Art "Seen"

Velvet by Cameron Anne Mason on display at Foster White

  

 Cocoon by Cameron Anne Mason on display at Foster White  

Joyce Gehl - Urban Density on display at Patricia Rovzar Gallery

A rich offering of artworks are on display this month in Seattle. Romantic and sensual fiber forms by Cameron Anne Mason are part of the MadArt Redux show at Foster White and these luscious encaustic paintings by Joyce Gehl are on display at the Patricia Rovzar Gallery. Gehl says “I know everyone else brings their own associations and sensibilities to help them understand and enjoy art. All I can do is make something I think is strong and compelling and that I could stand behind absolutely if someone chooses to make it part of their own home.” I look forward to seeing Gehl’s work in person. Also worth a look this month are the works of Wanxin Zhang and Sara Zin among others at the Pacini Lubel Gallery.

Sarah Zin - Contemplation IV - Pacini Lubel Gallery

Ceramic Sculptures by Wanxin Zhang at Pacini Lubel

Turquoise Dream

Turquoise Dream - encaustic w/mixed media 2010

Studio Update: I shipped this little gem off yesterday and today I am putting the finishing touches on a commission that I will install this weekend. I am almost caught up now with my studio schedule. I still have to wrap up the five paintings that will be going to the Alexis Hotel (I will post images of this work soon) and then start preparing panels for my July show in Sun Valley. I may have to hire a studio intern this year but feeling very fortunate to have my work in such demand. To top it all off it’s a sunny January day here in Seattle. Miracles continue…

Art Acquisition

This painting was recently acquired by the Swedish Medical Center

The Swedish Medical Center in Seattle just purchased another one of my paintings for their permanent collection. They now have two of my pieces and I am thrilled and honored to be included in such an important corporate collection.

I had a special request to create a nest piece and this is the result.

Studio Update: These rainy Seattle days are keeping me inside the studio. I just finished up a commission and have a few more to complete for some very patient collectors. I will post the final images soon.

Art Walk

Bookscape detail by Katya Marritz

First Thursday Art Walk is tonight and here are a few shows worth mentioning. The first is a series of “Bookscapes” by Seattle artist, Katya Marritz. She is creating her own kind if visual poetry as she folds and sews these literary classics into textured and compelling sculptural statements. Marritz’s Bookscapes will be on display at the Zeitgeist Café now through Feb 3rd. Scroll down to see more images of these lovely book sculptures.

Bookscapes by Katya Marritz on display at the Zeitgeist Cafe thru Feb 3rd

Also on my priority list for tonight is an exhibition presented by the Catherine Person Gallery featuring the work of Jessica Drenk and Patrick Kelley.

Right: Patrick Kelley "untitled" 2009 -  Left: 2005 sculpture by Jessica Drenk 

Drenk is an inventive sculptor and has a talent for reinventing everyday ordinary objects and transforming them into delicate and compelling artifacts. She uses toilet paper, pencils, coffee filters and other unexpected materials as a base for her work. 

Jessica Drenk - Nucleus Universe - Toilet paper, singed dyptich, 40" x 24", 2006

Jessica Drenk - Soft Cell Tissue series: Toilet paper, singed and coated in wax 16" x 16", 2006

Jessica Drenk - Window Specimen: Cup Lids plastic soft drink covers, wax 2007

I have been a longtime fan of Drenk’s art. She first came to my attention because she often uses bee’s wax in her process. I look forward to seeing her work in person tonight. I am not familiar with Patrick Kelley’s art but from the exhibition information it looks like a good pairing of artists. Should be a great night to get out and see some art!

Good Intentions

 

Spotlight - featured emerging artist - Barbara Dunshee

Prince Heap 2006 - porcelain, oxides, milk paint

The Studio - January 1, 2010 -  filled with works-in-progress.

A friend and I were talking about the New Year and the tradition of making resolutions. Instead of making resolutions for change my friend is going to state her intentions for the new year ahead. I like that idea so much that I am making my own list of intentions for 2010.

In 2010 I intend to be very productive.
I have one of my busiest art schedules ever this year and I welcome all the wonderful opportunities that have opened up for me. I have a solo show in July at the Gilman Contemporary and I will be participating in several group shows and working on commissions over the next twelve months.

The Alexis Hotel in Seattle will feature my work from 4/1 to 8/3 2010

I will have work on display in the Alexis Hotel in Seattle from April 1st to August 3rd in a show curated by Barbara Shaiman, Director of the Seattle Art Museum Gallery and Curator for the Alexis Hotel.  Once the work is up I will post some installation photos.

Barbara Dunshee, Doughboy & Marshmallow Princess- porcelain, oxides milk paint

In 2010 I intend to encourage and support the work of emerging artists.
Starting with a few new blog features this month. The first I call SPOTLIGHT . Here I will showcase the work of an emerging artist who has caught my attention. Beginning with ceramic artist Barbara Dunshee - Coming Soon - Look for the sidebar feature titled SPOTLIGHT for more information about Barbara and her work. Also beginning this month will be another new blog feature, The Hot Wire -where artists can post links to their websites, galleries, blogs, show announcements and other art related news – If you would like to contribute a listing to The Hot Wire please email your link with information to: art@aliciatormey.com and it will be posted to the new listings. I also intend to continue my Pay It Forward program so stay tuned for highlights from my growing art collection.

A real work-in-progress.

In 2010 I intend to be my best self in each moment and endeavor.
As I continue to devote my energies to my artistic practices this year I intend to focus on achieving a higher state of awareness and knowing well that part of me that is the most authentic. Making art touches me on so many levels: it is my profession and my daily meditation. It fills me up, it wipes me out, it challenges me and it thrills me. Creating art is the mechanism through which I am evolving. Through my daily studio practice I am becoming my truest and best self.

I am wishing you all a year of positive transformation and may all your good intentions be realized. Be well and creative in 2010.

Dressed for the Season

The Christmas Dress 2009

It’s a tradition in our home to celebrate the season in an unconventional way. This year instead of a tree we setup a Christmas Dress. It’s an old mannequin that I transformed into a holiday gown with evergreens, ornaments and feathers.

Another tradition in our neighborhood is the parade of Christmas boats – I love seeing the lights reflected on the water and they play holiday music that echoes out over the Puget Sound. It really put me in the spirit.

I'll be spending my holidays painting in the studio so I will post some images of new work soon. Until then I am wishing you all Happy Holidays and a joyful New Year.

Northwest Art

Margie Livingston, Folded Painting Small 2009 - Greg Kucera Gallery

Last week I trekked out to soak up some area art shows and here are a few highlights. Starting with one of the bright spots from the 1st Thursday gallery walk : Margie Livingston at the Greg Kucera Gallery. The exhibit is titled Riff – New Paintings, and features a mix of 2d and 3d works. In some of her pieces Livingston removes the sub-straight entirely: no canvas, no paper and no wood to support her paintings – just pure paint as in this piece above titled Folded Painting. Not to take away from her works on canvas that are very captivating and when seen with her “paint sculptures” they take on a new depth. She started creating 3d objects to inform her paintings and now has come full circle with the paintings becoming three dimensional objects. The show runs until December 24th.

Margie Livingston, Folded Painting Big 2009 - Greg Kucera Gallery

Margie Livingston, Paint Line 2009 - Greg Kucera Gallery

Margie Livingston, Turn Over 2009 Oil on canvas 30" x 22"

Greg Kucera Gallery

Another exhibition at the top of my "must see" list is A Concise History of Northwest Art at the Tacoma Art Museum. Many of the exhibition works are not featured on the museum website including my two favorite pieces in the show: Release the Sun, 1990–91 a multi panel piece by James Lavadour and Carl Morris’s Mountain Echo, 1955. The piece below is by Jeffery Simmons and is featured in this exciting show that runs until May 23, 2010. Well worth a visit!

Jeffery Simmons, Eulalia 1998, oil and alkyd on linen 52.5" x 46.5"

Tacoma Art Museum

Giving Thanks

Robert E. Marx. The Red Bishop, 2009.

Oil on linen. 20 x 16 inches. On display now at the Davidson Gallery

As the month comes to a close it means a new rotation of gallery artists will open for the First Thursday Art Walk next week. Before it comes down I highly recommend the November show at the Davidson Gallery featuring the work of Robert Marx. His work is fantastic and has a compelling naive quality to it. My Second Nature show also closes this Saturday so if you planned on seeing the exhibition you only have a few days remaining to see the entire show. Some of my favorite pieces sold so when the show comes down the paintings will be gone to their new homes. For updates on the gallery check out the new Pacini Lubel Gallery Blog.

Robert E. Marx. Shaman, 1986. Oil on linen. 34 x 26 inches.

Living in a state of gratitude is not always easy but this time of year when we are reminded to give thanks I am counting my blessings. These are some of the things that I am celebrating this holiday: I am grateful for my loving family, my dear friends, a warm safe home and the freedom to follow my own path. My best wishes to you and your families for a wonderful, enriching Thanksgiving holiday.

Lost Gems

Jadite - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

I was looking through my photos of the gems and discovered a few that I had not yet posted. The image above is one of the lost gems titled Jadeite. What I like is how quiet this painting is but when you examine it closely it has very complex layers. Some areas even appear to be floating and resemble fused glass. Below are a few more gallery images of the gems in groupings. It's been a great week in the studio and several more paintings from the show have sold. This means I'll have new work to share soon.

Gem Grid I - Gallery Installation

Gem Grid II - Gallery Installation

Pay It Forward

"She" - Felted wool sculpture by Robin E. Whiteman.

This year I have had the good fortune of steady art sales so I have decided to spread the “art love” if you will. I am calling it my Pay It Forward Program and every time I sell one of my own paintings I put a portion of my proceeds towards the purchase of another artist’s work. It’s one of those rare but wonderful Win/Win situations. I get to acquire a beautiful new piece of art and support the work of another artist too. The piece I am featuring today is this amazing felted form titled, She, by New York artist, Robin E. Whiteman. Everyone who comes into my home comments on this piece and seeing her just reminds me that we are all connected in some small way. Click here to visit her Etsy shop.

More images of She by Robin Whiteman

Grateful, Content & Inspired

Show title wall featuring Soloist

Pacini Lubel Gallery street view

Me posing with Sapphire Cove

Today I am feeling richly rewarded after several months of hard work. The opening of Second Nature was lovely and I want to say "Thank you!" to all the dear friends who came out on Thursday night to support me. I also want to extend a special thanks to those who traveled long distances to see the show and to those of you who have left me such kind comments here on my blog.

Gallery southeast view

Me posing with the gems.

Many of the little gems have already sold and there is a possible commission in the works. The Seattle Times also ran a blurb about the exhibition and featured an image of my work in the Arts section of the paper. So here I am feeling grateful, content and inspired. The studio beckons and I need to start preparing for my 2010 exhibitions. I will be participating in several group shows starting next spring and I have a solo show slated for July 2010 in Sun Valley at the Gilman Contemporary. I’ll continue to track my progress and share my discoveries here as I make my way through the next creative journey. Thank you for your continued interest and I hope you will always find some inspiration here.

gallery west view

Emerald Pond

Botanicals as a set.

Northeast gallery view.

Art Opening Tonight!

River Trio- encaustic w/mixed media 2009 - 36" x 36"

Tourmaline- encaustic w/mixed media 2009 - 24" x 72"

Well… it's finally here –Opening Night! Please join me at the Pacini Lubel Gallery for the opening of Second Nature. Tonight, Thursday, November 5th from 6 to 8 as part of the Seattle 1st Thursday gallery walk. This solo show features my most recent encaustic work. I have not seen the final installation so I will be experiencing the show for the first time tonight. Here’s what friend and fellow artist, Barbara Dunshee, posted to her blog about my work:

“I've recently been reintroduced to Alicia Tormey's work. I loved it before and her recent evolution is very exciting. Her new show, opening at Pacini Lubel Gallery November 5th, is called "Second Nature". A great title as her encaustics on wood are nature enhanced to a higher power. Her abstractions are landscape reminiscent but on varying planes of existence, simultaneously macro and micro. And simultaneously above and below water and sky and earth. Scale and place are wonderfully nebulous and I find myself hungrily searching each image for additional mind bending. And this is just from dropping into her studio while she was in progress. I'm eager to see the full body of work at the opening.”

Thank you Barbara! And thank you to those who have left me such encouraging comments. I really appreciate your support.

 

River Trio Detail- encaustic w/mixed media 2009 - 36" x 36"

Aquamarine- encaustic w/mixed media 2009 - 36" x 48"

Opal, Malachite & Water's Edge

Opal - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

Malachite Field -  20" x 30" encaustic w/mixed media 2009

I have enjoyed posting a daily gem these last few weeks leading up to the opening of my show. Thank you for following and to those who have left such generous and encouraging comments. For today’s post I am also including a few more of the larger works. There are several of these large paintings that will be featured in the Second Nature show but so much is lost when reducing them down to a post-it size preview. I am including some detail images so you can get a better feel for the work. The show opens tomorrow and runs until November 28th at the Pacini Lubel Gallery in Seattle. Please come by and introduce yourself if you are in the area. I will post more work from the show tomorrow

Water's Edge - encaustic w/mixed media 2009 36" x 48"

Water's Edge Detail 1

Water's Edge Detail 2

Corundum & Labradorite

Labradorite - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

 

Corundum - encaustic/w mixed media 2009

I am featuring two gems today: Corundum & Labradorite. Both stones reflect multiple colors. I think these two are good companion pieces as well. I am feeling the desire to paint today but it's not likely going to happen. I have too much going on with the opening on Thursday and guests arriving from out of town. I really feel it when I am away from the studio. Time spent creating helps keep me centered and I look forward to firing things up again after this crazy busy week. Tomorrow’s gem: Opal

Andalusite

Andalusite - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

This gem series piece is titled Andalusite, after the mineral known for its variations of green. I wanted to create a sense of intimacy in this by framing the view with delicate wisps of grass that I scratched into the surface. There are only a few days remaining now until the show opens this Thursday. It will be the first time all the work is displayed together instead of piled around my studio in various stages of completion. I will post two more gems tomorrow: Corundum and Labradorite

Serpentine

Serpentine - encausticx w/ mixed media 2009

This gem is titled Serpentine. The colors in this piece are reminiscent of the stone but I thought the plant form also suited this title. Yesterday I delivered the rest of the artwork to the gallery and the show will be installed on Tuesday. I am eager to see how it will all come together in the space. I will post lots of photos of the final installation in the coming weeks. Tomorrows gem: Andalusite

Botanica I

Botanica I - encaustic w / mixed media  2009

This is one of seven botanical works that will be featured in the Second Nature show along with the gems and landscapes. Below you can see how the paintings play off of each other. I imagine these as if you were to enter one of my larger landscapes and return with clippings and specimens for further study. Hard to believe the show opens in just 5 more days. I am looking forward to seeing dear friends and meeting new ones. Tomorrow I will post another gem: Serpentine

Botanical Specimens I, II & III as a grouping
Click on the art to view full images.

Amber

Amber - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

I chose to feature Amber as today’s gem. Below is a detail so you can see the under currents of this painting. There are many subtle layers to this piece that are not coming through in the photo. This painting easily jumps back and forth between the abstract and representational imagery. I will post new work from the botanical series tomorrow.

Detail from Amber

Jasper

Jasper - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

Today’s gem piece is titled Jasper and in doing my gem research I learned that jasper and agate are the same stone. This has the tones and translucency of an agate and someone told me they see a figure skating or running in it. I was hoping for an abstracted tree form and I love the playfulness of this piece. I’ll keep tomorrow’s posting a surprise – not sure if it will be a gem or a botanical or perhaps both.

Sapphire

Sapphire - encaustic w/ mixed media 2009

Today’s gem is Sapphire and the colors in this piece are very intense. The blue veining that runs through it has the appearance of colored glass. I find the vibrancy of this color pallet very energizing. Tomorrow’s gem: Jasper

Black Coral

Black Coral - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

Today’s gem series painting is titled Black Coral. Only nine days and nine gems until the show opens next week. Tomorrow’s gem: Sapphire

Fire Opal

Fire Opal – encaustic w/mixed media 2009

Fire opal is the featured painting today and the warm colors are speaking to me on this blustery Monday. This piece has a simple composition and much less going on in it than most of the other gems in the series. The simplicity creates a nice visual balance when paired with the other paintings. This week I deliver the remaining works to the gallery and the show will be hung early next week. Tomorrow’s gem: Black Coral

Emerald Pond

Emerald Pond – right panel detail from triptych - 24 x 72 - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

This is a detail from Emerald Pond, one of the four large triptychs that I created for my Second Nature show. See the full image below. Creating this piece was a unique challenge for me as I struggled to find the border between abstract and representational imagery. The chaos of it all is what brings this painting closer to nature rather than the subject matter. Looking at the painting as a thumbnail it seems quite literal but as you move in you can see the flow of the materials, the lines scratched in wax and the wild paint splatters. This is one of those paintings that inspire me to drop everything and walk into the scene. I am looking forward to experimenting with more work like this in the coming months. Tomorrows gem: Fire Opal.

Emerald Pond – triptych - 24" x 72" - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

Diopside

Diopside - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

The gem stone diopside is known for its bottle green color. The organic forms on the left of this painting look like green glass so diopside seemed like the perfect title for this piece. The show images are now posted to the Pacini Lubel Gallery website so you can view the entire show online. I am thrilled to report that several pieces have already sold. Tomorrow I will post some images from one of the larger works in the show.

Turquoise

Turquoise - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

The gem for today is Turquoise and it has the look of a real stone. The marbling and veining are exaggerated and combined with the depth and translucency of the wax, this piece really mimics the properties of natural minerals. I delivered some of the show paintings to the gallery today and I can’t believe the opening is less than two weeks away. Another gem tomorrow…

Botanica III

Botanica III - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

Making a departure from the gem series today, I am posting this image from my botanical series. These will also be featured in the November show along with the gems and abstracted landscapes. And like the other work, I created these plant forms as a group of companion pieces. They are my contemporary interpretation of vintage botanical prints. The plant forms themselves are purely fictional and I imagined them as pressings and renderings from the archives of an 18th century botanist.

Image: Hero - Barbara Dunshee - Ceramic 2009

Today I also wanted to direct you over to the blog of ceramic artist, Barbara Dunshee. She has written up an amazing and lyrical blog post about my new work. While you’re there check out her enchanting ceramic work. I especially love her haunting face sculptures and whimsical vessels. I have been lusting after this sculpture titled ,Hero, for months now. Barbara is the ceramic artist who so graciously assisted me with my experimental ceramic forms. I'll share more images of her work and the ceramic forms in a later post.

Amethyst - encaustic w/ mixed media 2009

Today’s gem is Amethyst. When I look at this piece there is a subtle romantic quality to it that speaks to me. Many of these gem pieces are more like studies for what will become much larger versions of them in the future. I am going to recreate this image as a 24” x 24” panel. I have a few of these large panels started already and they are waiting for me to return to the studio. Hope I can get some studio time in soon. I am still busy with the other side of things today. I will post an image from the botanical series tomorrow.

Jade Tree - encaustic w/mixed media - 2009

Jade Tree is today’s installment from the Gem Series. The splattered tree form really pushes this one into a more abstracted realm. In this recent work I am attempting to combine abstraction with representational images all while wrestling with this process driven media. It’s quite the journey and I often know where I want to be but have no idea how I am going to get there. I play this cat-and-mouse kind of game with the medium as the imagery fades in and out until finally it all makes sense. Today I am feeling the desire to paint but have to attend to the business side of being an artist. Another little gem tomorrow…

Lapis

Lapis - encaustic w/mixed media 2009

Today’s gem is Lapis. This color pallet is more intense than I typically use. The original is quite vibrant and this whole series has sparked several new directions and techniques for me. If I were not so preoccupied with all the preshow prep I would race back into the studio right now to keep pushing these and see where they take me. I have another solo exhibition in Sun Valley slated for July 2010 so I will be starting new work next month in preparation. For now it’s time for me to step back and examine this new series and take in the visual dialogue. Tomorrows gem: Jade Tree

Onyx

Onyx - encaustic w/mixed media - 2009

The countdown continues with this piece titled, Onyx. As I was working on this gem series I was seeing each smaller painting as part of a larger whole. The same way you might examine an individual bead of precious stone before combining it with others to create something new. Once the work is hung for the show I will post some installation photos so you can see how they work together. Still framing up the artwork all this week and will post a new image tomorrow!

Topaz

Topaz - Encaustic w/mixed media 2009

Here’s another little gem to share with you. The actual painting looks a lot more golden- yellow in person. This is another piece I would like to keep for my own collection but it will go up for sale with the rest of the show next month. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of the work after living with it so intimately and watching it evolve. “There will be others.” I tell myself. More tomorrow…

Botanica II

Botanica II - Encaustic w/ mixed media 2009

I posted an in-progress photo of this painting back in August and this is how the final piece turned out. I created a small series of these otherworldly botanicals that will be part of my solo exhibition. I look forward to exploring more work in this direction when I get back in the studio. For now I am taking a much needed break. I will post a new painting image tomorrow.

Tiger's-Eye

Tiger's- Eye - Encaustic w/mixed media 2009

This is one of my favorite paintings from the gem series. I’ll try to post a new one every day now as I countdown to my opening on November 5th. There will be a total of 38 new encaustic works on display next month at the Pacini Lubel Gallery so please come by and say hello. Gallery openings are such a stark contrast to the months of solitary studio time leading up to them. More thoughts tomorrow...

Garnet Vista - In Progress

Detail from Garnet Vista - encaustic w/ mixed media

This is a detail from Garnet Vista – (see full painting below). This is one of the 4 large triptychs that will be featured in my solo show. Still working on the final detail layers of this painting. It seems like the longest stretch when the work is this close to completion and there is no room for experimentation or error. Back to the studio…stay tuned.

Garnet Vista - 72 x 24 - encaustic w/mixed media

Discovering Treasure

Geode 2009 - Alicia Tormey - Encaustic w/mixed media . 8" x 8"

This is one of the small gem series paintings titled Geode. These little “gems” are evolving into some really unique work. So far I have created twenty of these small panels for my November show and I want to keep expanding on this series in the future. The larger panels for the show are starting to fall into place now and all the work together as a group takes on a whole new life of its own. This show will be somewhat of a departure for me with works ranging in size from 8" up to 6ft and a wide range of hard candy colors. I still have some final push days to put in at the studio before this body of work is complete. For the first time in a long while I feel a sense of evolution in the work itself and it makes me feel very inspired and filled with anticipation of discoveries yet to unfold. More to share so stay tuned...

Gem Series

Painting detail from the Gem Series

As part of my upcoming solo show I created this grouping I call the Gem Series. They are small, only 8” x 8”, but there will be about 20 of them and each one will be finished in a deep profile black frame. I am hoping they will have a big visual impact as a group. These photos show them in various stages of completion and I plan to add some wispy botanical elements to each one. I am wrapping up some large 72” x 24” landscapes today and navigating around the studio has been a challenge for me with all these large paintings in the works. I love working large so I may have to get a larger studio space. The final art for my November show will be selected next week and then I will frame and photograph everything and post more sneak peeks in the coming weeks.

Studio shot of encaustic "Gems" in progress.

Studio shot of two large encaustic triptych landscapes in progress.

The Great Art Party 2009

Metaphor - Alicia Tormey 2007  Encaustic w/ mixed media 12" x 16"

Floating Bridge Press Donation 2009

The Great Art Party is being held this Saturday, September 12th at the Renaissance Hotel in Seattle. I donated this small encaustic painting to help raise funds for the Floating Bridge Press. This is a unique auction concept for an arts fund raiser. They have different ticket purchase levels starting at 100. Then they draw numbers and you select the piece of art you want based on this lottery system. It’s a great deal. For instance, the painting I donated is valued at 500 and the cost to participate in this "lottery" section is only 300. All proceeds will benefit the Floating Bridge Press Endowment Fund, assuring the press a healthy financial future. Founded in 1994, Floating Bridge Press produces its annual Poetry Chapbook Award, publishes The Floating Bridge Review literary journal and produces state-wide poetry readings: http://www.scn.org/floatingbridge/
This is in keeping with my motto – "Artists Supporting the Arts!" See you there!

Art Tech

Unglazed porcelain form - 2009 - work in progress

This is a form before I began to work on it – just the way it came out of the kiln. The pieces look so raw and simple this way. I love the look and feel of unglazed porcelain. I should have the art for the show wrapped up in the next couple of weeks so I can begin photographing it. It is so exciting for me as an artist to combine the use of encaustic with a new material. Please mark your calendars for the show opening in Seattle on November 5th, 2009, at the Pacini Lubel Gallery.

Summer Dance Detail - Encaustic w/ Mixed Media 2009

I have had several inquiries regarding my process used to create this painting - Summer Dance -2009. I just found out that it has been sold so it reminded me to comment before the memory fades. This painting is encaustic with a monotype collage element and mixed media. I started with a gessoed panel (*please see my additional comment on the gesso) and layered in some tones around the edges with pigment sticks and ink. Then I brushed down a couple layers of wax to prime the surface and embedded one of my mono print images of a blue leafy branch near the center. More wax layers were then built up and distressed around it. I then painted and scratched in the foreground branch with encaustic and oil and I used a Bernzomatic torch throughout to fuse all my layers.

*I have been experimenting with the new encaustic gesso from R & F. My summation is: that unless you are working on a dark surface or doing extensive under-painting with mediums other than encaustic, it seams a bit unnecessary to gesso. I was hoping it would give me a smoother surface but it really only added an additional step to an already labor intensive process. However, I could see the benefit of this step if you wanted to paint a detailed under-painting image on the gesso first in a medium that’s compatible with encaustic such as oils.

I hope you find this informative and I will post more observations on the gesso as I work with it in the studio. If anyone has tips on working with gesso as well as hints for taking successful photos of encaustic art please share them here!

Über Art

Ah Xian - Cloisonné Bust

The Bellevue Art Museum is currently featuring a show titled, Über Portrait, so I took a day off from the studio this week to see some art and recharge my creative batteries. One of the most compelling works was by artist, Ledelle Moe, (still waiting for a photo image of Moe's work) who creates concrete head forms and sculptures on an enormous scale. Her piece featured in this show is bigger than a VW bug. Click here to visit her website and see amazing sculptures from Ledelle Moe.

Portrait of Madam C.J. Walker by Sonya Clark - Black Plastic Hair Combs

Another large scale piece that impressed me is this portrait by Sonya Clark. It’s made entirely from black plastic hair combs. Fitting material I'd say for a portrait of Madam C.J. Walker. She made her fortune in the hair care and beauty products industry and was the first black woman to become a millionaire.

Sound Suits by Nick Cave - Foreground suit is made entirely of buttons and an abacus face mask

and the back right suit is made out of handbags.

And I can not forget the “Sound Suits” from Nick Cave. These are meticulously constructed “suits” that make there own unique sounds as the wearer swishes back and forth in them. The BAM has a video clip that plays on a loop showing a wide range of Cave’s work in motion. There are only three suites on display so I was a little disappointed but the details on them are amazing with lots of hand sewn embellishments.

If you want to see the suits in action visit this clip: Nick Cave on YouTube.

On the second floor of the BAM is a lovely exhibit of Judy Hill’s work called The Self Transparent, from the Collection of Driek and Michael Zirinsky. Hill combines cast glass and ceramic to create autobiographical figures.

Judy Hill, Sour Grapes, 1994 - Kiln cast glass and raku ceramic 22.5 x 7.5 x 4.5 in. Photo: Harold Wood

And artist Michael Peterson takes wood carving to the sublime with his show Evolution / Revolution. He makes his wood sculptures look like they are made from paper or ceramic.

Michael Peterson , Coastal Stack V, 2008 - 46” x 34” x 30” -  Carved, sandblasted, bleached, pigmented wood.

Collection of the Artist - Photo: Rex Rystedt

The Über Portrait show runs June 16 thru October 18 2009

Judy Hill - The Self Transparent runs May 19 to Jan 3, 2010

Michael Peterson’s Evolution / Revolution runs April 9 thru September 20, 2009

Hope you get the chance to see some of these talented artists work!

New Works In Progress

Detail from work in progress - full image below

I have been going nonstop in the studio preparing for my November show and the work is coming along nicely. The images I am posting here are all works in progress and will likely be unrecognizable by the time I am done with them. I want to scratch, splatter and distress them a bit but I love it when they are at this unadulterated zen stage.

Not yet titled - work in progress - encaustic - 20" x 24"

Not yet titled - work in progress

My solo show will feature encaustic works, mixed media on canvas and,for the first time, some porcelain works that tie in with the paintings. The ceramics are being fired now so if all goes well in these early stages I will included them – fingers crossed. I am so excited to be expanding into a new medium – scary but thrilling.

Not yet titled triptych - encaustic w/mixed media- 24" x 72"

Detail from above landscape

The jury is still out on this one ?

Supporting The Arts

PONCHO auction donation:

Dream of the Cynara Cardunculus 2009 - Encaustic w/ mixed media 24 x 24

This fall is the PONCHO Annual Invitational Fine Art Auction, Grow Art. It’s a big deal here in the Northwest and an honor to have my work included among the regions top talent. Last week was the preview party just for donating artists and it was held at the Western Bridge in Seattle. It’s a contemporary warehouse exhibition space designed by Roy McMakin and where you'll find the work of a few hundred artists on display salon style.

Public viewing hours: Thursday through Saturday, August 20-22, 12:00PM to 6:00PM. Please visit http://www.poncho.org/artauction.shtml for more information. The art will go up for auction at the gala event, Grow Art, Saturday, October 3, at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel.- for ticket information and a full list of contributing artists click here.

This piece was donated by Marita Dingus.
Her work is available at the Francine Seders Gallery.

If artists don’t step up and support the arts than who will? That’s the question I ask myself whenever I am invited to contribute to an arts related charity. While I can’t donate to them all I try to help whenever possible.

Art & Meaning

Detail from Evolution - Encaustic w/ mixed media 2008

Today my work is featured on the Treffinger Daily blog as part of the Art & Meaning project. Katherine Treffinger is the artist behind the concept where she invites artists of all disciplines to share their thoughts on what making art means to them along with an image of their work. It’s a great concept and a wonderful opportunity to get inside the heads of some really talented artists. What would your answer be to the question: What does creating art mean to you? Thanks Katherine for inviting me to participate. Check it out here.

Seattle Art Scene

Last Thursday was the downtown Seattle Art Walk. The dry, mid summer evening was perfect for taking in the local art scene. In the above photo, ceramic artist, Carol Gouthro, stands next to her piece titled Ripe #14. On display as part of a group show at the Pacini Lubel Gallery Scroll down to see additional images of Carol's work.

This group show features work from many of the gallery's amazing artists and I am humbled by the level of talent and quality of work represented. Here are some highlights from the evening... I have a few new paintings up in this show too.

Sanctuary, Alicia Tormey 2009 - Encaustic w/mixed media - 16 x 60

First Light, Alicia Tormey 2008 - Encaustic w/mixed media

Artist, Danielle Bodine, with a few of her mixed media pieces.


More Works by Danielle .......

Tall Transport Ginko Venture by Danielle Bodine

Mixed Media piece by Danielle Bodine

To see additional images of her work click here.

More work from Carol Gouthro...

Details from Carol Gouthro's Ripe #14

Ripe #4 - Carol Gouthro (my personal favorite)

Ripe #3 - Carol Gouthro - ceramic

To see more works by Carol Gouthro click here.

One of the most interesting shows of the night was a two person show at the Shift Collaborative Studio gallery in the TK Arts building.
Artists, Rickie Wolfe and Kamla Kakaria, have come together to create a small but compelling exhibition. It’s worth a look if you have the chance.

Artist, Rickie Wolfe, among her work at the opening of Call and Response

Another show that stands out in my mind is at the Grover Thurston Gallery where they are featuring the work of John Randall Nelson and Marianne Pulfer. I love the naive folk art style of Nelson's paintings but what really makes them interesting is the scale – the actual size of the painting below is 60” x 60”

Falsely Innocent by John Randall Nelson - on display at Grover Thurston

I find it reassuring to see the arts flourishing and buzzing with such intensity. In spite of the economy and really, in spite of most things, art for art’s sake is alive and well in Seattle!

Print Magic

Trio - Alicia Tormey - Monotype Collage - 2009


Orange Branch - Alicia Tormey - Monotype - 2009

These are a few of my favorite prints from the Mary Margaret Briggs workshop I attended in March. They make magnificent collage elements but I also like the quiet beauty and simplicity of the prints alone.

Ghost - Alicia Tormey - Monotype - 2009

The print above is a ghost image left on the plate after the first pass through the press. I find these residual images so much more interesting than the first pass images. This technique offers some wonderful layering possibilities. I am experimenting with incorporating the printed images into my encaustic work. This piece titled Summer Dance is my first attempt at mixing the monotypes with encaustic. I’ll post more results as the work emerges.

Summer Dance - Alicia Tormey - Encaustic w/Monotype Collage - 2009

Available for purchase through the Gilman Contemporary art gallery.

Rediscovering Inspiration

I was recently reminded about the artwork of film director, David Lynch. He identified himself as a painter long before he began creating with film. I find his art to be beautifully dark and compelling, much like his movies, but it's his philosophies about creativity that I find most inspiring. Lynch's celebration of ideas and his honoring of all the "accidents" that occur during the process of creation may help explain why he is such an artistic phenomenon. For instance, when an ill fated moth landed on a wet canvas he allowed the impression to remain in the paint as a detail in the work. Here’s an excerpt from an interview with Paul Young.

David Lynch:
"What I'm trying to do with each canvas is create a situation in which the paint can be itself, which means letting go of any rationalization. It's important to let ideas blossom without too much judging or interference. The beauty of children is their ability to look at the world openly, without being bound by the intellect. Your intellect can hold back so many wonderful, fantastic things. Without logic or reason, there's always something else, something unseen. The world is infinite rather than finite.

"I never end up with what I set out to do. Whether it's a film or a painting, I always start with a script, but I don't ever follow it all the way through to the end. A lot more happens when you open yourself up to the work and let yourself act and react to it. Every work 'talks' to you, and if you listen to it, it will take you places you never dreamed of. It's this interaction that makes the work richer.
"One of the reasons I prefer painting in black and white, or almost in black and white, is that if you have some shadow or darkness in the frame, then your mind can travel in there and dream. In general, color is a little too real. It's too close. It doesn't make you dream much. If everything is visible, and there's too much light, the thing is what it is, but it isn't any more than that.
"I hate slick and pretty things. I prefer mistakes and accidents. Which is why I like things like cuts and bruises – they're like little flowers. I've always said that if you have a name for something, like 'cut' or 'bruise,' people will automatically be disturbed by it. But when you see the same thing in nature, and you don't know what it is, it can be very beautiful."

To see more art from David Lynch visit:
http://www.thecityofabsurdity.com/
This interview video is very inspiring: http://www.finecut.com/lynch.html

The Odyssey

Ethereal I is on display now at the Gilman Contemporary

I have had a lengthy absence from my blog so I feel a brief explanation is in order. Back in March my dishwasher sprang a BIG leak and flooded our entire kitchen and the room below it. The water damage resulted in a sudden and dramatic lifestyle change for me and my family. My paint studio and office became our temporary kitchen and living quarters putting a damper on my ability to paint (and blog). Although I did manage a few therapeutic retreats into the studio, all my energies for the last few months have gone into reinventing our kitchen space and living area.

Before…

This was our kitchen days after the flood. The big blue machines are dehumidifiers.

After….

I chose this marble slab for the island because it looks like an encaustic painting.

We are loving the new spaces that emerged from the ruins and it blows my mind whenever I walk in and see the transformation. Life is slowly returning to its natural rhythm here now and just in time for summer!

So… let’s catch up on some arty tidbits and creative adventures that have occurred over the last few months…

In February the Arty Girls team and I experimented with gelatin prints – It was great fun to be in such creative company and some interesting bits of art emerged from our day of mess making. The gelatin “printing plates” were made from batches of condensed unflavored gelatin. The consistency is firm but squishy, giggly and fleshy. It was a very satisfying feeling just rubbing my hands over it with acrylic paint. Like the scene from the movie, Amelie, where she plunges her hand into the barrel of dried beans just for the sensation of it.

Colleen G. and Colleen M. making gelatin prints.

Sheets of firm gelatin "inked" up with acrylic paint.

At the beginning of March my dear friend Colleen G. and I escaped to the island of Vashon for a weekend of print making in the studio of Mary Margaret Briggs. Her prints are very graphic and compelling and I highly recommend this workshop. We used botanical clippings from her garden and ran them through a printing press with various colors of ink. The results were surprising and magical. It made me want to set up a press of my own. Stay tuned for a later posting of my prints from this workshop. Mary Margaret is a lovely and interesting woman and a very generous instructor. Visit her site to learn more: http://www.marymargaretbriggs.com/

Mary Margaret Briggs - Stems II - 24" x 24"

Mary Margaret Briggs - Artichoke Leaves I & II- 16 x 40

Also in March... my work was accepted into two exhibitions. The first show was at the Hayden Art Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the exhibition was titled Metamorphosis: Contemporary Statements in Encaustic. My work was also featured in the 4th Annual Encaustic Invitational at the Conrad Wilde Gallery in Tucson, Arizona. Such an honor and a thrill for me as an artist to be invited to participate in these shows.

Detail from Altered Slumber featured in the Metamorphosis show

Detail from Alchemy featured in the 4th Annual Encaustic Invitational show

In May I co-sponsored a solo show /fundraiser with the Gilman Contemporary . The show was for the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley. The work was featured at the Starbucks cafe in Ketchum/Sun Valley, Idaho and proceeds went to benefit the shelter.

This little darling was recently rescued from the shelter by my very own brother and her name is Petey. What a sweetie petey pie!

A few more art-for-a-cause events took place in May. I donated this painting to the Pratt Annual Juried Art Auction in Seattle. This painting found a loving new home and helped raise funds for programs sponsored by the Pratt Fine Art Center.

Evening Tide - Encaustic w/ mixed media - Pratt Auction donation piece.

Now through June I will have work up at the Gilman Contemporary and a painting featured in the Intiman Theater's annual fundraiser.

Afternoon Breeze - Intiman Theater fundraiser donation

Wistful I & II at the Gilman Contemporary

Well..this is a long blog post and I still have many more images to share once my other computer gets set up again. For now I am wishing everyone a blissful, happy summer!

4th Annual Encaustic Invitational.

Alchemy 2008 - encaustic with mixed media - 24" x 24"

I am honored to announce my acceptance into the 4th Annual Encaustic Invitational for 2009. The show is hosted by the Conrad Wilde Gallery in Tucson, Arizona and runs March 7 – 28. I will have two pieces in the show including the painting above titled , Alchemy. I also learned today that my work has been accepted into another juried encaustic show sponsored by the Haydon Art Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. What an encouraging start in this year of the Ox. Needless to say, I am feeling very inspired and hopeful at the moment. I am hosting a little print workshop in my studio next weekend so It's time for some Spring cleaning before I can receive visitors. I'll post some images of the studio and new work soon.

Optimistic 09

It’s a brand New Year and 2009 sounds so futuristic to me. I feel very optimistic about what lies ahead this year despite the dire economic predictions. I have a solo show slated for November at the Pacini Lubel Gallery and several more group exhibitions throughout the year. At the very least it will be a productive and creative 12 months.

I posted the photo above because the number nine ties into the year of 09 so neatly. I did this painting several years ago but it is uncanny how it has predicted the year ahead. I have been focused on the pod and cocoon forms and they will be featured prominently in much of my new work.

The cocoon dress forms I mentioned in my last post are evolving into some really interesting pieces. I am working on these today and will post some of my results this week.

Wishing you all a PEACEFUL, PROSPEROUS and INSPIRING New Year!

Winter, Wax & Wire

This is the pre Christmas update from snowbound Seattle. Today was the first day in a week we could drive out of our neighborhood. We have a lot of steep and snow-covered roads so it makes for some scary navigation when they are icy. We are expecting another storm tonight so we are stocking up supplies for the next winter blast. All this means I can spend more time creating and not feel guilty about time away from family and friends this holiday season.

Blue Cocoon in the rough stage

Cocoon twins in early progress

Here are a few progress pictures from my cocoon dress project. These are still in the rough stages but I plan on thinning them down a bit more and covering the surface in layers of wax. I hope the power does not go out so I can keep my wax pots hot.

I also wanted to include some of my wire doodles that I mentioned earlier. Some people knit by the fireside and I doodle with wire. The dice are from my husbands’ D & D set from childhood, the beads are prayer beads from a friend and the yellow piece is a super ball. I some times give these as little hostess gifts when we are invited over to our friend’s homes for dinner. For now I am enjoying them as holiday decorations.

Hibernation

Yes the snow is here, our roads are closed and I have been happily locked away in the studio. I have been working on some three dimensional sculpture pieces and this is a concept sketch for one of them. The materials used are unprimed Belgian linen, encaustic, oil and twine. Still working out the kinks on the actual forms but loving the metaphorical themes of these cocoon dresses. I think my creative hibernation has influenced the subject matter here. I’ll post the finished dresses with an articulated statement when everything has had an opportunity to crystallize.