White Oak Studio

I received good news in the mail today!

One of my two handmade paper on canvas artwork pieces was accepted into the 2007 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Area Show. www.kiarts.org I submitted two pieces, but typically this show is so overloaded with submissions, they typically choose just one per artist. I am doubly excited as this is the first time that my current type of work will be exhibited in Kalamazoo. And, more exposure equates more sales!!

My secondary goal is to win the $100.oo prize given by the Handmade Paper Guild of Kalamazoo. To my knowledge no one else is working in my style - original photograph image transfer on handmade paper on canvas. It is my hope that the uniqueness and originality of this style will be recognized by Guild members and consequently by the local arts community.

If you wish to see a jpeg of the piece accepted that was acepted go to http://whiteoakstudioandgallery.aftosawebhosting.com/, go to “Gallery” page 1, to item #10, “Nature’s Symetry.” I (I am unable to place that image here since I have already reached my limit.)

“oday I completed the mosiac birdbath project. I have been studying this winter with the mosiac master, Marti Bosma ttp://www.bradmack.com/martworketc/bio.html

The first time we outed it, we made a mistake accidently using custom colored unsanded grout. The bottom layer of grout, was very pitted and had many cracks in it. Not at all satisfactory!

Recognizing our mistake we regrouted the birdbath with custom colored “sanded” grout. After this grout dried I put on three layers of sealant. It is done.

Now I have to figure out what to do with this birdbath? I already have five birdbaths in the garden (and certainly don’t need another one) so perhaps I will sell it at one of my outlet galleries? I did buy a glass top to make it into a “porch table.” It is quite elegant looking with old mirrors and blue and white china with a peach colored grout.

Custom Grout Recipe:

• 1 part unsanded antique white grout
• 1 part acrylic tile admix
• 1 part colorant

I have enjoyed learning this new skill and especially love the ability to recycle old dishes, marbles, stones, glass, tiles and so on. This type of medium is also very forgiving - it does not have to look perfect to look good.

Today I finished a series of petite 5″ X 5″ thick canvas’s. I could only purchase five of them the last time I was shopping for canvas. The smaller canvas’s are quite expensive - almost thee times more expensive than the large sizes. Why is it we always pay more for less?

The work is similar in overall design to what I created during the past two years, handmade papers embellished with pressed leaves. I made three 5′ X 5″ to be hung “square” and two to be hung on end, as a “diamond” shape. Once again I am “testing” the market. Last summer when I tested the market with square  9,” 8 X 8″ canvas’s, they sold quite quickly. I made 9 total and only 1 remains.

I used a white on white paper background with tans and white flecked papers in layers on top. Each had a pressed leaf as its major design.

It remains to be seem whether it was the actual “designs” or the lower price point.

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