny treasure...

Joining the group over at kim klassen's Friday Finds...
where my find is the inspiration and spark that I discover among the bestill52 artists...
Thank you Dutch Barb for the spark!
also joining up with Funky Junk Interiors weekend Party Junk...still more inspiration over there...

The Woven Tale Press

Recently I learned of an online creative community that was new to me...The Woven Tale Press.

It is a community of artisans - writers, photographers, artists, brought together by a diverse editorial group who offer a "collection of eclectic culling of the creative web".  In addition to regular artist posts, they publish a monthly e-magazine "to highlight the blog post otherwise buried in a blogger's archives; the painting or photograph from an artist's site worthy of greater focus than its singular web page; the innovative, the funny, 
the offbeat."  

The March issue was just released...and I'm pleased to have two of my digital collages featured.

I am in excellent company in this issue...my artistic friend David Hayes of Clearer Reflections has a multi-page spread of his incredible photographic stills...

I hope that you will check it out...and discover a few gems for yourself...
to view the entire issue, click here 
and to visit The Woven Tale Press website, click here

Living with Art

I don't know about you...but I love sneaking a peek inside of other's homes...I'm always curious to see how other people build their nest...and especially other creatives...its intriguing to me to see how the artistic personality reflects itself in one's surroundings...

Seth Apter is running a new series...Living with Art...that lets you take such a peek...in his own words, he describes his intention...

When we see art posted on the blogs from our community, by far the majority of times it is a cropped picture of a particular piece. We don't often get to see pictures of the art in the space where we actually live. Hanging art. Art on the walls. Art over the couch. Art leaning on the bookcase shelves.

Living with Art is about showing and seeing art in real life settings. Every Thursday I will be posting a series of images shared by creatives showing all of us just how art is displayed in their spaces. Each participant is opening the door and inviting us all into their surroundings.



I'm delighted to be one of the featured artists today...along with several others...plus there's a link to view the past features as well.

Seth has long been an avid art supporter (as well as a fabulous artist in his own right!) This is one more example of his willingness to be the glue that helps to bind this online artistic community together...please pop over and take a look...www.thealteredpage.blogspot.com

Liberate your Art!

This is the first year that I am participating in the international postcard swap called "Liberate Your Art".  Created and coordinated by artist Kat Sloma, it's an opportunity to get your art out in the world and in return, get original art mailed back to you.

In Kat's own words, here's the idea behind it-

• To encourage artists to learn how to reproduce their artwork. Many people create original work, but don't take the next step to reproduce their work to share. I would like you to learn how easy it is to create the postcards if you haven't done this before.

• To encourage connection between artists of different mediums from around the world.  Regardless of the medium we create in, we are all artists! I believe we have more inspiration for creation as we explore diversity in art and culture. Personal connections between artists enhance our art.

• To encourage sharing of art with others. If you love to create but have a fear of sharing your work, this is a safe way to start. You can get your work out there in the swap, even without your name attached. Sometimes taking that little step is enough to push past long-held fears!

• To give you some fun, happy mail! There is nothing better than visiting the letter box to find some wonderful piece of mail, is there? For a few weeks, you will receive pieces of art and encouragement from your fellow swap participants in the mail. It's just plain fun!

Last Friday I got my postcards rounded up and mailed out to Kat...I even embellished the envelope with a little creative touch...

It's not too late to join in if you are interested...the deadline to get your art postcards to Kat is March 14...

get all the details on participating here...

Because really...don't you just love getting real mail...so much better than bills!

Taking the Art Party on the road

I've been giving some thought about the connections I have made with others through art...whether it’s from the online classes I have taken, the comments left on blogs or postings, or the shared love of a style or look...

Ideas have been swirling in my head...possibilities ignite...

the chance to connect with names and avatars you've only seen online

an opportunity to share artistic talents

the experience of exploring the sights and sounds of a hip urban environment

a time to reflect on personal hopes and dreams

a cultivation of the creative spirit

I have been hosting local art parties for two years now...and they have become an elixir for not only the participants, but for me as well...

So...what if there was a place to get together...in the flesh...meet one another, create some art, explore a city, cook fabulous food, drink a little wine, feed our souls...would you want to be a part of this?

I’m willing to head up such an experience...in Portland, OR...the city renowned for funky art, fantastic book stores, superb coffee and free spirit individuality.  I've scoped out a location, a time frame and a loose plan...

but I’m interested in knowing if anyone else is so inclined...

Here’s what I’m thinking...it’s a flexible idea at this time...input is welcome!

Time frame:  Thursday thru Sunday...looking at October 8-11...Junk Bonanza (one of the biggest vintage/flea markets) is coming to Portland that weekend...I love to junk...thought it would be fun to do with other junk-minded creatives...

Location:  I found a house for rent in North Portland – 15 beds available...understand, this is not the Ritz...its big, its funky, its shared rooms and shared bathrooms...located in a neighborhood filled with restaurants, shops, coffee houses.  There will be space to enjoy time together as well as time alone.  If you want to be part of the activities during the day but desire more private accommodations at night, there are plenty of hotels in town.  My thought would be to have a two tier cost – one for people staying at the house and one for people staying in other locations.

Schedule:  It will be up to individuals what they want to do...but I see there being some activities set up and you can join as you like...some ideas - multi-media collage, photography, art journaling, cooking, bread baking, wine tasting...

Cost:  I've worked up a very rough budget...but thinking it should definitely be under $400 per person for those who stay at the rental house...this would include 3 nights lodging, light breakfast and lunch, 3 group dinners and basic supplies...hoping to whittle this down more as details progress.  Haven’t yet figured out cost for people staying other places...

This cost does not include how you get to Portland, if you decide to rent a car, or other personal incidentals. 

Have I piqued your interest?  Let me know...I’m starting a list...send a quick email to me at amy_duncan@yahoo.com... that way I will have your contact info...tell me what you think...
and I’ll keep you in the loop as plans progress, details firm up and registration opens...

Art makes a wonderful gift!

Stuck on an idea for a holiday gift  Looking for something unique and inspirational?
I have the answer - give art!

I have three suggestions here for you - check them out...

#1 - Inspirational Quotes Illustrated by Lesley Riley is a wonderful compilation of quotes 
paired with a piece of art created by over 100 artists...

one of which happens to be me...I can now share my page since the book has hit the stands...

Each page is perforated so that you can remove the pages and post them wherever you need a shot of inspiration...

You can order the book from North Light Shop or on Amazon.

and if you want a little inspiration on your computer screen...my image (along with three other artist's creations from the book) is available as a downloadable wallpaper...a little bonus gift from the publisher... click here for the link...








#2 - 5 x 5 Series curated by Seth Apter is an exhibit that grew out of his book, The Pulse of Mixed Media.  Artists could submit an artistic interpretation of three different questions related to creating art and finding inspiration.  All of those submissions are now on display at The Empty Spaces Project, a gallery in Putnam, CT...
if you are in the area, I urge you to stop by. Click here for the link that describes the exhibit...

But if you are not nearby, you can still enjoy the gallery show...and own a piece (or give as a gift) yourself.  All of the compositions are for sale...and all at a reasonable price...especially considering that it is original art...from some of the best known names in mixed-media collage work...You can view the entire collection and make your purchases on Seth Apter's site - click here

And yes, I have two pieces in this show...
such an honor...








#3 - Mounted Petite Prints
I have a few of my Mounted Petite Prints available in my etsy shop.  These digital prints, mounted on painted salvaged wood and finished with a wax coating, are ready to hang...and ready to give as a gift...or keep for yourself...click here for the details...

Hope that gives you a few ideas for gift giving...now I just need to finish up a few projects myself and then its on to gift wrapping...one of my favorite parts of the holiday...I'll have some ideas to share about that next week...

Priorities

With winter making an abrupt entrance, cold weather clothing was quickly pulled out of storage...which led me to discover that my Doc Marten boots had a split in the leather toe...which led to more time than I wanted to spend looking to purchase a new pair of winter shoes...

I'm rather frugal with my money...I'm really quite content to wear my patched jeans, fraying t-shirts and oversized sweaters on most days...I'm in the studio working...fashion is not a priority...

But...poking around online Sunday morning...I spied these beauties on From the Alley to the Gallery etsy shop...and I maybe hesitated a minute before I bought them...

I have an obsession with adding to my exhaustive collection of old clocks...and giving money to a fellow artist to provide me with inspiration and joy also tops my list of priorities...

I don't know what it is about old clocks...

its not just the graphic quality of the clock face....

or the intricacy of the gears and springs within the internal workings...

its more about the commonality of this household item...and the lives that were measured by its ticking...
hours filled with joy...or maybe sadness...most likely a combination of both...

All I know is that they provide an impetus for my work...an inspirit for which I am grateful... 
(learned a new word today...inspirit...read all about on Pic Me Up, Donna Hopkins blog)

Joining the group over at kim klassen's Texture Tuesday...
my photos were edited with a combination of kk textures ReverseTTV and Dollardsoft&gentle