The Teacher Becomes the Student

"We teachers can only help the work going on, as servants wait upon a master."~Maria Montessori

I absolutely love having classes at my shop. Not only does it give me the opportunity to learn new techniques (classes from guest artists, obviously), but also to see the outcomes of other people's imagination. Most of the time I learn that I absolutely don't know everything there is to know about much of anything, and that's actually quite liberating. Most people have a great innate sense of order and design, and need only a bit of guidance in a certain direction to find they could create all along. Sometimes all we need is a bit of confidence to try new things. Aren't I the lucky one to witness all that?

My wonderful friend, Terry, working hard on her torn paper mosaic. She is a beautiful artist of her own merit. And like most artist's, doesn't think what she does is ever perfect; but you have to stop somewhere.

This beautiful Sunflower mosaic from a "beginning" student.

And, the beginnings of a gorgeous angel from a more advanced student and beautiful artist.

The Industry of Beauty

"If you have an unnatural haircolor you won't get a job. If you don't wear make up you won't get a date. If  you don't have a straight smile with straight teeth people won't like you. If your face isn't symmetrical you won't do well in school. If you have a big nose you'll get picked last for the team. WHO CARES?"

I bought this self-portrait from a very talented young artist (a friend of my niece), Stephanie Joki. I thought it was perfect to hang in a salon, because even though it is my job to help people look their best, I think it is even more important to help them feel their best. And if that is just accepting and loving them as they are that day then I feel I've had a good day.

When the day comes for you to work on your self-portrait, I hope you capture your "True Self", because that is how the rest of us see and love you. When I get into a "tearing myself apart" mode, I remember how much I adore each of my family members and friends for exactly the person they are, no changes. That reminds me to be easy on my judgement of myself.

OH NO, I Found Ebay!

I have heard that "One man's junk is another man's Treasure".

This is one small load of junk, I mean jewelry, that I received today from Ebay. Not too bad, I found a few pieces that I think I can use in my art, and or, to take apart to sell for parts. I have jewelry classes at the shop, and plan to sell beads, etc. in the future. I had wondered to myself where I could get not just one piece at a time, but a box, or so. Ebay makes it pretty easy for you, by having a header (http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p4031.m38.l1311&_nkw=costume+jewelry+lot&_sacat=See-All-Categories) at the top of their page that says: (LOTS).

I surfed for about 2 hours in one night bidding on several lots. Being a novice, I was outbid 14 times before I won something, and then, before I knew it, I had won 5 lots of jewelry! 

Fortunately, I had made sure I had enough money in my checking account before I started bidding. That could be a dangerous thing, because you get so caught up in the moment, place a bid, and then move on to the next lot thinking that your latest bid couldn't possibly win.

Shipping is sometimes the biggest cost, so one needs to be aware of those costs before bidding. Now, having received my third box I realize most vendors care more about getting rid of their junk, not in how it is received. My first box at least came in 2 gallon plastic bags inside the box, the other 2 were just dumped in a USPS box, sealed up, and shipped off. (Not so good when the box may be full of loose beads).

My Ebay days are not over, it was too much fun, but next time I will be more aware how many bids I have going.

Scenes From A Small Town Gallery

"The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover will be yourself."~Alan Alda

Mosaic cross that I made for the local Catholic Church several years ago as an Easter display, hanging  mosaic light catchers, cement leaves , African Art in the form of metal birds and Serpentine Stone Bird Baths, and a beautiful stained glass "Pharmacy Window" that I originally purchased to hang by my salon .

Various artworks are available: Nita Engle watercolor, Sunny McKaig acrylic Frogs, James Tanis Stained Glassworks, African Serpentine Stone Sculptures, Etc.

Here are a few shots of cement leaves made in the studio:

Hypertufa: An Excitable Container?

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/pots-with-a-personal-touch?page=2

A wonderful client showed me the latest edition of the Martha Stewart Living, which included instructions on how to make these cement pots (see link above). This is fantastic because now I can play with cement all winter. I have had classes on casting cement leaves, but was limited to Michigan leaf growing weather (though, I have thought about having my Floridian sister mail me some elephant ears).  I'm not exactly sure what 'hypertufa' means, but I am excited to try these in my studio. 

My Works @ Collins Fine Art Gallery

"Poppies" Mosaic in the front display window of Collins Fine Art Gallery, 

146 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, MI.

My husband Installed this for me for the 2009 ArtPrize Competition, and it remains in the window!

Paul Collins' work is nothing short of remarkable. I am giddy with amazement that his gallery is  hosting some of my pieces. They have loads of beautiful works of Art very deserving of your visit! Check out his website: http://www.collinsart.com/index.asp?i=207

Here are a few of my "Wallflower" Collection currently @ the Gallery.