Violin as Visual Art

Isn't it great when you get to benefit something you love by doing something you love? Classical music inspires me and I love violins — the way they sound and their sculptural form (you may have noticed that they frequently show up in my artwork). So when I was one of 24 artists invited to paint a violin to be auctioned to raise money for the Utah Symphony I said “Yes!” They gave me a violin that was no longer good for making music. I sanded it, painted it white with gesso and began my creative brainstorming. I wanted to create something colorful, cheerful, and harmonious with the shape of the violin.

My idea came to me out of the studio so I sketched it on the back of an envelope, then at the studio I refined my sketch and made some color studies. I did the drawing actual size and transfered it onto the violin.

It was a little challenging painting on an object that has no flat surfaces.
I covered the instrument with birds, flowers, vine leaves and even insects on the sides, so I decided to call my violin “Summertime".

The violins were on display in various galleries and at Abravanel Hall before each symphony concert starting in December and ending at the Utah Symphony Guild’s fundraising auction event called “Heart Strings” that culminated on Valentine’s Day. All of the proceeds from the auction benefit the Utah Symphony and its outreach programs. I heard the event was a big success and raised lots of money...that's music to my ears.

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.