 I finished up my August series...and I plan on going back into my blog and adding some of the fun things that have happened since my last post on 8/22 (...its really for my own documentation...) But in the meantime, I did want to mention a few pieces specifically.  I finished up my 'alphabet of affirmation words'...and then Hurricane Harvey hit...and devastated Houston, Texas and the surrounding area. Every news outlet was showing pictures of the flood victims...and the rain just wouldn't let up. I guess I have family in Texas. Momma said that my biological father has family near Dallas, some other cities, too. I guess I met them when I was a baby but I don't remember. I have driven through Texas on our cross country travels, spent some time in San Antonio and most recently, Austin. And I have met some great folks from Texas, many of my 'cheer fam'. John's cousin, his wife and daughter also live there- in the Houston area. But even if I didn't have my own ties to Texas, however loose, the images I saw of the flooding pulled at my heart strings. So I did what works for me- I made some art, using the colors and some of the elements of the Texas flag, wrote some positive thoughts on the pieces and put out a prayer for all those in distress.
My last piece of the series is meant to kind of sum up everything. I found a quote by Mother Teresa that basically spoke to my intention behind the works I made this month; “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” |
A heartfelt THANK YOU to my students...I missed all of you, but I am glad you got a chance to watch the eclipse...and you gave me the gift of TIME. I worked on lesson plans, short/long term planning, msc. cleaning and organization in the art room...and this; |  |
Under structure is scrap paper/newspaper and plastic bags. Top is cut, melted and painted plastic bottles...this is a 'temporary dress installation' and will be taken apart to become a Chihuly-inspired chandelier
Let's overlook the fact that it is August 19th and I am FINALLY sitting down to do a brief introduction of my August 2017 series...yep, no big deal...just nineteen days overdue...yikes!
These are my two excuses;
Excuse 1, Sick Scooter: I came back from my residency with a week left of summer, and I wasn't sure if that was gonna be this cat's last week here with us. Scooter is getting a little better every day, but his kidneys really took a hit, bless his lil' furry heart! John and I have to give him fluids every day but he is getting around, and eating, and acting almost like his old self so that's about all we could ask for. I am thankful to have this fourteen year-old furball (and his brother) still with us!
Excuse 2, Back to School: Well...summer can't last forever, I reckon! It's back work mode...year four at Lake Worth High School and I am excited! My colleague, Brent, and I both had a productive pre-school and first week back and we're looking forward to collaborating on some fun things for our students this year. I get to teach the AP and Portfolio students this year in addition to my 3D classes so I can't wait...and ya'll KNOW I am looking forward to more RECYCLED FASHION with my Fashion Club! Yay!
So now...lemme introduce my August 2017 series....
Excuse 2, Back to School: Well...summer can't last forever, I reckon! It's back work mode...year four at Lake Worth High School and I am excited! My colleague, Brent, and I both had a productive pre-school and first week back and we're looking forward to collaborating on some fun things for our students this year. I get to teach the AP and Portfolio students this year in addition to my 3D classes so I can't wait...and ya'll KNOW I am looking forward to more RECYCLED FASHION with my Fashion Club! Yay!
So now...lemme introduce my August 2017 series....
Wait! First, here are some themes from the month of August 2012-2017 just for fun;
August 2012, theme was 'shadows'...quickly morphed into a butterfly invasion!
August 2013, theme was 'cycle'...went through a kinda chaotic, and stressful time
August 2014, theme was 'Frida Kahlo'...one of my fav artists! #FridaArtJLG
August 2015, theme was 'hats'...worked in mixed media #ManyHatsJLG
August 2016, theme was 'Shrinky Dinks', remember those? #ShrinkArtJLG
August 2013, theme was 'cycle'...went through a kinda chaotic, and stressful time
August 2014, theme was 'Frida Kahlo'...one of my fav artists! #FridaArtJLG
August 2015, theme was 'hats'...worked in mixed media #ManyHatsJLG
August 2016, theme was 'Shrinky Dinks', remember those? #ShrinkArtJLG
NOTE: The entire month for each theme is viewable via the link...and if you check out the blog for each August you can see TONS of behind the scenes happenings...so I won't go into each one since it's already here on the blog.
Oh, August. One thing is for sure, August is always a busy month. It's the end of summer and beginning of the new school year, the final chance for last minute travels. In the past two years for the month of August I have 'played' a bit more, taking a break from the more intensive themes like 'Frida', which required some research and more planning...yep, I just had fun. My hat series was all collage and mixed media, more stylized and the shrink art series was something brand new to me...well, as an adult! I like that every August is so different.
Oh, August. One thing is for sure, August is always a busy month. It's the end of summer and beginning of the new school year, the final chance for last minute travels. In the past two years for the month of August I have 'played' a bit more, taking a break from the more intensive themes like 'Frida', which required some research and more planning...yep, I just had fun. My hat series was all collage and mixed media, more stylized and the shrink art series was something brand new to me...well, as an adult! I like that every August is so different.
The theme for this month is positive words, #AugustAffirmationsJLG
To prepare, I wrote out the alphabet and then created a short list of words with positive connotation, even if just to me. There is no rhyme or reason as to the grammatical form/function- just as long as it makes me feel positive. Each day, I go in alphabetical order and choose my word for the day, think about the image I want to create...and I make it.
Why? Well, this has been a very turbulent summer in the country and in the world. I make it a goal to stay informed on all that is going on...but I get overwhelmed. I get angry, sad...I can just feel the negativity bombarding me...so had a thought back when I was standing in Austin, Texas...next to the love of my life, listening to one of the most positive folks I know- ol' Willie Nelson.
"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results."-Wille Nelson
After doing this whole 'daily art' thing for over five years, I have figured out a few things that help me maintain my sanity- especially when it comes to juggling my art and going back to school. One thing that helps me is to manage my materials. I have learned that it is good to consider what art materials I am using and consider ease of set up/clean up and travel. For this month I chose to work with oil pastels and later added watercolor, I keep a set of materials at home and also by my desk at school in case I have a minute during my lunch.
So that's it. Positive words. Active lines, block rendering. Oil pastel and watercolor resist.
...and positive thoughts and love put into each piece, my tiny request to the universe for more light and less dark.
'da Muse in 'da NEWS!
FAAE Press Release
Herald Tribune Article
...and even some LOVE from my Alma Mater!
I am late writing up this blog post, but I have been going full speed since I returned. One of our cats, Scooter, was sick,we had out of town guests and...oh yeah- SCHOOL STARTED BACK! Yikes! So...I just haven't sat down to do this. But now I am going to attempt to summarize my experience as a FAAE State Teachers Artist Residency (STAR) recipient...but I won't do it justice, and there is no way that I can even attempt to express the magic of this experience...but I'll sure try. (By the way, Scooter is getting better but he gave us quite a scare)
So a while back I applied for this residency program, and late in the spring I found out that I was selected. What is it? It is a three-week block of time for five Florida arts educators at the beautiful Hermitage Artist Retreat in Englewood, Florida. This year they chose three visual artists and two writers- I was fortunate enough to be one of the artists chosen. (if you are curious, the application process included submission of an artist statement, a plan for the residency time, work samples and letters of recommendation, open for Florida teachers ) This is actually one reason why we didn't travel much this summer, because I had this planned, so we kinda just hung out at home mostly...I digress.
So a while back I applied for this residency program, and late in the spring I found out that I was selected. What is it? It is a three-week block of time for five Florida arts educators at the beautiful Hermitage Artist Retreat in Englewood, Florida. This year they chose three visual artists and two writers- I was fortunate enough to be one of the artists chosen. (if you are curious, the application process included submission of an artist statement, a plan for the residency time, work samples and letters of recommendation, open for Florida teachers ) This is actually one reason why we didn't travel much this summer, because I had this planned, so we kinda just hung out at home mostly...I digress.
First off, meet the 2017 FAAE STARs;
From left to right; Kathleen 'Katie' Holt, Brian Capley, Muah, Sandra Stiles and Gerald Obregon
...and it was off to Englewood.
Hermitage Tour
Gonna start with a lil' tour of the site. There are several different sleeping quarters at the Hermitage, there's a cute single beach cottage, another larger one right beside the studios and then two folks were assigned the main house...myself and my friend Katie! (not sure if I mentioned it, but I met Katie last summer at the KCAI shibori workshop that I attended and neither of us knew that the other applied for the FAAE STAR until we saw the email naming the recipients! So not only was I excited about being selected, but sharing this experience with a friend?! Win-win!) Where was I? Oh yes, the TOUR. We all arrived on a Monday. The weather was beautiful.
This is the main house where Katie and I stayed, and where all the artists gathered for meals and laughs.
Inside...you can kinda see the kitchen that we all shared, main dining area and living room.
There is also a small studio and two bathrooms on the first floor to the left, then another bedroom and bathroom upstairs, that's where Katie stayed. We also both worked in this space at different times.
There is also a small studio and two bathrooms on the first floor to the left, then another bedroom and bathroom upstairs, that's where Katie stayed. We also both worked in this space at different times.
The room that I was assigned used to be the old kitchen. (Side note, I actually had a very vivid dream one night that I was standing in that kitchen- dying fabric of all things!) It was really bright with a view of the ocean, a closet area and a private bathroom.
My room before I unpacked...
...and my room after I unpacked. Of course I had to add some pink, right?
Figured I might as well show a pic of the bathroom just because it was so beachy and cute.
In addition to the living quarters there were three artist studios literally a stone...er...make that a SHELLS throw from the house. I set up shop one of 'em, mostly worked on my paper cut series there...and took naps in that super comfy chaise lounge!! The three studios were all connected inside but you could close the door for privacy. There were sinks in each studio and also two bathrooms in the building.
It was tough to get a good pic, came out dark...but this was my studio space!
...I didn't include pics of the other living quarters because...well, those are their bedrooms, duh! There is also a little laundry room under one of the residences, another studio set up more for 3D artists and then the Palm House, just a short walk away...home to the administrative office and event space.
...this was hands down the best part of the whole place- that VIEW! Right on the beach!
Week 1...getting settled in
Week 1 seems like it just flew by! It took me a little bit to figure out my 'schedule'. I quickly figured out that sunrise, sunset and making art were pretty much my only to-do's in my new surroundings.
Wedding Dress Re-Vamp!
So....this happened! Our twelve year wedding anniversary happened to fall on the first weekend of my residency. I brought my wedding dress along with me just in case I decided to do something with it- and I did! I painted it and wore it down on the beach and took some fun pics thanks to Katie (the photographer) and Brian (the stylist/photographer's assistant)
Week 2...gettin' into the work flow!
Week 3...final week!
We crammed in as many sunrises, sunsets, creative moments and laughs into the final week...and I think all of us just wondered where it all went. My hands hurt from going back and forth between cutting paper, drawing and beading but I felt like I was pretty prepared for the final event- an Open Studio for each of the visual artists followed by the readings from Sandra and Brian on the beach.
...another thing...
This is not related to art at all but it was also a very important part of my experience. I went to the gym almost every day that I was at the Hermitage thanks to the free YMCA membership they offered us. Not only did I go to the gym, but I really worked hard thanks to the expertise of Katie, who was really patient as she showed us different exercises. Brian and I were probably the silliest people at the gym, but we worked our muscles, broke a sweat and laughed a ton. I have continued my workout regime since I returned, which I am really proud of! Thanks so much Katie (and Brian!)
...that's all, and that's NOT all.
Three weeks. I was awarded three weeks by the Florida Alliance for Arts Education to dedicate to making art. I have been creating a daily piece for over six years now, but this experience gave me time to work on some larger pieces over several days...to bead for hours at a time and to think about the act of creating my work. I got a chance to talk and work next to other creatives...to have our stories become a part of the same narrative, that of an educator, an artist, a writer...all in this magical place on the west coast of Florida, and I do believe each of us will be bringing some of that magic back into our classrooms. And yes, I keep using the word MAGIC. Magic, magic, magic...if you ever go there you will see what I mean.
So thank you FAAE and to the Hermitage for selecting me to be a part of this, and for being such an inspirational space. Thank you to Sandra for the quiet talks and our time on the beach, at the shores edge, and for reciting your words that final night with such confidence. Thank you to Gerald, my studio mate, for talking art and channeling my favorite college drawing professor. (...who visited me in a dream during my time...I am telling you- the place is special!) and also for motivating me by your work ethic. Thank you Brian for being my workout buddy, for making me laugh til my sides hurt and for allowing me watch your reclamation process- you did it, you really did. You are one of the most articulate folks I have ever met...and silly, and pure of heart. And thanks of course to my sweet friend Katie... we now have two art related experiences together- you motivated me to go to the gym, to grab my needle and sew, and to get in the ocean...at least a little.
The thing about the STAR program is...it's not just a program. It's an experience- now a fond memory. But it is also a spark in the educators chosen, a spark that will light up each of our classrooms. And I am proud to have been a part of it and to pass that light on to my students.
So thank you FAAE and to the Hermitage for selecting me to be a part of this, and for being such an inspirational space. Thank you to Sandra for the quiet talks and our time on the beach, at the shores edge, and for reciting your words that final night with such confidence. Thank you to Gerald, my studio mate, for talking art and channeling my favorite college drawing professor. (...who visited me in a dream during my time...I am telling you- the place is special!) and also for motivating me by your work ethic. Thank you Brian for being my workout buddy, for making me laugh til my sides hurt and for allowing me watch your reclamation process- you did it, you really did. You are one of the most articulate folks I have ever met...and silly, and pure of heart. And thanks of course to my sweet friend Katie... we now have two art related experiences together- you motivated me to go to the gym, to grab my needle and sew, and to get in the ocean...at least a little.
The thing about the STAR program is...it's not just a program. It's an experience- now a fond memory. But it is also a spark in the educators chosen, a spark that will light up each of our classrooms. And I am proud to have been a part of it and to pass that light on to my students.
My STAR fam...best wishes to all of you
...these gals started off just as cut paper..then I added some drawing and watercolor backgrounds...SO MUCH WORK...but so much FUN! Once I give my hands a rest I'll finish the once I started towards the end of my art residency...stay tuned!
Each image is 5x7 inches
...and I took the time to create a couple of larger, 11x14 works..
 |  |
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Artist and Art Teacher
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