Beautiful Blend in Animation

I recently saw an inspiring and beautiful performance by the award-winning animator Miwa Matreyek at the Salt Lake Art Center’s “New Frontier” exhibition in conjunction with the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Miwa performs behind a large screen where her own shadow silhouette beautifully combines and interacts live with the projected animation of her wonderfully illustrated environment. You can see excerpts from the performance “Myth and Infrastructure” on vimeo and learn more about this fascinating artist on her website. I particularly loved the part where she becomes an island with fish swimming around her, and a camp is set up on her back, and birds swoop down to capture fish out of the sea. I found it enchanting and wanted to share it here with you.

“New Frontier” is an intriguing exhibition that runs until March 25 highlighting multimedia work that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and the moving image where film, art and new technologies converge.

Expanding Possibilities

At the beginning of a new year the sense of possibility is potent. You and I know that if you focus your attention you can create something new or change what isn't working. I like to set goals for myself each year, and these past few years I find I do better when I track them. I usually improve when I follow my progress until a change I want to make becomes a habit or routine. I have a specific and detailed list, but basically my main goals for this year are to grow my body of work by painting more and creating more of my personal illustrations, to learn more, to expand my audience, to connect and share more (hence more blog posts). Also to earn more and be more organized. So hopefully by the end of this year I will BE more. Since anything is truly possible if you focus your attention and effort on it, barring any major obstacles, I am enthusiastic about the days, weeks and months ahead and will track my progress. As my dear friend Emilie always said when we would raise our glass to toast, "Here's to more!"

The image above is my painting "Possibility" 18 x 12 acrylic on plywood

Merry Christmas Day!

Best wishes for a day of joyous good times and some lovely moments of peace as well!

Candlelight & Cheer

There are two ways of spreading light;
to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
~Edith Wharton

This season of festivities and parties with friends and family is a time for joyous laughter, warm conversation and memorable times. Cheers to all of that and to letting your light shine.

The illustration above is one I created for an architectural firm's holiday card.

Holiday Soirée

'Tis the season for holiday events! Above is the illustration I created for TriFecTa, a floral, events and gift shop. It was their annual holiday event this past weekend. I featured elements that make a home festive for the holidays in the creation of the image--amaryllis, trees and greenery, gifts, decorative birds (they bring good luck to your home), and the warmth of candlelight.

Art at the YWCA

This week our local YWCA celebrated the completion of a new building, the "McCarthy Residence" as part of their "Campus of Caring", to house women and children seeking refuge from domestic violence. I am happy that two pieces of my art were selected for their wonderful new space. Special thanks to Lyndsie and Lisa of Alpine Art for facilitating this purchase. The images above, "Twilight" and "Dreamer", are 18" x 24" archival giclée prints of my original gouache paintings. Please feel free to contact me if you would like one of these prints. I have limited the edition to ten prints, each hand signed by me. I hope the images of my art contribute a peaceful and congenial atmosphere to the residents there.

Harvest Moon & Autumn Apples

This rare Harvest moon falls on the day of the autumn equinox, which won't occur again until 2029! It ushers in both the official start of fall and an abundance of apples fresh from the orchards to farmers markets and grocer's bins. Above is my artwork (available as a limited edition print) inspired by the crisp air and crisp apples of this wonderful season. I've invited my friend the cookbook author Marguerite Henderson to share her delicious recipe below -- a sneak peek from her upcoming dessert book, Small Sweet Indulgences, scheduled for release next fall, 2011. I hope you enjoy my art, apples and autumn with tonight's radiant full moon!

APPLE AND PEAR CARAMEL CRUMBLE

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 D’Anjou pears, peeled and thinly sliced
juice and zest of 1 lemon
¾ cup brown sugar
3 T. butter, cut into small pieces
2 T. cornstarch
1 tsp. kosher salt

Combine all ingredients in a bowl; place in a 13” x 9” ceramic or decorative baking dish.

Crumble Topping:

1 cup flour
1 cup quick cooking oats
4 T. butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

In a bowl, combine all ingredients and crumble with your hands to make sure it is well mixed. Pour over the prepared fruits. Bake in preheated 375o oven for 45 -50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serves 8.
NOTE: Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.