The Art Blog

If you love shoes, art and design you won't want to miss this inspiring exhibition Beth Levine: First Lady of Shoes   opening today at the Bellevue Art Museum . Here's a blurb from the museum's show announcemet: Be the first to see the work of one of the world's most influential shoe designers. Rising from shoe model (she was a size 4!) to award-winning designer, Beth Levine popularized high fashion mules, stilettos and boots, including Nancy Sinatra's white go-go boots from "These Boots Were Made for Walkin'." Now, Levine's unbridled energy and creativity come to life at BAM, the ONLY U.S. venue to showcase this fascinating exhibition. In the book, Beth Levine Shoes by Helen Verin you can see an amazing portfolio of her designs and the BAM show runs until June 6, 2010. I am going to pop in on this exhibition when I need an inspirational boost. Images from top to bottom: The Kabuki, Full Body Shoe and Paper Twist designs by Levine.

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 Sculpture...

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…

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.

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,...

  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 Barb...

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.