a good person just tryin to get along

Cardamon apricot bread

2011-12-25T07:29:00.001-06:00

Cardamon apricot bread, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Cardamon apricot bread

Here's the recipe!

2011-12-24T23:15:00.002-06:00

Please accept this holiday blessing to you:

"May you and your loved ones find peace, love, and joy this Christmas day.

May your new year bring prosperity and be filled with treasured moments."

with love,
from the Nolan Family

2011-12-16T23:12:00.000-06:00

Sunset through the prairie grasses, Shabbona Lake State Park

Have you ever had a moment in your life that was just right, exactly the way it is supposed to be? The colors are brighter, the air is fresher and the entire world seems awesome in every sense of the word? this past Saturday was one of these days for me.

Osage Oranges (Hedge Apples) racing down the creek waters

Al, Elinor and I walked at Shabbona Lake State Park. We entertained ourselves by having Osage Orange races in the creek. We threw some of the hedge apples into the trees and one stuck in a forked branch. We cracked off some ice from the shore, threw it onto the frozen bay and watched as the ice broke apart into gleaming diamond shards which skated over to the grasses on the other side. The sound was amazing.


Clear ice of Shabbona Lake

I dearly paid for these precious hours of walking, though. It took me about 3 days to start feeling like myself again. I was so tired, my muscles were sore and I was just plain worn out. Was it worth it? Oh, yeah, it was plenty worth it!

This week has been incredibly busy at work. There are quite a few very interesting projects to work on from website design to creating icons for a certification DVD to creating Point of Purchase designs for a national company. The quarterly magazine I design also went out this week. I think I have 17 jobs in progress! Yowza! It keeps me hoppin' but doesn't leave much time for printmaking at night.

I have been working steadily on the large woodblock. I've been working on it for 3 months straight, trying to fit in 5 minutes here and there. I can't wait until it is finished! This is going to be my "showpiece" for 2012.

I friend from high school asked me to design a private wine label for her and her husband. She wasn't sure of the approach she wanted, so I tried going very formal. In the end, it didn't match her vision, but I like it despite this. She has some cool plans that will call for a custom illustration and due to scheduling, I won't be able to get to it until after the holidays. The ideas will be rolling around in my mind, giving me time to digest the concept a bit before starting.

Chateau Fiasco Riesling Concept Label, 2011©

In this first design I created a woodblock print look in Photoshop using layers including a wood board texture, watercolor brushes, and paths for masking off colorblocks. It turned out pretty good! It is a whole lot faster (and cleaner) to create woodblock prints in Photoshop, but I wouldn't be left with anything tangible using that technique.

Another friend requested a custom Christmas card. I've created one for her the last few years and it is always fun, but this year it was EXCEPTIONALLY fun. Her idea was to have a comic book design.

Custom Christmas Card for 2011

Christmas is just around the corner. I'll be doing my shopping tomorrow. At 2pm, they are playing "It's A Wonderful Life" at the Egyptian Theatre. Paul and I are going! I've always wanted to see it in a theater. I've promised I would purchase the popcorn. Plus, if we bring a non-perishable food item, we will receive a $2 discount on tickets!

Sunday I thought it might be nice to make some gingerbread men and have hot cider while we decorate the tree. There hasn't been a real snow yet. Maybe there will be snow for Christmas?!

Artist: Arthur Wesley Dow

2011-12-03T22:46:00.001-06:00

"Art is a creation of beauty."

~Arthur Wesley Dow

"I am a life-long explorer of art.

I am always learning about art and other cultures"

~Arthur Wesley Dow

I promised Mark Pascale during the portfolio review at Spudnik Press, that I would research Arthur Wesley Dow and I am glad I did. He seems like a kindred spirit.

Arthur Wesley Dow

He was born on April 6, 1857 in Ipswich, Massachusetts. He was not born wealthy, but due to his talent in art he received some early training under the tutelage of Anna K. Freeland, a historical and portrait painter of Worchester, Mass.; then under James M. Stone, a painter from Boston, Mass.. But if he wanted a career as an artist, he needed to study abroad in Paris. This was true for many of the people of his generation.

If he wanted to become a master painter, he needed to study the masters. So in 1884 he left the United States for France just 1 year after his marriage to Minnie Pearson. For 5 years he studied with Gustave B. Oulanger and Jules Lefebre while at the Academie Julian in Brittany at Pont Aven.

He returned home with three choices: 1. become a commissioned portrait painter who is dependent on the generosity of wealthy patrons, 2. produce, show, exhibit and sell his work or 3. teach. He chose #2 and #3 and wholeheartedly threw himself into teaching all the while producing and marketing his own artwork.

Raven, 1902. Arthur Wesley Dow. American Art Museum.

In 1889 he discovered Japanese Ukiyo-e and the printmaker Katsushika Hokusai (who is famous for his tsunami print entitled, "Mount Fuji Seen Below a Wave at Kanagawa."). This changed everything. Here was a new aesthetic to learn. He went to Ernest Fenollosa at the Bostom Museum of Art. Fenollosa was the foremost Japanese art scholar at the time. Eventually, Dow served as the assistant curator of Japanese art at the Boston Museum. Together these two studied the look and feel of Japanese art and came up with four classifications: Line, Form, Color, and Notan. Notan is a Japanese term which means the use of light and dark or positive and negative space. Dow wrote his new curriculum for art education in a book entitled Notan and Color.

The principles were further explained in his book from ten years later in 1899, Composition: A Series of Exercises Selected from a New System of Art Education. This revolutionary book and others he wrote changed the way art and art theory was taught from that point forward.(…and many of them are on my Christmas list this year!)

In 1891 he opened the Ipswich School of Art in a house that was once owned by Ralph Walso Emmerson. The school ran for just 2 months every summer with over 200 students attending annually. This fits in with the Arts and Crafts Movement of that time with its emphasis on art colonies, workshops and arts education. The school closed in 1907.

During the Spring, Summer and Fall; Dow taught full-time at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. He taught there for 8 years (1895–1903). Afterwards, he became the director of the Fine Arts Department at the Teacher's College at Columbia University where he served until his death on December 13, 1922.

He taught Georgia O'Keefe, Charles Sheeler, Charles Martin, two of the Overbeck Sisters , and the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony.

Rain in May

The Derelict (The Lost Boat)

I think I was asked to look at this artist because he using the same block for multiple editions, with each edition portraying a different aspect or mood of the subject through the use of color.

He also has a love for the natural world which is evident not only in his subject matter, but in his color palette and writings. He appreciated the elegance of design that was based on nature, but he never replicated it. He laid the stylistic foundations for the Arts and Crafts Movement.

He does not use a keyblock and seldom used "outlines" perferring large swaths of color. His use of light and reflection is used to create compositions that sing.

Although I am studying him for his woodblock prints, he was also a painter, photographer, sculpture, potter, designer educator and student. He believed that all artistic disciplines are of equal value and that fine art and craft were one in the same.

Wouldn't you know it? I missed a show of his work in Chicago at the Terra Museum back in 2010. RATS! I really want to learn more about his philosophy and how it relates to modern constructs of art education. Looks like my Christmas list is getting longer! lol.

References:

Cantor Arts Center, Staford University
http://www.tfaoi.com/newsm1/n1m339.htm
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Ipswitch Museum
http://ipswichmuseum.drupalgardens.com/exhibitions-collections/the-dow-collection
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http://thebluelantern.blogspot.com/2009/10/little-princess-of-marshes.html
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http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/aroundthemall/2009/01/smithsonian-events-week-of-112-118-edgar-allan-poe-and-strange-bodies/
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Chick(en)

2011-12-03T21:13:00.000-06:00

Progression of "Chick at the Sandwich Fair print"
Created using Aquacolor on Kozoshi washi.

I'm considering making another edition with the outlines only on the chick and no metal grate beneath it's feet. Even in the lighter colors, the background is too distracting. Also, I need to remove the flourish at the corner of the eye. Overall, I like the piece, but is just needs more work.

The Portfolio Review went well!

2011-11-29T21:23:00.123-06:00

Photobooths are cool, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Three things have happened:

1. I attended the portfolio review at Spudnik Press in Chicago.

2. An advertising firm from Montreal, Canada requested an illustration

3. Rick Dale and Kelly from the History Channel's American Restoration thanked me personally for creating an invitation for a Petrol-Mania party.

Paul came in to the city with me for Spudnik's portfolio review. I was nervous about walking back to the "El" in the dark. There were three reviewers from opposite ends of the art spectrum. It was extremely helpful to know what certain aspects of the art community are looking for from an artist.
The first reviewer was Dawn Hancock is the owner and managing director of Firebelly Design. Seriously, take a peek at their website. (I'll wait … ) Right?! It is freaking awesome!

She was very excited about my work from a commercial standpoint. Her exact words were, "Quit your day job and do this full-time." She said that I have a phenomenal talent that really showed through with my portfolio. She loved the personal background stories and meanings behind each piece and mentioned that it really added to the artwork. As an added bonus, she mentioned that she has a pop-up show planned in about three weeks to benefit people in need during the holidays and that she would like to have my work in the show.

Mark Pascale, the Curator for the Department of Prints and Drawings at The Art Institute of Chicago, was my second reviewer. I was most interested in his opinion because I want my work to be of fine art quality, not just a crafty-person or hobbyist. He had many suggestions:

One of my "textural, sculptural" pices

• "Continue to develop the textural, sculptural pieces." This was a fresh of breath air. I had a show at Kishwaukee College called "Cricket and Sparrow." My idea for this show was to show the textures and patterns found in nature. I was very proud of this set of work. Well, no one purchased those pieces. From the feedback I received, I didn't think they were very successful. When I said this to Mr. Pascale, he thought that it was the type of audience and not the artwork.
• He suggested using embossing using a press

Earthtone Aqucolor inks made this print stand out.

• He enjoyed the earthtone colors and said that it was interesting because it was unexpected. If the same print used black ink, he suggested that it would be more illustrative than art. (I think this point was interesting because I had mentioned that my degree will be illustration. I wonder how much this statement had consciously or unconsciously formed his opinion.
• He wanted to see much larger work possibly created with a Dremel.
• He suggested making several editions using the same block, but using different color palettes to show many moods. At this point he asked if I had heard of the artist named Arthur Wesley Dow. I hadn't, but told him I would study up when I came home.
• Finally he told me not to try for perfection, that imperfection can add to a piece's meaning and context.
• He liked the idea of returning to get my degree at NIU and said that the printmaking department was well respected. He mentioned that he knew Michael Barnes who would be my graduate instructor.

Angela Bryant liked the cultural symbols in this piece.

The last review was shortened due to time. Angela Bryant is director and owner of Abryant Gallery, a rotating contemporary art gallery for new and emerging artists. Angela is also the new director of Dominican University’s O’Connor Art Gallery. She represented the Gallery side of art. The best information I received from her was to return to the Australian Aboriginal origins of my artwork. She wanted to see the same patterns and textures, energy and linework used in my pen and inks and acrylics. This prospect excited me and gave me a new perspective. She also liked the idea of using symbols like the ones used for the ImaBridge Africa.

Returning to the ideas behind the Australian Aboriginal origins of my art is exciting!

When I originally returned to my artwork I was doing it for me because it was fun. Over the last couple years, because of experimentation with different techniques and also because I am no longer doing work just for myself; the process has come to feel more like work than play. It is hard not to think of subject matter, sizes and colors that will sell vs. what I want to do. This is just a growing pain of the business of art. There is a balance that needs to be achieved. The idea of returning to doing artwork because it is what I want, doing my best not to be overly influenced by the pressure of sales or competition between other artists, makes it exciting to think about.

I was asked to create an illustration for Huetopia in Montreal, Canada. This was really a fun piece to do! Although I want to be known as a fine art printmaker, my day job is as a graphic designer, creative consultant, and illustrator at OC Imageworks in DeKalb, Illinois, USA. One thing I love to do it to create vector illustrations. I didn't have a clear image to work with, so this is an amalgamation of several references of scarlet macaws. It turned out really well and I am particularly fond of the way the feathers at the ends of the wings appear as if the sunlight is shining through them like stained glass. I hope to be doing more work with Huetopia in the future. Thank goodness for the networking possibilities of the internet.

Rick Dale and Kelly form "American Restoration"

Lastly, I created an interactive, multi-piece invitation for a local party featuring Rick and Kelly Dale from "American Restoration" television show on the History Channel. Unfortunately I don't have a pic of the invitation, but I will get one soon and repost. Rick and Kelly liked the invitation so much that they requested to be introduced to me before the end of the evening. I had my picture taken with them, but I don't have permission to use the photo. Instead, I have my blurry camera phone pictures.

They are a super-nice, down to earth couple with larger than life personalities. Basically, Rick said that he was a small business owner who had some lucky breaks. You could tell he was so thankful and appreciative of everything and everyone that has propelled him and his company into people's homes through the show.

etchpop!

2011-11-15T11:10:00.000-06:00

Even if you can't draw, you can create your own labels, cards, invitations and more with etchpop! This is how it works: you upload etchpop an image (it could be a photo or computer printout or one of your own hand drawn creations), they laser etch it into a piece of wood and ship it back to you. All you need to do is ink the woodblock and you're ready to rock! No woodchips all over the floor! No slips using razor sharp tools which conceivably could take your finger off!

Of course, I like the danger and mess of using my own tools, but if you are a craftsperson and want a one of a kind piece of artwork to share, this is a great service for you! Whatever you make it will be as original and unique as you are.

To find out more, visit etchpop.com or email Marshall & Chester at etchpop@gmail.com . They'll be glad to hear from you! Help them make their business dreams a reality by supporting them on kickstarter.com. I did!

Splitting Hairs

2011-11-12T23:06:00.002-06:00

Singeing the horsehair (smelly!), originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Today was just beautiful: sunny, cool, but not cold. I decided to fire up the grill and reshape my brushes before winter set in.

The first step is to soak the brushes. This plumps up the horsehair fibers and cedar handle so the hair doesn't become loose in its housing.

Heating the cast iron skillet on the grill.

Next, I heated the outdoor grill to high and place my cast iron pan directly onto the rack. I let it heat up for maybe 15 minutes until it was HOT! I know it is hot enough when I place the damp brush on the pan surface and it sizzles. The hair will pucker and curl, then turn a light brown.

Eventually it starts to smoke. I watched it closely to make sure the brush didn't flame up. Then it is placed in some more water. The smell is bad, but not horrible.

Dragon's Skin

On to the the dragon skin. Traditionally shark's skin was used, but I like to let the sharks keep their skins. (They write me thank you notes regularly.) Dragon's skin is a sheet of pierced metal that has been stapled onto a board. Kind of like a cheese grater.

As I stroke the brush over the dragon's skin, the singed areas are removed and the individual hairs are split. They become soft and velvety. I brush in one direction about 20 times, turn the brush slightly and brush again... over and over and over... about an hour for each of the large brushes and about 30 minutes for the smaller ones.

I'm left with a wonderfully beveled, soft, feathery, yet still stiff maru bake brush perfect for moku hanga! If you want to find out more about how to shape your brushes, visit iMcClains.com here.

Test prints using Payne's Gray watercolor on newsprint paper.

After reshaping my brushes, I couldn't wait to use them, so I made a little Christmas block. If you would like to exchange cards, email me your address. Please contact me via blogger or by visiting www.erinknolan.com !

In the evening I started filling out scholarship applications!

That's how my day went. How was yours?

SOFA Show / Intuit Art Show

2011-11-08T10:41:00.005-06:00

Navy Pier, Chicago, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Over the weekend I went to my 3rd SOFA Show (Sculptural Objects and Functional Art) and Intuit Show of Folk and Outsider Art at Navy Pier in Chicago. No photographs are allowed and although I saw plenty of people taking pictures, I purchased a moleskin sketchbook for the occasion to log the names of the artists and sketch a piece or two. I also purchased to catalog to remember all of the wonderful pieces.

This year I made up my mind beforehand that I was not going to see the entire show, and was going to stay away from the glass galleries. The last several years SOFA has been over-run with glass work and while I appreciate the individual pieces very much, my opinion is that the show is very weighted towards glass.

The very first thing I did is walk to the back of the room to the Intuit show. I have to admit that the first couple years I saw the show I didn't understand why a drawing that looked like a 5 year old had made with marker on a piece of cardboard would be worth $80,000. Ok, I still might not understand the price tag. I am coming closer to really appreciating the art though.

It is as if these people, who had no formal training in art, and therefore had no words to articulate regarding their art, were driven by an inner passion to create with whatever materials they were able to amass. They created art because it is what their heart told them to do.

Howard Finster: Hope

Rev. Howard Finster

Some of them had messages the artist wanted to project. One example is Howard Finster. He was a fiery Baptist minister and artist whose impassioned, and at times nonsensical, ramblings were written over top his pictorial paintings creating a dizzying cacophony of religious zealousness. He was inspired by God to share the gospel with people through paintings of his visions. His visions began at age 3, he stopped school at 6th grade, and was born again during a tent revival at age 13.

Henry Darger: Vivian Girls Out Scouting

Mr. Henery Darger

Some artwork consisted of the private stories of fancy that needed to be brought into the real world. Henry Darger was this type of artist. During his lifetime, no one knew he had created his world in drawings. In this safe space he controlled the story line of children and battles, danger and happiness. It wasn't until he died and the landlord came to clean out the apartment that Darger's inner world came to light for the rest of us.

Bill Traylor
Blue Man with B in His Back
circa 1939-42

Mr. Bill Traylor

Bill Traylor was born into slavery in Alabama. After emancipation, his family continued to farm the same plantation. When he was 85 he was homeless and lived on the streets and sometimes slept in the back of a funeral parlor. During the day he sat on the sidewalk and drew images of the people he saw on the street and remembered scenes from life on the farm, hanging his works on the fence behind him. A painter friend would give him art supplies. He died at the age of 95.

He is known for is flat, modernistic use of color, his mystery scenes that he calls "exciting events." and the portrayal of unusual, non-identifiable objects he called "constructions."

Sadly, his fame and high regard as an artist came 20 years after his death. The person who had given him art supplies had also kept much of the work. He showed it to art dealers and galleries in the late 70's and it was a hit. He lived his life in extreme poverty. Now a single drawing is priced at $80,000.

Reading the background histories of the artists brought more meaning to their pieces. Understanding the person and their situation and their all encompassing primal need to create is what makes the artwork "art" not doodles.

First Hard Frost

2011-11-05T04:04:00.003-05:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

The first frost came this week. Meanwhile, I am carving some of the images found this past summer for multi-block woodblock prints. I can't wait to show the finished product! In just a few hours I'll be taking the train in to Navy Pier in Chicago for the SOFA Show / Intuit: Outsider and Folk Art Show. It is supposed to be chilly but sunny, in Illinois at this time of year, sunny is fantastic!

Cutting, cutting, cutting!

2011-11-01T12:58:00.444-05:00

cutting, cutting, cutting!, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

So many wonderful things have been happening that I, yet again, barely have a chance to keep up! (and that's a good thing.)

I'm going to save my biggest news for last, so have patience, grasshopper, and wait to read the entire post.

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ART OF THE LAND

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The end of September was the annual Art of the Land at the Starline Gallery in Harvard, Illinois. Proceeds are used to purchase lands in McHenry County by The Land Conservancy (TLC). It was a wonderful evening and I was able to share it with my brother and his wife.

The show was on Saturday evening, but we decided to go early and walk about Woodstock, IL. It is a nice little town whose name to fame is that the movie "Groundhog's Day" was filmed there. It has a quaint town square that was having a local farmer's market when we arrived. We walked through gallery at the Old Courthouse Arts Center and chose to eat next door at Le Petite Creperie.

Elinor enjoying her coffee at Le Creperie

I had mussels and squash soup with warm tea. It was cold, but we ate outside because there was a fire pit by the table we chose. Along came a wasp while I was enjoying my tea. It flew into the teabox and I closed the lid saying that I was going to give it back to the waitstaff that way so the next person that opened it would have a surprise. Then I laughed and released the little guy. Sometimes just thinking these silly little things makes me laugh. Seeing the surprise on people's faces when I say these things is hilarious. They know as well as I that I would never want to hurt the wasp or another person.

My boys had to stay home because the flu had finally caught up to them. Here are some of my favorites from the show:

Lynda Wallis, Acryics

Nancy Sieder, Cherry Bark Figure

Artist - I'll have to get you back on this one.

Then, as last year, I was enamored by the history of the Starline. A new friend, Rog and her husband had lots of stories to tell. Like this litter carrier attached to the side of the building along with a period poster for the same item:

Al did really well with sales this year. He was selling his woodblocks side by side with his prints. On one piece he framed the block within a shadowbox and added some of the wood shavings that were scrap after carving the block. It was interesting to hear people's comments when they didn't know who I was.

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MINERAL POINT, WISCONSIN I & II

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The beginning of October started off with a wonderful weekend away with "the girls" to Mineral Point Wisconsin. None of us had ever been there and we didn't really know what to expect except that they are known as one of the top 10 artist communities in the nation.

Mineral Point, Wisconsin, USA

What we found when we arrived was a small town similar to the one I grew up in where everyone is kind and polite - at least to your face - and everyone knows one another. There are turn of the century buildings that house gallery after gallery interspersed with home cooked type restaurants and gourmet restaurants and wonderful specialty antique shops.

The air was cool and there was nothing to do but shop, eat, and relax. No rush, no pretense, just living la dolce vita.

The landscape was breathtaking: rolling hills with farmer's fields, made up of straight rows, creating patchwork quilts of warm autumn color. The weathered limestone buildings glowed in the foreground of a cobalt blue sky while the birds circled overhead -literally circled. (They were turkey buzzards. lol) In the evening there were so many stars.

Like the old commercial: Cost of the hotel, $70. Cost of meals $30. Sharing time with friends and being comfortable in my own skin... priceless.

Shake Rag Alley School for Arts & Crafts

Some special moments on this trip included visiting the art school on Shake Rag Alley. There were very few people there because it was the off season and no classes were being taught on the weekend that we visited. It is a mini village made of log cabins and limestone homes that have been transformed into artist studios and work areas.

Blacksmith barn at Shake Rag Alley School of Art & Crafts

There was a couple of people working in the blacksmith barn. We could hear the clanking of hammers against red-hot metal and smell the coal as it heated the metal rods.

The name Shake Rag Alley comes from the history of the location. It was settled by Cornish miners who discovered lead and zinc. They would go out and mine, in the evenings their wives would come outside with a large white rag and shake it to let their husbands know dinner was ready and waiting at home. A traditional meal was a pasty (rhymes with nasty) and figgyhobben or bread pudding.

While we were there, a beautiful monarch butterfly floated past and stopped for a moment to warm himself on a flower. I wondered if it would make it to Mexico in time. Soon after this photo was taken, Maria and I lobbed the largest horse chestnuts I have ever seen at one another next to the gnome in the garden.

Mr. Wasp went shopping with us.

In town we shopped at quite a few places. My favorite was the Mineral Point Architectural Salvage shop but the galleries were awesome, too. Wherever we went there were gargantuan wasps. They never bothered us, but they were our constant companions. I took this one's photo while safe behind a pane of glass.

Prairie Oak Artisans - Closed

The Prairie Oak Artisans gallery was closed, but I imagined that it was my home and gallery. I loved all the old wooden signs and limestone frontage.

Doll inside the Salvage shop

The Architectural Salvage shop was a plethora of yarns and vintage photos, dresses and kitchen supplies, you name it... they had it. Outside was decorated with seasonal potted plants, gourds and pumpkins.

Right now you might be asking yourself, "Hey I thought this was a blog about art, not a travel blog." My answer is that this blog is about the process of my art. I garner inspiration from my surroundings. When I travel like this and see new things, it allows a sense of wonderment to return. I notice the details like the wrinkles in that gourd (above). Aren't they wonderful?

Wise owl standing guard at the Book Trading Post.

All the good-vibes came to a head when I walked into the Longbranch Gallery. I walked in and there were bent wood chairs, metalwork jewelry (not beads), woodblock prints, and a book by my old illustration instructor, Mark Nelson. Everything seemed very "me."

Longbranch Gallery window display

The owner was talking with a patron about her upcoming trip to Door County, Wisconsin. When their conversation was over I walked up, handed her my card and said they she should stop by Plum Bottom Gallery to view my work when she was up north. She liked the card and immediately looked at my work online. She encouraged me to send in some work. I wrote her an email once I was home and asked if she wouldn't mind me dropping off some pieces the following weekend so she could review them. She ended up inviting me to be part of her artist base and logged in half of the prints I had brought!

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AFTON PRAIRIE PRESERVE

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Fallen leaf at Afton

I haven't had a car since the beginning of May this year. One of the side effects is that I don't really get out of town much. Since my artwork is about the natural world, it has been difficult to find inspiration in the confines of DeKalb, Illinois. One weekend I used our dog Grace as a ruse. She needs to run around, she is miserable staying in the house with no exercise and fresh air. It worked! Out Paul and I went to Afton. We found a gartner snake. So, of course, I had to pick it up.

"I bet none of your other girlfriends would pick up a snake"

I said to Paul, "I bet none of your old girlfriends would pick up a snake." Without hesitation he said, "No, they would not!" Then I thought to myself, "Is that a good thing?" and felt awkward. Funny after knowing one another's most intimate details for 26 years, I still can feel awkward.

Oh, if you can tell me what these red-orange bugs are on the milkweed, I would greatly appreciate it! They have little black parts that could be wings, but they are too small. My guess was juvenille box elder bugs.

What kind of bugs are these?

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VICINITY SHOW

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The Norris Cultural Art Center's Vicinity Show was the next stop. Al won an honorable mention for his woodblock print. In our family, if we win a prize we frown-smile. Here is Al accepting his certificate:

I enjoyed many of the pieces, but I would have to say that these two are my favorites:

Judith G. Leppert, "Stalking Heron" Woodblock Print

The cuts are so free and loose. There is a nice contrast between foreground and background, but the heron is still weighted to the earth by the feet and grass mingling. The cutwork of the heron are suggestive of detail, but do not create the detail in a realistic manner. You, the viewer, are allowed to fill in the details through your imagination.

The shape of the heron's neck winds around until the beak points your eye to the grasses which circle the path of your eye to the bottom of the piece. The grass in the upper right corner are just enough to loop the eye up making the circular path complete. It is so delicate and yet I know the strength that is involved when carving the woodblock. Really an excellent piece.

H. Dean Willis, "Blue" Egg Tempra

The colors of the piece are subtle, yet rich created though the layering of color. Egg tempera is a 50/50 mixture of ground pigment and water mixed with the fluid from an egg yolk. The pure pigment is what makes the painting glow in person.

Because of the traditional technique used, the coarseness of the gessoed wood board shows through and adds a textured element. For me, there is a mystery. Where is this? Why is the door closed? Why is a wooden pully attached to the wall? Why is the shovel shiny? Is that a water mark on the wall made of stucco... or is it adobe... or is it clay? My mind wanders to fill in the gray areas. That is one of the things I like about this piece.

As usual I didn't agree 100% with the judges... but then again, no one asked me! lol. Wouldn't it be nice to hear the judge(s) speak on the pieces they chose and why? It was be an interesting lecture to hear.

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JERRY BLEEM

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Michael Bennett, left; Jerry Bleem, center. Two lovely people right. ; ^ )

I was urged to attend a lecture by my college art instructor, Michael Bennett. You might remember that he had just curated an art exhibit at Northern Illinois University's Art Museum entitled "In the House: Sculpture for the Home." Like I told my husband, if Mr. Bennett tells me to go, I go!

The speaker was Jerry Bleem, one of the artists featured in his show. Before attending I did a bit of research online. Mr. Bleem, or should I say Father Bleem(?), is a Franciscan monk, a Catholic Priest, an instructor at the Art Intitute of Chicago and a professional artist. Wow! I thought to myself. How on earth could anyone fill all these roles without neglecting one or another. Any one of those roles would take the majority of a person's time and heart.

He summed up that question by saying that all the roles he has chosen to play are based in caring and nurturing. I found him to be loud, abrupt, comical, spirited, intellectual, nontraditional and, at the very core, a beautiful, caring, nurturing person.

He said that he grew up on a farm in southern Illinois. He had six brothers and sisters. As soon as he mentioned this, I felt a kindred spirit. There is a connectedness that surrounds people from small towns that other people just don't understand.

Plants were his first sculpture teachers. He feels the same way about plants as I do about trees. They are perfect just the way they are, yet humans manipulate them to look very unnatural - very ordered and constructed. In a way this is the basis of his artwork only in reverse. He takes something manmade - trash, discarded items, unwanted detritus - and reshapes it, reorganizes it from an organized man-made material back to a natural, biomorphic object through tearing, cutting and stapling.

My understanding of what he said was that the process IS the artwork and that the final product is simply a record that he was at a certain place at a precise time while meditating or pondering a subject. When drawing, the marks that he creates are symbolic of the same precess. The lines themselves are not what is important, they are just a record that show a specific point in time.

This interested me because in my printmaking, I can get very intricate. The hours that it takes me to carve and print a block are used for mediation. My mind is quieted. It isn't necessarily that I don't worry, it just allows me to slow down and actually think things through instead of racing. It is a productive time for finding solutions.

Many of the things that Jerry said captured my attention because of the similarities between his way of thinking and my own.

Isn't it strange that he knows absolutely nothing about me and yet he has shared his inner most artistic thoughts with me in the audience. His "lecture" was very human and personal in nature.

At one point he said something rather sarcasticly. It was similar to, "Oh, and then President Obama will be re-elected and we'll all to out for ice-cream!" "YAY!" I said quietly. Unfortunately for me I was in one of the front rows and he heard me. It stopped him in his tracks and he laughed.

His speaking style is engaging. His voice ranges from shouting to very soft. It keeps the listener on their toes. Again, unfortunately for me, I am rather jumpy. I've always been that way. So, each time he would shout I would unconsciously jump in my seat. Well, at one point he was right in front of me and yelled out a point. I jumped! He yelled to the museum personnel, "Where is the counselor! I need a counselor! I have TRAUMATIZED this woman!" My face began to burn and I could feel the heat as it turned red. I was so embarrassed.

________________________________________

THE BIG NEWS… FINALLY

________________________________________

I will be attending Northern Illinois University School of Art after a hiatus of 22 years to finish my BFA. Afterwards, my plan is to continue in the graduate program in printmaking. The sale of my artwork will be used to pay for my educational expenses. I am so very excited to have a life plan in place.

7670 days ago

2011-10-26T17:00:00.012-05:00

6796 days ago, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Or 21 years, 662,688,000 seconds, 11,044,800 minutes, 184,080 hours, or 1095 weeks ago…

I married my best friend. Over the years we have changed both physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. I have let him down in may ways and he has let me down as well, yet we are still together.

Sometimes I ask myself, "why?" The answer is there was something we both just knew since the moment we met. We belong together. Our lives have intertwined, yet we are completely different people. We don't think alike and since we are both strong, independent people. That creates conflict in both the small inconsequential moments in life as well as the major decisions.

That doesn’t mean that we’ve failed, or we have a bad marriage, it’s just the reality of relationships. It has taken me quite some time to come to that conclusion. Everyone has a picture of the happy marriage. You know, Rob and Laura Petrie or the Brady's - always understanding, always patient, always loving. Well guess what, folks? Those were TV shows. That ain't the real world.

I've found marriage is a balancing act where the needs of an individual are supposed to be met without detriment to the unity of the couple. It is a great challenge. It easily tips first one way and to the other. Disagreements are bound to happen. Those periods of harmony and then discord are woven into a rich blanket of shared history. Gratefully time mellows and softens that blanket until it is warm and comforting thing to have–especially that we are getting older.

Accepting one another as human beings, with all the frailties that implies, is when the excitement one feels when first in love changes to a mature love. Life isn't perfect, love is.

Design Context: What is graphic design for?

2011-10-25T13:16:00.003-05:00

Design Context: What is graphic design for?: 'Worlds Smallest Animation.' This animation is to promote the Nokia N8's "cellscope technology." I love it, something that little bit different to catch your attention that is relevant to what is trying to promote and proves the point.

Found at: http://s-thompson1013-dc.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

<br>http://s-thompson1013-dc.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

"Newbie Not Novice" Show

2011-09-21T14:22:00.004-05:00

I've been invited to participate in the "Newbie not Novice" Show at Spudnik Press at located at 1821 W. Hubbard Street, Suite 302 in Chicago, Illinois. Opening Reception is October 14, 6-10 pm and the show is up through November 4, 2011.

I will be showing the print "Cave Point Park" that I created in their Moku Hanga Class as well as the print "ImaBridge Africa."

Sandwich Fair (after the fact)

2011-09-21T13:51:00.003-05:00

Farm implement at the Sandwich Fair, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

The Sandwich Fair was two weeks ago already! Sheesh! Autumn is in the air and the fair, fun and food were fantastic in the cool breeze and warm sun

There was an animal petting zoo. I petted the soft rabbits and scrunched my fingers into the wool of a sheep that needed trimming.

Soda pop and crab cakes. Elephant ears and lemonade shakeups. Fay's bar-b-que! Salt-water taffy - yum!

People watching, overhearing partial conversations as people walk past. Music, steam engines, tractors, RVs, carnival rides and THE MOUSE GAME!

See that quarter on 13-14-15? WINNER!

In case you don't know what the mouse game is:

The mouse game consists of an 8 sided table with drawers on each side. The table top has a series of numbers printed and each number has a corresponding hole.

A drawer containing a mouse is removed and another drawer replaces it. The table is then spun like a roulette wheel and the mouse is released into the center. It scurries around and eventually ducks into a hole. If that hole matches the number you've chosen by placing a quarter on the side table, YOU WIN!

If not, you loose your quarter. :-(

I love the mouse game, but I can't understand why PETA hasn't shut it down years ago. It doesn't really do anything to the mouse, but make it dizzy and they trade out drawers, so the same mouse isn't spinning around all day.

You just have to love the fair!

New Project

2011-09-11T12:45:00.002-05:00

New project, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Creating a large block was once of my goals for this year. This one will be 22" high x 16" wide and will consist of two blocks, with multiple colors.

You can see the grid system I'm using to transfer the image. I'm considering leaving windows open or inserting areas of a different image entirely.

Crystal is in the background supervising. Yes. She is fat.

Three Art Shows

2011-09-11T12:08:00.001-05:00

Show #1:
In the House: Sculpture for the Home
Northern Illinois University Art Museum
South Galleries
August 23 - October 29, 2011
Curated by: Michael Bennett

From the Gallery Notes:

"DeKalb resident Michael Bennett, and artist and education for several decades, is a passionate consumer of visual culture. As he was organizing this exhibition, he shared some thoughts with the museum staff:

'Being close to Chicago affords me the opportunity to visit museums and galleries and over the years I have developed an eclectic aesthetic for many directions in three-dimensional work. When building my own collection I naturally search for small sculpture that will fit the scale of my home. This show represents a diverse group of eight artists whose ideas of form and content are directly influenced by the materials that they use.'

Those materials are often discarded bits of everyday "glotsam and jetsam", re purposed according to each artist's unique aesthetic. The recycled elements add lays of meaning, bring their own histories to the context of the sculpture in which they now find themselves. A visual and conceptual patina develops through this process. Patina and pattern have the same root - in fact, here's a strategy for looking at this exhibition: think about how each artist uses pattern and texture to enhance their visual vocabulary and convey a message."

"Nora"
2008
Recycled wood, acrylic pigmented grout
Michael Ferris, Jr.
Courtesy of the artist and Packer Schopf Gallery, Chicago


"Man on the Floor" 2011 Wood, prosthetic eyes, Apoxie Michael Ransdell

work by:
Michael Ransdell

My favorite artist from this show was definitely Michael Ransdell. He seemed to be the most unaffected by the success of his work. He was an ordinary guy who does extraordinary things.

I kept notes during the artist talks. He started off as a painter at Northern Illinois University and left as a sculpture; he did maintain his love of the 2-D by photographing his sculptures in natural environments and printing on aluminum through the process of sublimation.

The rooms that he creates were part of his process and not the final product. His original idea was to photograph these works and it was these photographs that would be hanging in a gallery.

His ambition is to create a mystery by combining what is God-made and what man has made. The use of wood burls in his work is the God-made, natural portion. He was in high school and brought in some burls. He wanted to make something out of them. His woods teacher told him that he couldn't improve on it. So, he agreed and gave up the idea. Later, he used these biomorphic forms to contrast with the man-made shapes.

Many in the audience were disturbed by the burls being used as human forms. They found the distortion of the figure as a transformation into the horrible. The holocaust of WWII and nuclear holocost came to mind. I found them comforting. The natural shapes reminded me of nature - the way things are supposed to be - before humans came along and bent them to their will.

Show #2:

In the Studio and Garden: John Balslery Sculpture and Collage
Northern Illinois University Art Museum
Rotunda Gallery
August 23 - October 29, 2011

From the Gallery Notes:

"... Balsley's work evokes a sense of humor and dream-like whimsy, juxtaposing formal elements ranging from precisely executed craft to a smorgasbord of crude materials. From the carefully machined "Fallen" to the improvisational "apparition, Balsley transforms found materials, giving them an other-worldly existence - where the amusing and fantastical run wild and stick-in-the-mud reality is left behind."

Remains of Phantom Square" (Detail)
Wood Carving
n.d.
John Balsley

"In My Garden"
Collage and Ink
n.d.
John Balsley

"In the Museum"
Pyro Print and Ink
2006
John Balsley

sculpture by:
John Balsley

You could tell right off that this guy was fun. He liked to talk about his art and process and his face shone when he did. He was very comfortable with all eyes on him. His entire family is involved in the creative arts: his son is a cartoonist. It was easy to see that he was proud of them.

John Balsley seemed to be an experimenter. He didn't mind trying new things. This led to his pyro prints. He heats zinc plates, then places them on the paper to burn the image into the paper. It isn't just a brand though, the heat escapes and leaves an imprint showing the waves of heat spreading out from under the plate. He said that he, "likes taking materials where they aren't supposed to go."

The wood carving came first. He purchased a hooked X-acto blade for this purpose and taught himself. Then the 2-D collage came because he now had the X-acto. Most recently came the 3D collage. His wife suggested it and he denied the idea... until he tried it for her sake - and loved it.

Show #3:
On the Body and in the Hand

Northern Illinois University Art Museum
August 23 - October 29, 2011
Curated by: Jamie Obermeier

Work Horse II, Details: Baby Shoes
2009
Found Baby Shoes, Sterling Silver

Shayna Egan
BFA Beadwork and Jewelry
May 2010

Artist is reflected in glass

Jewelry has gotten a bad rap lately. Everyone is creating jewelry and there is a saturation in the market. What makes this show stand out is that is isn't "just" jewelry, it isn't "just" the work of fine craft persons; it is art. There is concept behind the pieces.

The artist - and I didn't catch his name - (face palm) - discussed his pieces in detail. He is a fourth generation confectioner. He combined sugar and silver. There were many reasons for this: sugar is an nontraditional jewelry item, there is a similarity of the sugar trade and the fine metals trade's use of slave labor, there is a a juxtaposition of the perceived extravagance of precious metals and the everyday item of sugar, it goes on. He used some interesting techniques as well such as using 3D printing techniques where layers of substrate are printed one atop another until a completed product is manufactured. Al very interesting.

If you get a chance to see any of these shows, it is well worth the drive!

Printing, Hiking, and Art

2011-09-08T16:43:00.100-05:00

ImaBridge Africa, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

The days take forever, but the weeks and month are rushing past! How does that happen?

I've completed the ImaBridge Africa limited edition moku hanga print (shown above). It is for a fundraiser to build a fresh water well in Nigeria. The ImaBridge Africa project began in my church and they have done some amazing things over there! It started as a visit home for one of our priests and his parishioners from the United States and ended up helping numerous people live better lives.

The dark area at the top of the print is the country of Nigeria. A black crested crane is the national bird of Nigeria and happens to be a waterbird. The top symbol that looks like two hearts spiraled around one another is called "A Sase Ye Duru" meaning "The Earth Has Weight" and represents the importance the Earth has in sustaining life. The second symbol that is more geometric is called a "Boa me Na Me Mmoa Wo" or "Help me and Let Me Help You." It is a symbol of cooperation and interdependence.

The next thing I want to tell you about is that I have joined a new gallery! Dan Grych at The DeKalb Gallery / The Art Box accepted me as one of his artists. This is a great opportunity because I will be able to have one solo show per year at his gallery. Plus many other amenities like professional photography of my work and discounted framing. He had an open house recently and it was crowded with people all loving the artwork and building our local art community through personal relationships.

Rebecca McAnly's "Marry the Life"

I also attended a reception at the DeKalb Area Women's Center (DAWC). It was an interesting show by Rebecca McAnly called "Marry the Life" and reflects on the bridal dress as an emblem of a woman's married life. It was a fiber arts show that included more than just the wedding dress pieces. There were yo-yo walls, beautifully hand-dyed and sewn Asian inspired pieces.

I went for a long walk down to the lagoon and spied this beaver busy swimming along. It was a bright, sunny day and the yellow ~~weeds~~ wildflowers were gorgeous shining like stained glass.

During the week, I noticed that the goldfinches were back. They like to eat the thistle and purple cone flower seeds from my neighbor's garden. I took time to just sit with my camera and look out the window. They didn't really notice me, so I snapped a few photos. They really are beautiful.

Goldfinches in Kaiser's front yard Garden

Next came Labor Day weekend. I had my husband drop me off at a Shabbona State Park and I walked all the way to the other side of the lake and ended up in the forest preserve. Three hours of quiet solitude. Many times I stopped following the main trail and went onto deer paths.

One of those paths took me down a steep incline to a small creek that fed into the lake. Far above the creek was an old dumping spot for the farm that was there prior to the state park's existence. The garbage had, over the years, been sent down the hill by rainwater. There were old Coke bottles, blue flower vases, vintage perfume bottles, and more nestled in the mud and stones next to the creek.

The forest was really thick here and minnows tried to find a bit of light to sun themselves. I couldn't see the tops of the trees. I felt like no one had ever been at this spot before. I sat down and enjoyed the lush green, the sounds of the creek trickle over stones, the sunlight dancing over the leaves and making the water sparkle.

Then I jump across the water... twisted my ankle and thought to myself, "I'm by myself. No one knows I am down here. There is no trail, it is steep and rugged going - how on Earth would I be able to get back to the main trail if I had just broken my foot?" It was sobering until I realized that I could just call someone with my cell phone if needed. Thank you technology!

There were so many wonderful sights on that walk. I'll share some of them with you now:

A White Egret relaxing next to the no motor area of the lake.

Racoon tracks near the creek.

Bumble bee on a white thistle.

Me with my old wide-brimmed hat - no sunburn!!

A painted turtle sunning itself on a metal grate.

Minnows sunning themselves in the shallows of the creek.

A damsel fly warming in the sun.

Hiking in the prairie section of Shabbona State Park.

It was a perfect day.

A Sneak Peek at "Crow's Claw"

2011-08-16T13:20:00.002-05:00

This will be my effort toward the 50th international print exchange by Barenforum.org

Medium: Woodblock print (I'll be using shina wood and watercolor on washi)
Theme: Open-Celebrate the 50th Baren Exchange with whatever image you choose to create!
Paper: 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches (This is a standard artist trading card size)
Paper type: No restriction (I'll be using Kozoshi)

The Baren Forum is a place where anyone with an interest in the fascinating world of woodblock printmaking is welcome. Its main purpose is to encourage a flow of information among printmakers, to allow them to share their knowledge and experience, and to provide a place where they can get to know each other.

Think of [Baren] as being a 'convention of woodblock printmakers–but a convention with a difference: held in cyberspace and thus easily accessible to all, and with never a closing speech to signify that it is time for all the participants to end the discussions and go home.

Come join us!

Rejection, Acceptance, and Equilibrium

2011-08-15T20:24:00.007-05:00

Common Yellow Swallowtail Butterfly, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Bad news first: I did not receive the Fall 2011 artist residency at Spudnik Press in Chicago.

The good news: the Spudnik board graciously critiqued my application. They gave three points to work on and three points that were strengths.

They suggested that I work on the originality of my concept and wanted to see completed work which shows the proposed concept. This was an eye opener because I naively thought that the proposed idea was supposed to be a new series. Apparently it should be a continuation of previous themed work. The originality of concept was a bit of a surprise. Perhaps I needed to communicate the idea more fully. The final point was that they were not sure how I would be able to form a professional relationship at Spudnik since I live so far away. They want someone who lives in Chicago and who can spend a great deal of time in the Spudnik Studios. Fair enough. I don't have the same opportunities because I live in a rural Midwestern town. I'll just have to work harder to form these relationships despite the distance. I consider it a challenge, not a negative.

Abandoned nest at Afton Forest Preserve.

The praise went to quality of technique, strength of images, and quality of documentation. Those attributes make me feel better!

Black block for Crow's Foot print

In the meantime, I've started printing all 100 of the 2.5" x 3.5" prints for the 50th Barenforum exchange. It isn't due for awhile, but since I have the time now I didn't want to wait. It is of a crow's claw.

I was walking Gracie and came across just the one foot of a crow. My guess is that an owl had a tasty meal the night before in Mr. Mustari's old pine tree and dropped the foot. It was kind of creepy. Images of voodoo and hexes came to mind. It created an interesting, dark composition.

I'm also working on a new benefit project. A fellow artist and parishioner emailed me asking if I could donate work to ImaBridge Africa for their September 11 fundraiser. They will be trying to raise monies to build a well. The communities they assist will have fresh drinking water for the first time. If you would like to donate please visit ImaBridge Africa.

"ImaBridge Africa is a faith-based charity dedicated to building transformational relationships between people from dissimilar communities, the privileged and the underprivileged. We are called to aid the rural poor in developing skills, knowledge, attitudes and experience for self-reliance and the capacity to work together to solve their problems. Guided by the worldwide 2015 UN Millennium Development Goals, our mission is to provide financial and human resources to empower the poor to eradicate extreme poverty, promote gender equity, reduce child and maternal mortality, and ensure environmental sustainability."

I am very honored to be a small part of both this and the Barenforum's Inspired by Japan project to help those affected by the tsunami and earthquake.

What type of butterfly is this?

Art for social change! Helping others through art is my "little thing."

"It is not the magnitude of our actions that matters, but the love that we put into them, and that our successes do not depend on doing great things, but in doing little things with great love"
- Mother Teresa

Cicada newly emerged from it's shell.

My car is still broken, so I haven't been able to get out and walk the forest preserves. This weekend was an exception. I had so much untapped anxious energy that I asked my husband to drive me out to Afton. We walked and walked. Gradually that stress lessened and I was able to see the world around me with new eyes… just like the newly emerged cicada. I need to take these breathers more often to maintain my equilibrium.

Frogs for A Cause: Leaping for Life

2011-07-21T13:23:00.007-05:00

FROGS FOR A CAUSE: LEAPING FOR LIFE is a public art and wellness project aimed at encouraging family exercise and movement. With project leadership by NB&T and Kishwaukee Hospital along with participation by the business community, painted fiberglass FROGS will be on display throughout DeKalb County from July – October, 2011. Each FROG on display will include a family activity and wellness tip. In addition, pledge cards will be available for families to document the type of physical activity, the duration and the frequency. Cards may be turned in at any NB&T branch location for chance to win one of 250 pedometers and a Grand Prize family vacation to Wisconsin Dells.

Proceeds from the purchase of FROGS benefit youth scholarships at the Kishwaukee Family YMCA.

_ _ _ _ _

I started with the plain white fiberglass frog. Next, I measured out the lines and applied copper tape used in stained glass work. I painted and glazed the white rectangle, then used a sponge to add umber and black paint to antique it. The copper tape was then polished to remove any paint film and patina was applied to darken the copper to a deep blue/purple. The entire piece was then gently washed to remove the patina and stop oxidation. Finally, several coats of automotive sealant was applied to protect the paint and keep the copper tape from pulling up. This particular frog was for Foster & Buick Law Group, LLC. Previously, I had created their "Huskies on Parade" sculpture as well as their interior artwork.

Frogs for a Cause in process…

This is what I do in my spare time for fun!

The Woodblock Prints of Alfred Stark: Back Gallery Becomes Bird House

2011-07-20T23:31:00.005-05:00

Young Robin | Al Stark

Alfred Stark has been drawing birds and landscapes since he was a child hiking the woods of northern Illinois.

"Recently my wife and I bought our first house. It seems natural that the birds that have been a constant inspiration in the beautiful woods and prairies near our house would find themselves lost in the wondrous surrounding of our new home."

Kingfisher | Al Stark

Our Bird House, on exhibit at The Flying Pig Gallery in Algoma, Wisconsin from August 6^th through September 5^th, showcases Stark's woodblock prints of these birds in this very unusual setting.

Stark received a Bachelor of Fine Art in drawing from Northern Illinois University in 1995. He began to teach himself woodblock printmaking techniques in 2003, using a mix of Eastern and Western techniques.

His woodblock prints have been featured in many regional and national shows; most recently in the 21^st Paper and Clay Mid-Atlantic Art Exhibition in Norfolk, VA, and in the 3^rd Annual Kyoto International Woodprint Association (KIWA) Exhibition in Kyoto, Japan.

Inked Block | Al Stark

Alfred Stark will be on site in the gardens demonstrating the craft of woodblock carving and printmaking on the afternoons of September 2nd through September 5th. Hope you can make it one of those days to meet Al and experience the printmaking process.

The Flying Pig Gallery and Greenspace is located at N6975 Hwy 42, 2 miles south of Algoma. The gallery is open daily, 9am-6pm. Find us on Facebook and click here to visit their blog.

Summer Open House

2011-07-15T23:23:00.014-05:00

Plum Bottom Pottery Gallery & Studio, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

After tangling with Milwaukee traffic on a Friday afternoon, I am safe at home after a whirlwind trip to Door County for the Summer Open House at Plum Bottom Gallery in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin.

Lighthouse at The Ridges Sanctuary

Wednesday I drove up and booked a stay in a sleeper cabin with Frontier Wilderness Campground on Hillside Road in Egg Harbor. It was the first time I've been there. The sites are all deeply wooded. The cabins, washrooms and showers are impeccably clean and the staff is laid back, yet professional.

I don't know what this is. I preferred to call it a pink prickle-berry.

After I unpacked, I treated myself to a walk through The Ridges Sanctuary. Sometimes I wonder if I am stuck in a rut. I go to the same places over and over again ever since I was a child. There are more parks and secret places to be found, I am sure; but places like The Ridges call me back and I never tire of its voice.

Dragonfly

Every season there is something new to see. Every year it changes a bit. There is something in walking the same paths and noticing the differences: another tree fallen, new growth taking its place - it speaks to time and seasons - everything is a circle. It takes time and patience to notice the patterns of nature. Every once in awhile, a small creature greets me and welcomes me back.

My friend for a few minutes at the end of the trail.

There are quiet hours in place at the campground which I appreciated very much because I had to get to work making an edition of prints straight away if I was to make my self-imposed deadline of noon the following day.

I wanted to do something special for the Open House, so I created a limited edition of 12 prints to be sold only for that evening at a special price point. The print was based on Chad Luberger's latest ceramic pieces. Wednesday evening, I drew and carved the blocks. The washi was dampened in blotter paper over night and I awoke at 5:30 am to print. The edition was completed, dried and packaged by 11:30! Then I was off to the gallery to help set up at noon.

At first there wasn't much for me to do since I wasn't as familiar with the gallery's set up. So, I stayed out of the way and out-of-doors. It was so quiet and peaceful, contrasting with the flurry of activity inside. I sat and watched a ruby-throated hummingbird daintily sip from the pastel bloom of a hosta in the stone gardens.

Bright yellow finches, blue jays, and even a red-headed woodpecker took turns sipping from the ceramic waterfall. Periodically I could hear the calls of a cardinal or a hawk or the "cuh-cuh" of a crow in the distance. Meanwhile the waterfall bubbled a melody all its own.

"Hive Mind" was featured in the Peninsula Pulse Art Section

Eventually I set up my demonstration table beside the waterfall on a stone path. New work was given to Chad for the evening's display. He chose to coordinate color schemes between the 3-D and 2-D art. Ochres blended with umbers. Cobalt and celadon. Ultramarine violets and blues.

Cobalt and celadon are reminiscent of the colors of Lake Michigan.

I was gratefully put to work cleaning and food presentation. During this part of set up, I learned that my print entitled 'Hive Mind" was featured on the cover of the art section of the Peninsula Pulse Newspaper! What an honor! I quietly beamed with pride over this. How cool!

Woven wire jewelry by Angela Lench. Open House print by Erin K. Nolan.

My self confidence was also boosted when Angela Lench allowed me to wear some her jewelry pieces. She weaves sterling or gold wire mixed with semi-precious stone beadwork. (Click on her name above to read more about her!)

Ceramics by Chad Luberger. Flowers by Mother Nature.

As people began to arrive, I accepted a glass of red wine and started my demonstration. It is so much easier for me to speak with people when the focus is on the artwork. Even as an adult I am incredibly shy when speaking with people. Some people were very interested and had many questions, other people were not as interested, but listened politely as I spoke. I love showing everyone how I create my prints. I feel that education is half of an artist's work. Education leads to appreciation. It is interesting to showcase the "behind the scenes" of the artwork. In the end, though, people respond to the work on an emotional level.

As night-time fell the party moved indoors. I met so many wonderful people like fellow Plum Bottom artist Davide Toffolon. His work looks, at first glance, like an etching; but is actually pen and ink with salt processed watercolor. His work has a very distinct style. It is extremely precise and planned in areas and yet very loose in others. Stop by Plum Bottom if you get a chance to view them in person. It is worth the drive.

Artwork by Davide Toffolon. Ceramics by Chad Luberger.

After many years, I FINALLY was able to meet Nik Garvoille face to face. Nik is an artist and the creator of KNOCK: Door County's Literary Art Magazine. I came across the publication and periodically submitted artwork. Last year, he placed my print, "Blue Heron" on the cover. For his poetry reading and open house, I delivered a framed piece. The open house was a Plum Bottom Pottery. The piece sold and I arrived to accept the payment in person. Chad asked if I was interested in having work shown in his gallery. So, you could say that I owe Nik just about everything. It was wonderful to meet him. One thing about Nik: his deep eyes spark and shine like he is thinking a mile a minute - filled with creativity.

Mary and Lu-Lu's enthusiasm was contagious!

As the evening drew to a close–at least for me, as I am old and had a glass of wine and was up past my bedtime–I went to as many people as I could and thanked them for such a wonderful evening. It really was grand. Back at the cabin, my mind was racing: with visual overload. Colors were swirling in my mind from the art, conversations were played over, and I reminisced the taste of the delicious Cuban-inspired dishes. I fell asleep dazed and happy.

Tarts adorned with fresh raspberries & blueberries.

I was invited to breakfast the following morning at The Town Hall Bakery in Jacksonport. . It was the absolute best breakfast I've even had and the presentation was beautiful: edible nasturtium flowers, berries, melons, fruits and vegetables all artistically arranged, self-serve coffee, welcoming music and friendly, hometown service. Just awesome! Please, don't drive past this gem. I wish I had my camera with me in the restaurant, just so I could share with you how beautiful the plate was. I'll get a photo next time I'm in the area - oh, yeah - I'll be back!

Wild lily at The Ridges Sanctuary

Afterward… ugh…the long drive home. Milwaukee, as per usual, was my nemesis. *Shakes fist at Milwaukee interstates* I'll get the hang of it someday. Unfortunately "someday" was not today. I was brought to tears, yet again. Ah, well. As in life, it takes going through trials in order to appreciate the good times. I was so glad to arrive home, relive my plesant experiences from the past few days, and be able to share it with you.


Edge of the bog at The Ridges

Finally! Cave Point Park - Moku Hanga Version from Class

2011-07-12T10:30:00.001-05:00

Finally! Cave Point Park - Moku Hanga Version from Class, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Finally, I have the finished version of the moku hanga Cave Point Park 4-block woodblock relief print from the class at Spudnik Press.

I don't think it has the flow of my previous work, but that is because I used the knife tool instead of the U-gouge to make the cuts. I was just getting used to the abilities of the new tool.

The best part about it is the gradient from sky blue to light green in the water. I also like the texture in the trees - that area is the closest to my previous work.

I go up to Door County tomorrow to attend the Plum Bottom Pottery Open House on Thursday, July 14th. It would be fantastic to meet you there!

Title: Cave Point Park
Edition Size: 10
Print Dimensions: 6" w x 8" h
Paper Dimensions: 8" w x 10" h
Ink: watercolor
Woodblock: Shina
Paper: Kozoshi
Artist: Erin K. Nolan
Dated: 07.2011

"Koi Climbing The Waterfall"

2011-07-07T11:54:00.008-05:00

Koi Climbing Up The Waterfall, originally uploaded by pejnolan.
So much has happened. It is hard to keep up! First, this is the finished product for the "Inspired by Japan" Reliefs for Relief project. This project has been set up by the printmakers of the Baren Forum. The prints will travel to galleries all around the globe and their portfolios will be sold to raise funds for Peace Winds to the people of Japan affected by the tsunami and earthquake.

Original sketch and color idea.

key block

I read a Chinese legend known in Japan as Koi-no-Takinobori. In this story carp swim, against all odds, up a waterfall known as the "Dragon Gate" at the headwaters of China's Yellow River. The gods are very impressed by the feat, and rewarded the carp by turning them into powerful dragons.

The story symbolizes the virtues of courage, effort and perseverance. These herculean virtues are being found today in the hearts of the affected people of Japan in the face of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster of 2011.

I am very proud of this piece since it is my very first true moku hanga print using watercolor as ink.

At Spudnik Press, I learned this technique from Matthew Messer. Although I am still working on the Cave Point Park print from the class, I went ahead and used the technique on my own.

Moku Hanga class in progress at Spudnik Press, Chicago, IL.

Speaking of Spudnik, I just applied for their fall residency program. I'm excited about this opportunity and really hope that I am chosen. The resident will be announced sometime in July and it begins august 1st. I'm so excited because this feels like a good next step to push myself and explore my artwork for fully. There is a stipend for materials, studio space at their facilities and a gallery show with reception upon completion of the residency. So, keep your fingers crossed for me!

This past weekend was the Ellwood House Art Show. There were far fewer booths this year. One reason for this is because of the economy - no one has extra cash for the nice-ities of life. Another reason was that many people were juried out of the show. There is a new director and he wants it to be a fine art and fine craft show. Thank goodness!! Someone with the balls to say no to flea market items. He is going to keep a high standard.

These are my tools on the table with Al Stark's prints in the background. We shared a booth.

Because of the fewer booths, Al and I had more people with time to stop by and talk about the process of printmaking. I loved it! My brother and I shared a booth this year to cut down on costs. It was a wonderful show with perfect weather! The following day, the Fourth of July, I was so exhausted that I went to bed before dark and missed the fireworks.

For everyone who read the previous post about my mom, her arms are healing nicely and she no longer needs a brace. She is driving and living at her own place now. Thank you for all your well-wishes for her speedy recovery!

A "naked" frog ready to paint!

I'm painting a fiberglass frog for the "Frogs for a Cause" to benefit the Kishwaukee Community Hospital Wellness Program. You might remember from 2008 when I took part in the "Huskies on Parade" project. The frog is for the same client and they want the look and feel of the frog to be similar to the existing huskie. It is kind of a craftsman / steam punk look.

Lavendar from my garden. Umm... what a relaxing scent!
PS: I think this is my favorite photo all year.

I haven't had much time outdoors, I've been so busy! I'm wasting my summer months working! I am looking forward to going up to Door County next week for Plum Bottom Pottery's Open House on Thursday, July 14th. I have some new work to show Chad and am thrilled to be demonstrating my printmaking techniques. When I'm not helping to set up for the party, I'll be ambling through the backwoods and preserves of Door County taking some awesome reference photos.

Second Proof: A long way to go...

2011-06-27T09:53:00.001-05:00

Second Proof: A long way to go..., originally uploaded by pejnolan.

This is the second proof from the project I've been working on at Spudnik Press in Chicago. Let's just say I am not happy with it right now, but that doesn't mean I won't be happy with it after making a few adjustments.

Controling the watercolor is the main problem right now. That will come with study and practise. We'll see how it looks at the end of the week.

The first block with the cyan sky gradating down to the green of the pool will have nori added to it to make it more transparent. This will make the trees pop more and the stones of the sap green block have greater contrast.

The burnt umber of the third block is too harsh and I'll be changing that to a deep ochre.

the second block using sap green will be a bit darker, maybe I'll add blue to deepen the stones in the pool.

Ivory black was used for the final block. It isn't as black as I want. Part of that has to do with the application and transfer of the watercolor, but I also learned that I should use Lamp black for a true black.

I can't wait to get home from my day job to continue working with this.

Spudnik Press and the Moku Hanga Adventures

2011-06-09T15:13:00.000-05:00

I've already taken two classes. The first time, my husband came with to make sure we knew the directions and to find out what kinds of neighborhoods I would be walking around in. The train ride is nice, then it's just a few blocks of walking to reach the L's Green Line. I get off at the first stop and walk about 10 blocks.

Spudnik Press is located in an old factory building that is orange brick. I have to buzz to enter the building. The hallways are stark white: modern, crisp, and clean; but once you enter the press room and work area, it is like walking back in time. There are vintage presses, old wood floors and heavy wooden beams from the floor to the tall, open ceilings. There are small containers everywhere filled with wonderful things such as wood type, inks, glass bottles. It is small, but neatly organized. There are books and a computer to access for ideas and freshly printed artwork hangs on the walls.

The first class was an eye-opener. Having been primarily self-taught with the help of my brother who is also self-taught woodblock printmakers, I neglected to know some of the very basics like what is the best type of paper to use or how to angle the cuts just right when carving. That is exactly why I took the class and I am so very glad I worked up my courage to go. Apparently the papers I have been using are way too thin to work for moku hanga. The instructor, Matthew Messer, was surprised I could even print with kitakata and sekishu. The heavy kozo paper he showed us was excellent and will make much better prints!

The second class, I took the trip into the city by myself. I was a bit nervous because of some of the things I had seen on the street the previous week. Things like an empty bottle of vodka with underwear next to it or buildings with bars over the entrances. The neighborhood is really old. Look at the red doors in the photos above. They are tall and thin. They must have been built in the late 1800's. The building they are fit into have weathered every one of those years they look it. The textures of peeling paint and rust, the smell of the traffic, the smog from the city, hearing people yell in the distance… I know I don't belong there. I wasn't made for city life.

But then I go into another world inside Spudnik Press. For four hours I am amongst others who enjoy art and learning.

Matt brought roasted barely tea last week. It was sweet, cool, and refreshing. It reminded me of Honey Smacks cereal. In Japan it is called, mugicha (麦茶^?). I'll have to make some myself or purchase some at Mitsua, the Japanese market in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights.

Lastly, I should mention that by the end of the class we will each have a four-color moku-hanga print. Mine will be an 8" h x 6" w Cave Point Park in Bailey's Harbor, Wisconsin - one of my favorite places to be.

Iris from my garden

2011-05-27T11:07:00.001-05:00

20110525230129.jpg, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Wednesday night I began to carve a block showing an iris from my garden. Last year the plants were purchased from the Gurler House Plant Sale around Mother's Day. Everything I purchased there last year is growing so abundantly this year!

I have gigantic purple iris, medium purple iris, smaller yellow iris, and mini dark purple iris. In front of that is a little stone path with a purple and green sedum, blue speedwell and pink dianthus. Off to the side are crimson mums.

I used differently sized u-gouges to make a pattern of circles that will create a nice gradient using progressively smaller circles.

This Sunday starts my moku hanga class in Chicago! Eeek! I am so excited and scared at the same time. I'll let you know how it goes.

Waterfall Carp Woodblock

2011-05-23T12:48:00.004-05:00

Waterfall Carp woodblock, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

This weekend I worked on the "Inspired by Japan" relief effort project put forth by the Baren Forum, and international collaborative of printmakers. It felt so good to be drawing and carving again! It helps my mind slow down and focus on just one thing at a time. Anymore that has been a luxury!

Things are really hectic and stressful right now. Normally I try to separate my art life from family and work, but that has been impossible. Someone said that I have too much drama. Well maybe crappy things just happen and a person just handles them the best they know how:

1. My car broke down and I can't get it fixed, so I have no transportation other than my bicycle.
a. bad: grocery shopping is difficult
b. good: I'm getting a lot more exercise

2. My mom broke both her arms and my dad isn't able to take care of her, so she moved in with my family.
a. bad: It is expensive and stressful for my family to have another member join us.
b. good: I get to develop a relationship with my mom while doing the right thing.

3. My son will not be graduating high school with the rest of his class.
a. bad: I'm too mad right now to list all the consequences as a result of this that will haunt him the rest of his life.
b. good: maybe, just maybe this will make him think about the direction his life is going and he can change it around.

4. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
a. bad: expensive, painful, hurtful, relationship-damaging
b. good: I don't see a good side to this one

5. I resigned as president of the Kishwaukee Valley Art League
a. bad: I fear for the continuation of the league
b. good: one less thing to stress out about

There is something to be learned from every hardship and something to be gained from every challenge. This month has been one of the hardest in all my 43 (and one-half) years, but I do know that better times are ahead and I remain hopeful.

Some joyful things that happened over the weekend were that our neighbors had one of their famous parties.

St. Paul's has a Lobsterfest every year in order to raise funds for their church. Well, our neighbors had about 20 huge red lobsters on their patio. After their guests enjoyed their meal, the started opening bottles of champaign with a sword. Each time a bottle was opened there were cheers from the crowd. My bedroom window is right above the party and I really love falling asleep to the sound of their laughter and music. I wish I was there with them, but since I can't, I enjoy their ambiance.

Our neighbors are so cool. They work so hard all year long doing lawn work and catering, then they travel all over the world with the money they earned. They've been to Japan, Thailand, India, Ireland, Scotland and many other countries! They're just plain fun people.

Another good thing that happened is that we planted our small garden. We'll have basil and cucumbers and tomatoes. The basil and tomatoes will be made into Margarita Pizza this summer.

Our flowers are coming up. The purple iris, lavender, pink dianthus, lily of the valley, and honesty plant are all blooming. The holly hocks, sea holly and Russian sage are popping up.

The weather was sunny and warm during the day. Just feeling the sun on my shoulders makes me so happy. I try to have the warmth permeate my body and enter my soul - just trying to soak it all in.

Time seems to get away from me. There is so much that I want to do for myself, my family, my friends; but I am only one person and I can't do it all. I have to tell myself that it is OK to prioritize. Some things have to go by the wayside. Balance is a difficult challenge. Some days I can rise to the challenge, other days I just want to hide. Today is a good day - I had two large cups of coffee!!!

June Bug Idea

2011-05-13T14:52:00.001-05:00

June Bug Idea, 5x7, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Last night as I was typing away at my computer, I could hear the softly muted trills of the screech owl's song. I was so very glad to hear it because our neighbor's had cut down the trees that the owls and owlets used in the evenings and I had thought they might not come back. I'm so happy to be wrong.

After the owl came a June bug. "Hey Mr. June bug, buzzing at my window, don't you know it's May?" I said quietly, chuckling to myself. My Aunt saw this posted on Facebook the following day and said the phrase sounded like a 1920's flapper song. I like the sound of that.

The nights have been uncharacteristically warm. The air is soft and feels good against my skin. I just felt at ease for the first time in a long while. I haven't had many quiet moments of reflection lately. My life has gotten too busy. I need to pull back, reassess, center myself and cut out some stressful areas so I can breathe deeply once again.

My last post was about wanting to combine the transparent Akua Kolor inks with the opaque Graphic Chemical inks similar to Francis Gearhart. I've been rolling ideas around in my head and came up with the little June bug. I'm excited to get started. Scared and excited.

That feeling is good. It means that I am stretching and growing as an artist. The nervous energy, when harnessed, results in some good learning. The physical end result may not be fantastic, but what I will have learned through the process of trying is invaluable.

This is just a digital drawing. By doing it this way, I am planning out the color combination and placement. It is the same as drawing it out on a sheet of paper, but this time I just chose to do the sketching on the computer using layers in Photoshop. Of course, the amount of detail will depend on my wood and tools. I'd like to get pretty close to this - maybe just more stylized using patterned cuts for the trees and a light pattern background pattern for the warm, peaceful wind.

I signed up to study Japanese Moku Hanga with Matthew Messmer at Spudnik Press in Chicago. I can't even tell you how nervous I am. I've never really taken public transit before. That may sound silly to some, but I'm just a small town girl. The town I grew up in doesn't even have a stoplight! We had to travel to a road construction site at another town to practice for the driver's license test. Turn arrow? Forgettabout'em. My husband is coming with the first day to show me the ropes, then I might be able to get a ride to the train station from one of the other students after that.

It will be a good experience not only for the educational aspect, but for the networking as well. It will be so nice to be part of a group of people interested in Moku Hanga. It starts May 29 and runs for five Sundays, 1 - 5 pm. Another adventure begins!

Frances Gearhart (1869 - 1959)

2011-05-05T22:51:00.002-05:00

I was just speaking with a friend about how much I love the crispness of the water-soluble Graphic Chemical ink while at the same time admiring the transparent, watercolor-like washes that Akua Kolors provide. I wanted to find a way to combine both looks. That conversation was a week ago, and wallah(!) another friend from my local art league gave me the story of Frances Gearhart.

See where the dark outlines are used in the foreground as outline and as shadow in the back treeline. In the farthest distance the line has been removed. The broken line work showing the reflection from the mid-ground rocks adds energy while the reflection in the foreground is flat black making the creek lazily wind 'round the stones. Also, the green gradient of the creek is perfect to show perspective.

Ms. Gearhart was from Southern California and lived with her two printmaking sisters each of which taught in the Los Angeles public school system. They studied with other artists such as Charles H. Woodbury, Henry R. Poore and Arthur Wesley Dow. In their home they held regular gatherings for the Print Makers Society of California.

The brushstrokes in the lake are so delicate and contrast nicely against the dark, stark foreground. I like the directional cut paths at the base of the center tree.

Her success came starting in 1919 when she joined and showed with the Print Makers of Los Angeles. In 1920 the Print Makers Society of California commissioned her to make a print and in 1923. She had her first solo exhibition in Los Angeles. After that, she showed nationally in places like the Brooklyn Museum and the Smithsonian.

What can I say? Magnificent! The texture, the patterns, the shapes and colors... just wow!

Although all three sisters were contemporaries, each had their own unique take to the artwork both in subject matter and technique. But, despite these differences, they collaborated on a children's book titled, "Let's Play" which was started in 1923. The prints were created, but the manuscript remained unfinished. Today the book is held by Princeton's University Library. Forty years later, in 2009, the book was finally published.

Here are some links if you are intersted in learning more about this artist:

Frances Gearhart.com
Los Angeles Times: Behold Frances Gearhart
Art and the Aesthete, Frances Gearhart

The Morel of the Story

2011-05-04T13:11:00.015-05:00

Morel, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Last weekend was just beautiful! One of those times when everything just ran smoothly for one whole day. Ahhh, that felt good. Paul and I rode up to Door County to deliver a batch of prints to Chad Luberger at Plum Bottom Gallery. Angela Lench was there, too. After business was out of the way, we all had a nice visit. Chad showed us how he is building a huge kiln without any mortar. It was amazing. Why didn't I take any photos?!? (palm to forehead, "stupid, stupid, stupid!:)

Angela showed me these beautiful gold wire crochet earrings with carnelian which is one of my favorite stones. Gosh I wish I could have purchased them!

As we went outside to leave, we were shown stone sculptures by a new artist at Plum Bottom. Faces were carved into the Door County stone - some white, others gray. At first I might have said they were whimsical, but then upon closer inspection they were anything but. There was an unsettling sternness in their features, so of course I loved them. They were also interesting because they looked the same as the other rocks in the garden, so much so that seeing the faces startled me a few times because I didn't expect them.

Let me share with you a list of all the cool things I saw that day:

A rafter of 12 wild turkeys: They were so silly. We spotted them down a gravel road that was obviously not often traveled. It was like the turkey's didn't know what to do. They were running this way, then that, then into one another. Finally they decided to head towards the trees. It was hilarious!

Two sandhill cranes: One flew overhead as we were walking at Toft's Point. They have such a loud, croaking call. The second was foraging in a field right next to the road, oblivious to our presence as we drove past.

A muskrat: It was flattened like a pancake on the road in Manitowoc, but its fur was still beautiful - so it counts. No photo. You'll thank me!

Morels: We walked out into the woods looking hard for any sign of morels, and didn't spot any until several yards later.
Then we turned around and saw that we had almost stepped on many of them as we walked in. There were several dozen! My first official morel sighting "in the wild." I'd tell you where they were, but then I'd have to kill you.

A blanket of lichen: This was on one of the alternate paths at Toft's Point. It was a light, pale pastel green and looked so soft, I wanted to curl up and lay down on it. When I touched it though, it was rough and scratchy. I wondered how long it took for the lichen to grow so high. Lichen grow less than a mm/year and these were about 4" high!

A Canadian Goose nest on the rocks of the Bailey's Harbor Marina. The marina was going to be dredged in the next few weeks. I hope it doesn't make the parents leave their nest. It wasn't very well built. Maybe they were first time parents. There were feathers all around the eggs, but the eggs themselves were laying right on the stones. The eggs were much larger than I thought goose eggs would be!

Green: I saw on the shore of Lake Michigan at Toft's Point, the most vivid, incredible green as I looked into the water. The sun was shining on it in just the right way to make everything glow. Beautiful!

A few other things of note from the last few weeks:
• The wood ducks are back in the old tree down the street. It still cracks me up to see ducks in the trees.
• I saw the first worm of spring trying to cross the sidewalk after a cold rain. I picked it up and put it in the grass to help it along.
• The magnolias are in full bloom as well as the forsythia, daffodils, tulips, grape hyacinth and bleeding hearts. The color just makes my heart sing. I wish I could capture the colors in a bottle to release during the dark, cold winters.
• I had my credit card number stolen. "Dear to-whom-ever-stole-my-card-number: You must be pretty bad off in order to steal from another person. I hope your life gets better and you get back on your feet."

The moral of the story? After a marathon road trip to Door County, I feel more inspired and excited about creating. New ideas are swirling around in my head and that's a good thing.

NIU Asian American Center Demonstration

2011-04-08T16:25:00.010-05:00

Demonstration, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

This demonstration of Moku Hanga was sponsored by the Asian American Center at the Gallery Lounge in the Holmes Student Center on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.

I was a comfortable crowd of interested persons. They all duteously took ntes as I was speaking. As soon as a noticed this, my self-confidence took a beating. It was so important that I share the information completely and exactingly so as to not make a mistake.

A cold had just taken over and my voice was about to go out. I was still feeling good, so I just carried on despite the coughing.

I started by talking about why I choose to do an "outdated" ancient art form. I feel that when a person creates art by hand, his or her humanity shows in the finished piece. I wouldn't say that it is direct opposition to digital technology because I use the computer at times when developing a composition. When creating a print I use all my senses. I smell the inks, feel the texture of the wood, and hear the brush as the ink is applied. There is something meditative about the process. It forces me to slow down and gives me time to think.

Hiroshige
From the Series:
“One hundred famous landscapes from Edo”

Van Gough
Japonaiserie Bridge
in the Rain

I then spoke about the history of woodblock printmaking in the east and the west and how the styles played off one another in the mid 1800's when Commodore Matthew Perry opened the doors between Europe and Asia. I especially like showing the example of Van Gough's Japonaiserie Bridge in the Rain which uses a print by Hiroshige as "inspiration" - ok he just copied it and added a border.

I gave my demonstration. I had kept everything from the mini rabbit print from reference photo, to sketch, to inked tracing on tengucho paper, carved blocks, etc. So every step was there for the demo.

Afterwards, I invited everyone to come up and try the block on newsprint. Woodblock printmaking sounds easy, but when people try it for themselves they see how difficult it is to get an even impression. It teaches them appreciation for the art form.

The absolute best part was a little girl, maybe about 4 years old. Her mother tried printing and was happy with her results. So, I asked her daughter if she would like to try. She was so shy. I told her of course she could do it! I didn't want her to have the entire ink bottle (Akua Kolor) so I asked if she would count out the drops so I would know how much ink to add. In a tiny, sweet, quiet voice she counted, "one... two... three..."

Next I gave her the brush. It barely touched the ink and she swirled it around slowly afraid that she would break something. So I took the other brush and asked if I could help. Next think you know we were racing our brushes back and forth along the block, crashing into one another as we did so. She was laughing.

For the paper, I held down the one corner next to the kento and held the opposite diagonal corner. I asked if she would lay the paper down. She patted it gently with both hands as I laid the newsprint in place. I gave her a black plastic baren. Again, her touch was so gentle and slow. I let her do it for awhile, then asked if I could try. I burnished it hard and fast, then told her I think I may have done it wrong. Could she finish it up so it would be right? Again, slowly, delicately, she barely touched the paper.

It was done! I told her to lift up the paper. You should have seen her face light up! She did it! I could just see how proud she was of her work. I asked if she would like to sign her name on it and gave her a technical drafter's pencil to use. She drew her squiggly lines that symbolized her name. She was such a little dear.

My son took the photos of the demonstration and helped me pack everything up and take it to the car. His suggestions? Don't say "and" so often and don't apologize for using my notes. He said to tell the audience,"I'm going to look at my notes now-get used to it!" He cracks me up.

Gracie and Tony

2011-04-02T10:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I couldn't do the C25K workout because I had that awful pain behind my ear. I've been told it is a migraine, but am wondering if it might be something else. Anyway, I woke up first thing this morning and felt great so I treated Grace and myself to training at Afton Forest Preserve. We were the only ones out there. As I drove in the entrance I spied a pair of ring-necked pheasants crossing the road about 10 feet away. I KNEW I should have brought my camera!

Grace was excited to start running! It was 50F (10C) this morning at 8:30. We started the walking/jogging routine and made it all the way around the pine trees when a big dog came running up to us. At first I was frightened for Grace, but the dog and Grace soon started playing together. They would take turns running and jumping. I checked his tags to make sure it wasn't lost. His name was Tony and he lived at the farmhouse behind Afton. I just let him walk with us since he and Grace were getting along so well.

Recently Grace had an experience where a large dog jumped out of a car and chased her. It wasn't friendly. It left her shaken and she has been very nervous around large dogs since then so it was really nice to see how Tony and her played together this morning. Gracie's confidence grew as we walked on. When we reached to bridge over the creek, Tony had already jumped in and was splashing around in the water. Then he ran up the bank and shook all the water out right next to me. EW! Wet dog smell! Grace watched all this, went into the nearby pond and did the same thing. Silly Gracie!

After walking around the entire park, we finally reached the parking log when a gray truck drove up. All of a sudden Tony's head sank and he put his tail between his legs. Apparently he doesn't always get to walk around the prairie preserved unsupervised. He knew he was in trouble. He jumped into the back of the truck after his owner had let down the hatch. Grace and I packed up and watched Tony drive away with us right behind. Grace was whining to be with Tony. Star-crossed loves.

Anyway, that was my morning. Now it's off to take a shower and go to the studio to prepare for my demonstration on Tuesday and Thursday next week. There is a lot to do this weekend and I'd better get started!

The first flower of Spring!!

2011-03-28T08:24:00.001-05:00

The first flower of Spring!!, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

When I go on my morning walks, I've been hearing a bird call I'm unfamiliar with. I would look and look, but couldn't find it. It is coming from the old tree in front of the brown house down the street that sold last autumn. That tree has been home to a pair of wood ducks (yes, wood ducks right in town!) as well as a menagerie of other wild animals.

Today I found out the the calls were from a pair of red-headed woodpeckers! They are building a nest in the high branches of that tree! If you go to the link, you can her a recording of their song. I never heard any of the tapping, just the song which is why I was confused.

There is a downy woodpecker in the neighborhood at the other end of the block. It drives me crazy because it chooses to tap on the metal TV antennas. Silly little bird. You would think that if it never found food in those antennas it would stop. Maybe it just likes making a racket.

There has been a rash of tree cutting in last six months or so. The bee tree that was also home to a family of raccoons was cut down last autumn. The old trees on the corner of Sixth and Davy were cut down last summer. This past Friday the tall old firs that were our neighbors to the back and butted up to our backyard - they were at least 60 years old - were cut town.

The baby screech owls would come in the evenings to roost on the fir branches and hoot softly to me as I went to sleep. It was a thoroughfare for squirrels and there were many bird's nests. The rich acidic soil provided a home to beautiful ferns. No more. All gone in one day. I wonder how much it confuses the animals or if they just adapt and move on without much thought.

The first flower in my yard popped up yesterday! The first flower is officially a yellow crocus. The color is just amazing. When I woke up it was 19 degrees (F) (-7.22C), but in a matter of half an hour it was already 27! (-2.77C) . That is a pretty big jump.

I got a commission piece to work on over the weekend, so printmaking was put off yet again. I need to win the lottery so I can do that full-time. Always dreaming!

Year of the Rabbit Mini

2011-03-23T12:39:00.003-05:00

Year of the Rabbit Mini, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I'll be using the woodblock above during my demonstration and lecture April 5th at Northern Illinois University's Holmes Student Center's Gallery Lounge. It is on the second floor of the Holmes Student Center. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.(although a flier from Kishwaukee College lists the time at 5:30 p.m., so I'll have to verify the time.)

I plan on having one block for each stage so people can gain a better understanding of the process within a limited amount of time. I'm so nervous about speaking in public. I channel that nervous energy into preparation so that by the time the demonstration begins, I know I've done everything possible to prepare and that what will be will be.

I've started training for the 5K and have two training sessions under my belt. I can't even tell you how proud I am of myself. This really seems doable! I keep saying that, but this program, C25K, takes it at a pace even I can do. I'm excited and hope that being more fit overall will help with my tiredness. Paul and Jake were gone over the weekend and I slept for 14 hours?!! How is that even possible? I'm also hoping that it will trim me up a bit. I've been feeling like a heffalump. lol. Running may even lower my cholesterol and triglycerides since I stopped taking the medicine anyway.

I mentioned that Paul and Jake were away for the weekend. They went out to Ohio for a "Boys Only" road trip to visit some of Jake's online friends. Jake had the best time and while he was visiting with his friends, Paul walked through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and shot some amazing photos of waterfalls carved out of slate. He also went to the Rock n Roll Museum and an air museum. It was pretty cold. He said he might like to go back in the summer. He mentioned that the people were very friendly and that he liked the waffle machine at the hotel for guest's continental breakfasts. The roads were awful. He got a Sion from Enterprise and it died just as he drove into our town. He didn't like the Sion at all. It was and Army green box. ick.

Usually I am the one to leave on a trip. It was different being home. It was a real eye-opener and I now appreciate them more.

When I'm away from home, I get to do what I want when I want. I get to take my time and not worry about messing up someone else's plans. I'm not talking about elaborate things. I just mean that I can take a long shower and dry my hair and actually curl my hair and put on make up without feeling as though I'm being rushed. Things like that. I've always told myself that if I could I would eat the things I like, go off and do what I want, etc. My theory was that because Paul and Jake didn't like to eat the things I like or do the things I want to, they were holding me back from enjoying myself, living a healthy lifestyle, etc. Selfish, I know.

But with the boys gone, and me having the chance to proof this theory, I failed miserably. Why make food when there is no one to make it for? Popcorn for lunch... that's fast and will fill me up. Why go somewhere when there is no one to enjoy it with? I'll just sit on the couch with my dog and the curtains closed.

It was different when I was the one going away. Staying home without them is no fun. It was a good lesson for me to have learned. I'm also glad that Paul was able to get out of town for awhile to see new things.

Change is good

2011-03-16T14:16:00.005-05:00

With the change from Winter to Spring comes the uncertainty of a new routine. There are periods of my life where things run smoothly and all is right with the world. Then something happens - internally or through external factors - that creates an imbalance.

The change of season is one of those times. During this interval I feel as if I am being challenged to try things I haven't done before and to do things I wouldn't have imagined a few years earlier. When I succeed, there is a brief period when things hum along smoothly. I feel worthwhile and my life has meaning. Then there is an awareness that I need to challenge myself again in order to stretch and grow. That still, small voice has remained over the years telling me, "Do it now. There isn't much time."

Right now, I am at an awkward stage. I'm keeping up with my responsibilities, but something is not quite right, I'm not inspired, I'm not in the moment. I'm searching.

I believe this is a healthy state of mind. Who wants to remain stagnant and do the same things over and over until the mind becomes numb? Not me! I want to live life to the fullest. I love to try new things!

This Saturday, I'll start the "C25K" a.k.a. Couch to 5K. I'm excited! The program consists of 9 weeks of training. Your fitness level changes from that of a couch potato to a runner by taking small steps: 3 days a week of training at only 20 minutes per session. I'll be doing it with the DeKalb Area Outdoor & Social Activities Meetup Group. So, with luck, at the end of May, 2011, I'll be running in a 5K race! Can you believe it?

Last Autumn, I went on a canoe trip down the Fox River with this same group. Now that warmer weather is returning, I'm hoping to do a lot more with them: camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, you know... fun stuff!

This activity is Febreeze for my life! lol.

Women's Works 2011

2011-03-12T23:01:00.005-06:00

Women's Works 2011, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I just came back from the Women's Works reception and am pretty jazzed up - not only from being on a visual high after viewing room after room of art but also from the Red Bull I had earlier.

The piece shown above was my favorite! It is by eunyoung Suh of DeKalb, IL and is entitled, "The Beauty III" made in porcelain.

This piece represents fertility to me because of shape of the vase. The lotus flower carved into the base symbolizes femininity, the celadon green intimates life. She holds a flower over her heart. The hairstyle is of Korean origin and is of the type worn by a married woman. (Eo'yeo Meori).

I enjoy the contrast of the glazed base with an application gradient towards the simple line drawing to the matte black at the top. This is a fully thought out piece which shows technical excellence. ♥ If I were judge, this would be the winner.

There were so many interesting mediums and techniques to take in.

Oils

Fiber Art

Mixed Media

Acrylics

Also, sculpture, printmaking, photography, collage, encaustic, and more!

Right as we entered the door of the gallery, the judge was presenting awards. What I really liked about her is that she gave a thorough explanation as to why the pieces were deemed award winners. It was really wonderful to hear her reasoning. It was also very valuable information for me to hear and pertained to entering future shows.

Nights like this feel pretty good. I'm blessed to be able to be part of the show and to be able to continue my art adventure.

Injured Crow

2011-03-08T20:02:00.004-06:00

Crow, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

As I walked outside this morning to go to work, I spotted a crow on the ground huddled against the electric pole. It was odd, so I grabbed my camera to take a photo and saw the poor thing had a dislocated shoulder and broken wing.

The closer I got, the more nervous it became. It hopped to the other side of the street. So, I went inside and grabbed a towel and a sturdy box. I herded it into a corner, threw the towel over it and gently placed it in the box.

My intention was to take it to Wild Tails, a humane wildlife rehabilitation center, but when I arrived, I found out that they are only open during 'baby season" which is May - June. They offered to call Oaken Acres, another wildlife rehabilitation center, to see if they would accept it.

I was already a half hour late to work. I hadn't called in plus I couldn't find my phone this morning (I later found it in my coat pocket, but that is another story.) I didn't really have time to drive to another facility, So TAILS was kind enough to take the bird just until a person from Oaken Acres could come to pick it up.

I just couldn't let the thing be eaten by Bob, the neighborhood stray cat. I knew I had frightened and stressed the bird, but I knew it would be safe inside that box. I couldn't stand the thought of it being ripped to shreds if I left it there alone. When I placed it inside the container, I saw its eyes.

Normally I think of crows as loud, aggressive scavengers; but in this bird's eyes I saw a gentleness. It had allowed me to capture it without any struggle. Had it given up or did it know of my altruistic intentions? As I stared at it, it blinked one eye, then the other. It didn't seem frightened anymore. We trusted one another.

On the drive over to TAILS it started tapping loudly on the sides of the box. I figure if it felt good enough to do that, it just might make it. I said to it, "You better not get out of that box Mr. Crow! You just be quiet now!" The bird settled down once again.

I sincerely hope that it made it through the day and that it is safe. Even if it didn't, at the very least it would have passed away quietly without fear.

After all, a life is a life, no matter how small.

Squirrel block, carved

2011-02-25T15:37:00.005-06:00

squirrel block, carved, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Another week has passed. Last weekend, Paul and I drove to Woodstock to drop off a framed "Coy Pond" print at the Old Courthouse Gallery for the Women's Works Show. It was a beautiful day for a drive. The snow has melted and the rich black earth of northern Illinois filled the landscape. The icing on the top was the brilliant, clear winter-blue sky.

After dropping of the artwork, we stopped by a bakery along the square. He purchased a huge cinnamon roll and I purchased soft molasses cookies and a Dog 'n' Suds root beer. We took a different way home. It was marked by signs as the "scenic route on historic river road," but for the life of us, we couldn't figure out what was scenic about it plus, there was no river to see either. We laughed about it.

I have been so excited because I can tell Spring was on its way! The Lady's Mantle was coming up through the dead leaves, and I noticed that the mums were starting to green up. The tulips were poking their spiky leaves from the rich black dirt. The sun felt warm and I decided to plant some Sweet Peas. The package said to get them in the earth as soon as possible - St. Patrick's Day or before. I hope they work out where I planted them! They are perennial vines, so I plan on just overlapping the vines one on top of another. my heart ached for more days like that.

The next day went strait back to winter. It was a strange day because there was rain, snow, sleet, ice, lighting and thunder. Old man winter was groaning about having to leave another year.

Earlier in the week as I was walking this squirrel was startled by Gracie. It was frightened, but at the same time it was so inquisitive and curious about us. I snapped a reference photo to use as a print. The carved block is shown above.

I'll be printing it this weekend (hopefully). It will mean a trip to the local University bookstore for Japanese paper. It is the only place within 40 miles that sells Japanese paper though. I don't like to order online and pay shipping. I pay for more than just the paper either way I guess.

Anywho... Spring is on the move in my soul: that excited, anticipation. YAY!

Great Horned Owl at the Lagoon

2011-02-12T23:59:00.008-06:00

Great Horned Owl at the Lagoon (inked), originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Sometimes things seem very simple and straight forward. Everything is put in perspective and the petty squabbles, demands, and worries of everyday life are put on the back burner. Usually this comes from a defining moment such as when one faces mortality. The experience reminds us to seek greater understanding & wisdom, and to cultivate a more fully developed sense of compassion and empathy. Today as I carved, inked and printed; I meditated on a person I know of who could use prayers of comfort and peace.

I was in the studio all afternoon and late into the evening. Time disappears in the studio. I arrived at noon, next time I look up it was six o'clock. The next time, it is ten. There is so much to do and so very little precious time. Maybe there will come a day when I can work at this full time–retirement? I can always dream.

Being in the studio quiets my mind and grounds my spirit. While I am focusing on creating, my thoughts cease to race. I don't worry.

This block is based on the Great Horned Owl pair that nest at the Northern Illinois University lagoon each year. The reference photo is from last year, but the same pair have returned and are now taking turns sitting on the nest. I went to see them today.

Enjoying this very early sign of Spring does my heart good. The sun felt warm today even with the chill of winter lingering. The birds are singing in the morning once again. Life goes on. The circle of life continues. I am grateful to be mindful.

The Great Horned Owl woodblock is carved

2011-01-31T22:39:00.001-06:00

the woodblock is carved, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

This block's image area is 4.5" wide x 6.5" high carved on shina plywood. The tengucho paper that was used to transfer the drawing using sumi ink has not yet been washed off. This makes the image look hard due to the high contrast; however, I'll be using Akua Kolor inks so the final product will be much softer than this photo makes it look at present.

The reference photo came from the Great Horned Owl photo that I took last year at Northern Illinois University Lagoon. For the past many years, the owls nest there. Last year was the first time that I had found their nest and witnessed the owlets growing up. The adult owls came several weeks ago and I am sure they are sitting on their eggs right now.

When I walk Grace in the morning now - no matter how cold it is - there are birds singing. There are also the tell-tale footprints in the snow telling me that the squirrels and rabbits are becoming more active. Signs of Spring are showing up everywhere despite the fact that my area's weather forecast includes up to 24" in snow in the next 72 hours or so: a virtual Snowagedon as one person put it. Ah well, that is fine.

You just keep trying Mr. Winter because your time is going to be over soon and then I will be able to enjoy Spring and Summer and Autumn once again. I can't wait to feel the warmth of the sun on my face and walk outside without a coat. Ummm… just thinking about it makes me feel good all over.

Akua Kolor Experiments deemed a success!

2011-01-19T13:29:00.008-06:00

(Although there is so to learn!) Here are the final results of my first attempts at using Akua Kolor inks. I am going to love this. I can tell!

The Saga of the Akua Kolor Escapades

2011-01-11T22:38:00.011-06:00

I was so excited yesterday when I unpackaged my iMcClain's order containing my new earthtone Aukua Kolor inks and mediums. Bake (pronounced: bah-kay) brushes arrived, too, so I could apply the colors.

I've been wanting to learn traditional Japanese Moku Hanga techniques and have read many books about it. They all suggested using Japanese washi with just the right amount of moisture level, mixing exactly the right amount of watercolor, hide glue and nori for the inks, etc. How could I know what the correct proportions of these things would be? Practice, practice, practice.

Then I am introduced to the idea of Aqua Kolor inks, they can be used dry paper although using damp paper will provide for a more even application on large areas of color. They can be mixed with mediums that will thicken, loosen, blend, extend, retard, or lift the ink offering far more control than the traditional hide glue-watercolor-nori paste mixture. The Akua Kolors can be brushed on or rolled on depending on the consistency of the ink.

I was forced to wait 24-hours before I could try it out. If you know me, you know that is an extremely difficult task. The brushes had to be prepared. Bake brushes need the hairs split to soften them. Traditionally, dried shark skin was used, but a type of heavy duty sandpaper called dragon skin is sold for the purpose today. I had neither, so I used my kitchen grater–the side that that will zest a lemon (don't tell my husband. lol) Then the bristles had to be soaked to tighten them within their wooden base. This way hairs do not fall out and end up embedded in the print.

I made my own registration board and with tremendous thanks to Bette Norcross-Wappner for showing her method of using foam tape to assist lining up the paper properly, my registration was significantly improved!

Priming the Block, originally uploaded by pejnolan.
I had read to use just a few drops of ink when preparing the block to print. So I added three drops and used the bake brush. It immediately was pulled into the board. Again and again and again! I kept trying to add more without going overboard. Finally after about the 13th practice print the board could not take in any more and the ink finally was transferring to the paper sufficiently. So, rule #1 prime the block using newsprint before even thinking about printing on nice paper. (David Bull's e-book "Your First Print" states this very clearly and convincingly; however, being the person I am, I have to learn by actually doing. Do yourself a favor and listen to David!)

I printed quite a few practice pieces as I tried to educate myself how the ink worked. There is more than a little wrong with each of the ones I printed. It is definitely a work in progress. Tomorrow I'm buying more paper: newsprint as well as fine washi. I MUST have at least five these completed and sent to Canada by the 20th of January. So, I'd better learn quickly! After tonight, I think I'll be ok.I can't wait to get back to it!

Tomorrow morning –first thing–I'm going to make corrections to the blocks and tackle printing again tomorrow night. I like to softness of the colors, the visible brushstrokes, the watercolor effect. I'm still excited about the Akua Kolors–to me that is a very good sign! I think this is the start of a beautiful relationship!

Red Oak Registration Board

2011-01-09T18:03:00.002-06:00

oak registration board, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I was hoping to get my iMcClains order on Friday so I could print all weekend, but alas, it did not arrive. So, instead I decided to make my own registration board in anticipation of doing multiple blocks. I went out to Lowe's and purchased some clear red oak.

This is going to be much heavier than a purchased plywood one, plus it will last a lifetime. I thought that the extra weight would mean less movement while printing.

After it is all glued together, I thought I would tack the ends with brads and then sand the entire piece so that there are no hard edges to crease or emboss the washi.

Photo shoot with Grace

2011-01-06T18:27:00.002-06:00

Gracie had a photo shoot at OC Imageworks, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Gracie accompanied me to work today to begin her job as a model. I brought her in early so she would have time to settle down and brought a new bag of delicious treats so she could stay focused.

The photo shoot didn't begin until the mid-afternoon. At home she usually sleeps all day, so she was pretty tired by that afternoon. Still, she did her tricks on command as long as there were treats involved. She also was not accustomed to the slick surface of the white paper used as the backdrop. She didn't really want to walk on it, so a white blanket was laid down until she grew used to the texture of the paper.

After awhile she was so exhausted, that she just left the studio area and sat by the door as if to say, "I did my job. Can I go home now?"

The photos will be used in a local marketing campaign. I hope she doesn't get all "Diva" on me now... LOL!

Dick Blick Artist of the Month January, 2011

2011-01-04T10:49:00.006-06:00

Yay! I can't even believe it! I was chosen for Dick Blick's Artist of the Month for January, 2011! What a fantastic way to start out the year! The $75 gift certificate will definitely be put to good use! A BIG thank you to Dick Blick! I am honored!

Goals: 2011

2010-12-30T09:58:00.004-06:00

PEJNOLAN Studio Goals for 2011

FAMILY:

Set aside Sundays for family time
Go to church every week
Save for a car
Reduce extraneous demands on time by learning to say, "No."

ARTISTIC:

All day Saturday 8 am - 10 pm will be designated studio time.
Produce one LARGE format, multiblock Moku Hanga print.
Create at least one completed, editioned print per month
Show at 2 outdoor art shows
Continue with Art of the Land
Enter 4 regional or national printmaking/art exhibits
Challenge myself technically and with creating compositions.

BUSINESS:

Wednesday evenings after dinner, 7pm - 9pm will be set aside for paying bills/accounting/taxes.
Get back into selling on Etsy.com!! I'm missing the support, camaraderie, and sales.
Start a savings account under the business name.
Obtain commercial insurance for the business to protect the investment I've made in my artwork, supplies, etc.
Create and maintain a log of individual prints within an edition, where they are, which ones have been purchased, etc.

EDUCATION:

Attend a class on Moku Hanga. If anyone knows where I can take a class, please message me.
Begin a library of relief printmaking techniques

MARKETING:

Resize images at www.erinknolan.com to make the site load faster.
Create a calendar solely for the business so I don't over-extend myself and double-book.
Create a mailing list to invite people to shows.
Create a certificate of authenticity for each print purchased which states the title, ink type, paper type, date of printing, artist name, back story of the piece, etc.
Build the professional relationship with Chad Luberger at Plum Bottom Pottery by attending as many of his open houses as possible in Egg Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin.

2010 - Documented

2010-12-29T16:59:00.002-06:00

2010
JANUARY
• showed at Rockford Midwestern Biennial
• finally found the Great Horned Owl nest at the NIU lagoon
• created “Dragonfly: A Reason to Believe” print
• interviewed with Huckleberry Bumpkin blog

FEBRUARY
• created “Blue Heron” print
• felt an earthquake in Illinois!
• created “Bird in Berry Tree” print
• gave lecture and demonstration at the Oak Crest Retirement home
• story in Resource Magazine about Al & I as printmakers

MARCH
• KVAL exhibits at the Next Picture Show in Dixon, IL
• PEJNOLAN Studios was official started!
• Interviewed on Mary Richmond Design blog
• showed at Art Woman national show in Woodstock, IL

APRIL
• created “Spring Cherry Blossoms”
• showed at Venus Envy in Davenport, IA, was in their TV and radio ads, and was
the highest scored entry

MAY
• created “Lady’s Slipper from the Ridges” print
• Interviewed by Epheriell Designs
• Northern Illinois Art Show in Sycamore, IL

JUNE
• created “Mr. Anderson’s Magnolia” print
• solo show - “Naturescapes” at Bliss Beads in DeKalb
• Won “Bacon Hiaku” context on 6 degrees of Etsy
• created “Snail After the Rain” print
• Interviewed for story with the DeKalb Daily Chronicle
• Joined the DeKalb Area Outdoor and Social Activities Meetup Group
• created “Japanese Beetle” print
• became president of the Kishwaukee Valley Art League

JULY
• on the cover of KNOCK Magazine: Door County’s Literary Arts Magazine
• Ellwood House Art Show in DeKalb, IL
• Midwest Museum of Natural History Art Fair

AUGUST
• canoed the Fox River
• Vacation in Door County
• Received Gallery Representation with Plum Bottom Pottery
• created “Ecosystem of a Log” print

SEPTEMBER
• delivered framed prints to Plum Bottom Pottery
• participated in Art Walk in Sycamore, IL
• participated in Art of the Land - a benefit for The Land Conservancy

OCTOBER
• created “Forest Floor” print
• created “What a Tangled Web We Weave” print
• created “Birch Forest in Autumn” print
• participated in the KVAL Border’s Art Show

NOVEMBER
• joint show “cricket & sparrow” at Kishwaukee College
• showing prints at the Midwest Museum of Natural History
• Resource Bank pen and ink commission
• went to Chicago to see the SOFA and INTUIT shows at Navy Pier

DECEMBER
• KVAL Show at the Egyptian Theatre
• Selling holiday artwork at Bliss Beads
• created “Year of the Rabbit”
• created “Ginger Root”
• created “Fir Boughs”
• created “Partridge in a Pear”

2009 - Documented

2010-12-29T16:57:00.002-06:00

2009
JANUARY
• got new glasses
• tried fused glass
• created “Raccoons Dancing on my Roof” print

FEBRUARY
• created “Earth Goddess” print
• created “Periodical” print
• pig’s feet in the tree mystery
• sneaked into Blackhawk State Park while it was closed
• created “Thistle and Bumblebee” print

MARCH
• KVAL exhibits at the Next Picture Show in Dixon, IL
• Accepted into the Venus Envy Show in Davenport, IA
• created “Twin Lamb” print
• created “Raven” mini print
• created my first Etsy treasury
• received commission from Fox Valley Fire & Safety in Elgin, IL
• created “Oak Leaf” prints

APRIL
• went to the Kathe Kollwitz show at Northern Illinois University
• created “Boppy” print

MAY
• Venus Envy Show, featured artist
• tried belly dancing
• walked through the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, IA
• went to the Rock Island Botanical Garden in Rock Is., IL
• Kishwaukee Valley Art League Demonstrator
• created “Singing Frog” print
• created “Turtle on a Log” print
• Paul’s 50th birthday

JUNE
• Northern Illinois Art Show (KVAL) booth Sycamore, IL
• hosted linocut workshop for KVAL members
• created “Coy Pond” print
• created “Surface Tension” print
• created “Squirrel” print
• watched KVAL booth at Greek Fest in DeKalb, IL

JULY
• participated in the Printsy art exchange
• Dick Blick Show in Chicago
• Ellwood House Art Show - Honorable Mention!

AUGUST
• Door County tuip
• Grandpa Dieter passed away

SEPTEMBER
• Woodburn project for spinning wheel completed
• “Walk With Me” solo show at Bliss Beads
• Honey Hill Orchard trip
• Windmill farm goes up in DeKalb County
• created “Hive Mind: US Politics” print
• created “Cave Point Park II” print

OCTOBER
• Rocky Horror Picture Show with Al & El
• Chaparone for the DHS photography tour of Chicago
• visited National Museum of Mexican Art with Maria
• participated in the KVAL Border’s Art Show
• created “Winter Cardinal” print
• took a wheel thrown pottery class at Kishwaukee College

NOVEMBER
• Schmap used my photo of Buckingham Fountain
• Caran D’Ache workshop with KVAL
• Jake receveived his driver’s license
• showed prints at the DeKalb Clinic

DECEMBER
• started commission of mural for Christ Community Church
• Blog giveaway on pejnolan.blogspot.com
• showed at the KVAL Egyptian Show
• Boppy passed away

After Christmas Hike 2010

2010-12-27T20:02:00.009-06:00

Evergreens and icicles, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Winter is terrible and beautiful. Today I went for a walk at Afton Prairie Park. The sun was warm as it shone low in the sky. After all, it was 4:00 pm and almost time for the sun to set. A few other people were there, but luckily for me we were on opposite ends of the preserve.

Grace ran like a wild dog racing up and down the snow on paths made by snow skiers. She barked at the snow clumps then bit them and threw them high into the air, catching them as they came down. I noticed Gracie's fur was indirectly reflecting a golden hue onto the snow as she ran.

It was so good to get outside and walk on this gloriously bright day. The shadows were painted with beautiful blues and violets and the prairie grass was a brilliant ochre. While walking I found a single, tiny crimson feather and wondered if it belonged to a cardinal.

Amazing views and small details were all around me.

The ride home brought to the forefront the starkness of winter in Illinois. Flat fields become simmering diamonds reflecting the sun unchanging all the way to the horizon.

Now that we are back at home, all warm, Gracie is sleeping -kicking her legs as she dreams. Dinner was red pepper, green onion and flank steak stir fry in a marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar and garlic. I also made hummus with tahini for a snack later in the evening. Back to work tomorrow...

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T23:53:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

[moves toward the center of the stage]

Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.

[a spotlight shines on Linus]

Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.'

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]

Linus Van Pelt: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

I really do love giving gifts more than receiving. I feel almost embarrassed when receiving a gift. I'm uncomfortable with the idea of someone - anyone - giving me something. Bu,t GIVING in another thing altogether.

I am so excited to see if it was the right present. I like to see the recipient's eyes sparkle. It is the anticipation that is so wondrous to me. That anticipation, to me, is what Christmas is all about.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites prayed with anticipation of the coming of the Savior. Now that the Son of Man has come, died for our sins, risen, and ascended into heaven; we anticipate his glorious return. Meanwhile, we do the best we can to live a life to be worthy of his sacrifice. We can do our best to bring his love and joy to others as we come in contact with them.

Christmas is about that feeling. Christmas is Christ's mass.

It's 12:00 Midnight: Merry Christmas!

Illustration made the cover

2010-12-20T15:14:00.006-06:00

My illustration was chosen to grace the cover of Your Resource for Living magazine as well as the table of contents. You can view the original black and white illustrations here. The drawings were scanned in, the background removed and replaced with a parchment look. The linework's coloration was changed to a sepia and the iStock photo of an old pen and ink bottler were added. I especially like how the drawing is shown under the glasses. Nice touch!

Plum Bottom Pottery's Holiday Open House

2010-12-19T19:27:00.011-06:00

Plum Bottom Pottery's Holiday Open House, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Has it been a week ago already? The Holiday Open House was so wonderful! I met some truly remarkable people: remarkable for their talent and down-to-earth friendliness.

On my way out of town I stopped by the Midwest Museum of Natural History to drop off some prints with Molly. Thanks Molly!!

I drove up to Door County on Friday. I actually made it through Milwaukee without getting lost—that was a real achievement! I stayed at the Newport Resort in Egg Harbor. This was my first time there and I would highly recommend them for your next Door County visit. The rooms are impeccably clean and nicely decorated. There is a full kitchen, so there is no need to go out for meals unless you want to. The Main Street Market is just down the road and has everything you might need for groceries and then some!

I unpacked and went to Hands-On Art Studio on Peninsula Players Road for their Friday Adult Night. There was only one other couple there besides me, but I enjoyed chatting and getting to know the workers there. I made a bee vase and a silver necklace out of PMC on a leather cord with a symbol for courage for Jake for Christmas.

The best part of the night was meeting Hazel, the pot-bellied pig. She kept crying for someone to pick her up. When I completed my projects, I sat on the floor cross legged and she came right into my lap. She rooted her nose down my coat sleeve to get warm and promptly fell asleep. She was full of personality and just adorable!

Saturday, I went over the Plum Bottom Pottery first thing when they opened at 10am. I had heard on the news the previous night that there was supposed to be a lot of snow–some predictions were 16-18 inches! So, that was a main theme of conversation for the day.

I was saying before that I met some great people. Most were local people and many were artists themselves. It is always good to speak with people to explain what it is I do and demonstrate how I do it. It is easier for me to talk with people when the subject is my art and not myself.

Later in the day, the most adorable pair of sisters and their cousin stopped by. Perhaps I shouldn't have, but I let them make prints of there own from some of my blocks. I pretended to show them how to ink the block. Actually I was inking the block, so they wouldn't have to try so hard. Next, I "showed" them how to use the baren while actually I was creating the print. Then I gave the baren for them to try. Those girls were so wonderful. I let them make two prints each before it was over. Then they went outside in the woods to explore. It brought back fond memories of me walking through my woods at Hawthorne Lane as a young girl. I was happy that they would have the same type of happy memory I have.

The result of the show was that 5 pieces sold! I want to thank everyone for their purchase. It does my heart well to know that others enjoy my artwork and that it will share a piece of their life.

Around 4pm, I was offered a room at a local home to bed down for the storm. I was told I would be staying in a garage. What it actually turned out to be was a luxury suite that was larger than my entire house at home! This was the coolest part: there was a button to press near the bed that would warm the sheets before you climbed in! I am so very thankful for the generosity and hospitality of that person who I will keep anonymous due to their privacy.

The snow blew many stories into the air! It looked like a herd of ghost-white horses charging past, churning up the dust as they went by, except they didn't pass-they just keep coming. And the sound! Sometimes it sounded like a wildcat howling. Other times it sound like the low rumble of a train as it rattled the windows and the house timbers creaked. I am so thankful to have been in a warm, sound home. Imagine what it would be like if it was the 1800's and living in a cabin waiting out a storm like this!

I ended up staying an additional day (Monday) due to the weather. I had to be plowed out because there were drifts about 6 feet tall right in front of the garage door! That additional day was spent reading Door County Magazines. Many of the artists I had met the previous day were in articles within the pages of Door County magazine. I felt rather silly for not having recognized them, but was also honored that they would come out the Plum Bottom Pottery and meet with me and the other Plum Bottom artists!

I'm not much of a reader, but I also read a book entitled Love Comes Softly. The characters tended to not mention anything that went wrong or caused conflict and instead found something kind to say–or said nothing at all. It was about tending to people's needs out of duty, then having that develop over time to caring for people out of mutual goals and finally feeling genuine love. It softened this bitter heart of mine.

The ride home was tentative. The two lanes were completely snow covered and the four lanes were down to just one lane each direction until south of Milwaukee. The trip which should have taken 5 hours took about 7. I stopped to help a mailman whose car had broken down on County Road G. He could only go backwards, so I helped him along for a few miles until he reached a friend's house. He didn't have a warm coat or gloves, but he promised me that help was on the way in the form of a new vehicle, so I left him warm inside his car. I hope he was ok. I'm sure he was, but I still worry.

Also, before I left the Peninsula, I picked up the things I had made at Hands-on. The drifts were so high, but the lane had been plowed out. Cy came out rather upset that I had driven in. I think he thought I wanted to use the creative facilities. I explained that I just stopped to see if I could pick up the items, and that if we couldn't get to the shed, it was no problem at all. He told me, still a bit upset, about people trying to drive through 5 ft drifts in tiny cars the night before. As I walked through the main barn, I saw his rooster inside in a cage on a table. The poor thing had one foot raised–not a good sign for a bird, so I asked about it. Cy had found the poor thing laying on his side in the animal shed. He had brought the bird in to warm. I hope it felt better the next morning.

It felt good to get home, but work was put off for a day. I was supposed to get the magazine sent to the printer's Monday, but couldn't due to the blizzard. The entire week was busy! Saturday I cleaned all day long. The house was a wreck! Today I updated my finances and then Paul & I went Christmas shopping for Jacob. I made the dough for gingerbread men to bake later in the week. Supper was hot chili and biscuits. That felt good on such a cold day.

So, the end result of all that is that this is the first chance I have had to post. As usual, there has been an abundance of business. That is going to one of my goals for 2011: to slow down the pace of my life. I can't enjoy the beauty around me if it goes past as a blur in motion.

Art, Artists & Gnosh

2010-12-09T14:40:00.005-06:00

Gnosh, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Last week was very busy! There was the Kishwaukee Valley Art League's Artist reception for the Egyptian Theatre Show from 1-3pm. This event brought forth the highest traffic I've ever seen at a KVAL reception. Everyone brought such yummy treats, too!

At the same time as the reception in the upper level of the theater there was an art show downstairs including artists such as Julie Kiefer-Bell, paintings; Melanie Diedrich, Jeweler; Jay Bell, paintings; Mike Montavon, metalwork; Doug Jeppesen, ceramics; Michael Barnes, printmaker; and others! It was really lovely to see quality work. I even purchased two of Michael Barnes' prints. He told me they were created while doing work in the Amish area of Iowa and that the prints were made using the same press that Grant Wood had used! Cool beans!

That same evening was the Handmade Art Market reception at Bliss Beads Studio and Gallery. Allison outdid herself. I always have to talk about the food... smoked white cheddar, brie, and a type of blue cheese with honey was set off nicely by white grapes and blackberries. Hummus was provided along with a white bean dip and red and white wines. (I even had a glass!)

It was neat to speak with the other artists and just talk about family, life, and art. I felt so comfortable and at ease.

This coming Saturday I'll be up at Plum Bottom Pottery in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin for their Holiday Open House. If you are in the area, I'd sure like to meet you and show you what I do.

I love productive days!

2010-11-27T20:05:00.005-06:00

Year of the Rabbit transferred to the woodblock, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

So much to do! Today was spend entirely in the studio. I cut out my submission for the "Year of the Rabbit," drew a ginger root for the Baren Forum #47 print exchange and transferred it to the woodblock, and worked on a couple pieces for Bliss Bead's Holiday Art Show.

Tomorrow, I'll be documenting, packaging and pricing my most recent works. Hopefully there will be enough time left over to cut the the ginger root block. I also would really like to get at least one small holiday piece into my Etsy store.

A framed"Ellison Bay Bluff" print sold at Plum Bottom and that is a very good thing! Thank you so much! I'm running low on nori paste and papers. I have been wanting to get some Aquacolor inks and bake brushes, too! The purchase of the print will go a long way to purchasing some needed supplies!

Al mentioned today that the Sandhill Cranes are back at Afton—just passing through while migrating. It was very cold and I had too much work to do in the studio, but it did my heart some good to know that they were there.

Elinor was kind enough to share her delicious homemade three layer chocolate cake with me while I was on break from carving. So yummy(!) with boiled frosting and a tall cold glass of soy milk. That really hit the spot!

This is my son

2010-11-24T14:16:00.012-06:00

J., originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I love him. He is growing into quite a man, but how can it be that I have a young man as a son? The core of me, the soul of me, feels no older than he is.

When I was 17, I saw the world very much in black and white. The older I get the more gray I am able to view and to incorporate into my thinking. Exceptionally few issues in the world remain the simple black and white of my youth.

As a teenager I wrote in my journal that God gives everyone a glimpse of certainty when they are young. Adults seem to think of this as a negative because they will say, "That kid thinks they know everything. Wait until they get older."

I say God gives us this sense of clarity to fuel us with a passion for the rest of our lives. We form the deepest parts of who we are when we start making our own choices as teens. Real choices, not because someone has taught us to think this way or that, but choices made through our own judgment and critical thinking.

I see the choices that Jacob is making and he is making some good moves towards the path to adulthood. Part of me wants to hold him back. I miss my little blond-haired boy. More than I miss that small little guy, though, I am looking forward to meeting him as an adult. He is compassionate, thoughtful, intelligent, and handsome. (He would say that I HAVE to say that because I'm his mom.) A mom couldn't ask for much more.

Photography by Chrissy Demming.

Commissioned Pen & Ink

2010-11-16T11:17:00.004-06:00

Commissed Pen & Ink, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday I did these pen and inks for a corporate commission. I'm very happy with the results, but saddened that one of my last Rapidiograph pens went kaput. It may come back to life with some cleaning, though.

Drawing marathons are fun despite the fact that I can't feel the tip of my thumb and my old college callous has returned. I carry those injuries proudly like they are war medals. It means I have done something well (and on time).

I haven't entered any shows for next year as of yet. I've been lazy in that area and need to get back into it. The "Year of the Rabbit" show and exchange is coming up. I've been researching different types and positions of rabbits and hope to enter this one. Last year for "Year of the Tiger" I didn't get my act together. Rabbits seem more natural to me though. I don't generally see real tigers living in the rural Midwest, rabbits are more plentiful out this way.

"The Best Job in the World"

2010-11-10T13:44:00.003-06:00

Interior Design Graphics, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I've long stated that my current employer has given me "the best job in the world." I've worked with them since August, 2006 and they have allowed me the opportunity to use my graphic design, Illustration, and organizational skills to their fullest. It has always been challenging and very rewarding.

Along the way, my boss would bring in donuts and treats, plus buy us pizza every so often. The people make up more than 50% of my job satisfaction rating. I work with some great people.

The economy has forced a reorganization or sorts starting in December. Ahh, thanks for the memories.

cricket & sparrow show

2010-11-05T10:17:00.012-05:00

cricket & sparrow show, Kishwaukee College Gallery, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

After all the hard work and all the worry, the cricket and sparrow show is up and running. Gallery director, Michelle Erickson-Goettel and her assistant, Ronna did a fantastic job setting up the show. The lighting and placement of the pieces was just right.

As always there are things I will do differently next time around. I am so very glad to have had this opportunity to learn more about marketing and the display of artwork in a gallery setting.

That is one of the most difficult parts about being an artist. I'm not just creating art, I am a business person, accountant, advertiser, marketer, promoter, etc. All that other stuff takes me away from the artwork itself. I have to be extremely focused and targeted about what it is I'm trying to achieve because I only have a limited amount of time with which to do it.

Many years ago when I was a student, I naively thought that it would be easier to be an artist because that is all I would do. Instead you have even more work with tighter deadlines and more of the un-art activities to accomplish. That is just talking about the art side of my life. My husband does A LOT of housework, he spends A LOT of time alone and home-cooked meals are disappearing fast. I regret parts of this new set-up. Luckily he understands how important this is to me.

That is a good thing in the long run. Every time I push myself to do something new, I am learning and building the groundwork that will lift me to the next level. I have been very blessed.

I'll continue to do the best I personally can; hopefully growing as a person and an artist along the way. Years ago it was all about balance: juggling family, home, art, day-job. I'm thinking now that if I want something, I have to go after it.

I no longer subscribe to the idea that balance is possible. Balance to me equals not being particularly good at anything, just so-so at a myriad of things. I've done that and felt like a failure because I could not do EVERYTHING well. God gave me a mind and a talent and I want to use them. If that idea is selfish, so be it.

I have lived 40 years, I may have 40 left. I have to ask myself if I want to spend the next half of my life the same as the first. No. No I don't. So, I have to at least try. If I fail, then ok. I will at least have the knowledge that I didn't go down quietly. It's the trying that counts.

My favorite things and me

2010-10-22T13:10:00.010-05:00

My favorite things and me, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Over the course of the summer and autumn, I've collected various dried moonflower seedpods, berries, thistles, chestnuts and other nifty items such as cicada wings. As I find these treasures, I bring them home and place them safely on a wooden plate I have in my room. (Much to the horror of my husband. He says that I am like Bob, the stray cat, who brings home presents that no one wants to see. If I am honest, I would have to say that was true. Especially the time I brought home a dead garter snake so I could photograph it.)

In my own mind they were kept for inspiration. Each one has it's own unique texture. Some are sharp and quite painful to handle, but they are beautiful in their own way and I want to keep them around.

........ Bottom Layer....................... Top Layer........

Working in Photoshop, I layered a recent self-portrait I had taken with a photo of this plate of sundry items. The top layer's blending mode was set to "difference." The result is shown above.

Now my favorite things are a part of me and I, in turn, am a part of them. I'm really happy with the result and would maybe like to paint it in acrylic or watercolor or pastel.

A sneak peek

2010-10-21T07:25:00.006-05:00

a sneak peek, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Last weekend was the printmaking marathon. Saturday was spent getting all the materials organized, the frames ordered and paper purchased while Sunday I started printing at 7am and went to 10pm that night.

Towards the end of the night I was hand painting and signing the editions. I could tell I had stayed up too late and had begun to make some poor color choices, so I ended up going home rather than ruin any more prints.

Now, the weekend is here once again! (Well, almost.) This is the last weekend I'll have before the "cricket and sparrow" show at Kishwaukee College. Tomorrow night there are plans to go out to dinner and Sunday is the famous Steciak Chili cook-off, so Saturday will be another marathon of printmaking activities! YAY!

The photo above is a new print entitled "What A Tangled Web We Weave." It shows in perspective the branches of a tree as you look up from below. It is about how when I look to my future, trying to make it through seems impossible because of the shear mass. How on earth can I do all of this? I become overwhelmed.

However, if I just choose a path, am careful, and take it one step at a time; I am able to climb those branches right in front of me. By doing so, I come to realize over time that even those thin, far away branches will be there for me if I just keep climbing. I just need to work in the now and keep everything in perspective.

Nature teaches me quite a lot through simple observation.

This photo shows another print developing under the baren…

When the "cricket & sparrow" show begins, I'll post more photos of the new blocks!

Artwork now at Plum Bottom Gallery!

2010-10-12T15:27:00.012-05:00

"First, the work looks great in the gallery– even our colors seem to compliment each other. Also I sold your dragonfly woodblock today–so congratulations!"

Hearing those words from Chad at Plum Bottom Pottery just made my day! I enjoy how he arranged the color scheme of the ceramics, jewelry and prints to agree with one another. I'll be able to go back up there in December for Plum Bottom Pottery's Holiday Reception and I can't wait to see the arrangements in person.

There hasn't been a lot of posts about my work because I'm keeping everything under wraps until after the "cricket & sparrow" show opens the first of November. I have 7 new blocks carved, but not yet printed. This week I'll be printing and then framing the following week. These pieces are even more about the texture and patterns found in nature and some are almost abstract. I can't wait to hear your reactions when I finally reveal them.

By Phil Cuthbert, master doll artist

2010-10-10T14:17:00.004-05:00

By Phil Cuthbert, master doll artist, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Last weekend, I met some incredible artists at the Art Walk in Sycamore, Illinois to benefit the Art Attack School of Art.

I want to introduce you to the work of Sycamore, Illinois artist Phil Cuthbert. He is a Master Doll Artist. The level of detail he uses in his polymer clay sculputres is undeniable.

He told me that when he created a doll of Indiana Jones, he called the people who made the original whip for the movie and used the same leather that was used for the original whip. In the Native American doll below he used real porcupine quills, bear hair, and peace-pipe stone. They are incredible to look at! In the photo below he is working on Marty McFly for the third time. He said the first time he made it, it just wasn't right so he scratched that version. The second time it was perfect and he put it in the oven to bake, but then his wife mistakenly turned the heat up to 450F to bake a pizza without checking to see if it was already on. Whoops! That one was a gonner. So, here is the third version on top of his toolbox.

His work appears in museums and private collections throughout the country and he accepts commissons with prices ranging from $500-$200 depending on complexity. If you want to reach him his email is pcuthbert at comcast dot net.

Kishwaukee Valley Art League–October

2010-10-08T00:00:00.003-05:00

4 color print by al stark, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I am the president of the local Kishwaukee Valley Art League. It is a large group - about 50 - for our size town. In addition to that office I also am the Demonstration Coordinator. Funny, I just happen to know this really cool woodblock artist named Al Stark. Al was our presenter for our October meeting. He demonstrated his Moku Hanga technique by printing the 4-color chicken above. He also was kind enough to donate a framed print of his waxwings for the league's raffle - a $200 value!

After his awesome demonstration, he allowed members to pull a print off of one of his blocks. In the photo above Mr. Toth is learning how to print using a baren. It is really wonderful to watch Al work. His eyes light up and he is full of life cracking jokes and completely at ease when the focus is on his art.

He will be having a show with me in November entitled "cricket and sparrow" at the Kishwaukee College Art Gallery with a reception on November 3rd, 5-7pm. If you want to view more of our work, please stop by!

Jim Meyer, Woodblock Prints

2010-10-01T16:47:00.003-05:00

So, here I was wandering around Facebook and came across this woodblock print artist from Minnesota named Jim Meyer. I wish I could just grab a screenshot of one of his prints, but somehow I don't that that would be right despitre free use laws. Instead I'll give you an link and you HAVE to promise me you will go look at his work! Promise? Here is the link.

I'll wait while you parouse his site.
. . .

See! Loook at the subtly colored blocks. Look at the woodgrain he is capturing and the registration and clean lines. I want to learn moku hanga from THIS guy. Below is a statement from the artist:

My aim is to make art that reflects the mystery and beauty of the creation. Hand-printed woodblock prints are well suited for that purpose—they are organic, low-tech, and require the patience of the skilled manual arts. Visually, they tend to be honest and strong.

I’ve been working with woodblock prints for about twenty years, starting in commercial art—making illustrations for advertising, design, and publishing—and then showing in galleries.

(side note: Michael, he has shown at the Silverwood Gallery on Vashon Island back in 1997.)

I've contacted Spudnik Press on Hubbard Street in Chicago to ask if they would offer a moku hanga class and they said it might be possible this winter or spring! Awesome!

Art of the Land

2010-09-27T10:57:00.012-05:00

Starline Gallery & Studios, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I was invited to the "Art of the Land" show by Mary at the Old Courthouse Gallery in Woodstock, Illinois after showing at their "Woman's Works" show. I have to thank her so much for introducing me to this benefit for The Land Concervancy of McHenry County (TLC). It is so cool to know that sales of my artwork will be going toward saving lands that future generations will be able to admire, walk, and hike in.

This past weekend at the "Art of the Land" benefit was just wonderful. I want to thank the patrons who generously purchased my work. I would be interested to hear from you!

1. Mr. Anderson's Magnolia: SOLD
2. Surface Tension: SOLD
3. Eaeth Goddess: SOLD
4. Blue Heron: SOLD
5. Blue Heron: SOLD
6. Dragonfly (unframed): SOLD

The food, the wine, the people and conversations made the evening memorable. I met so many other wonderful artists such as photographer Angela Swan, intuitive painter Laura Brown, a freaking awesome jeweley artits Leanne and Ivan at Triskele Moon Studios ...seriously, check them out!Another artist who uses lost wax casting of natural items such as dragonfly and cicada wings, burr oak leaves, etc. His name is Paul DeMuth and works under the name of Silver Cloud (silvercloud.net).

The bar's name for the evening was "The Green Bastards Bar." I guess one of the members of The Land Conservancy was at a board meeting objecting to a change of land use and the opposing side said, "Sure, let those "green" bastards have their way." So, that is now the name of the wine bar. It cracked me up. Having a great sense of humor can go a lot farther in furthering an agenda than fighting anger with anger. That was awesome!

I can't wait for next year! Thanks to Cheryl Perrone and all the organizers–you did one fantastic job organizing this event. Thank you for your hospitality.

The space at the Starline Gallery is top notch. I highly recommend it. The building's 100 year old history includes housing a manufacturer of toy bicycles and a farm implements manufacturer. The building itself takes up three blocks and the interior is an expanse of thick wood timbers reminiscent of a forrest, old brick and stone. Despite it's age, or maybe because of it, the space has a warm and inviting, yet modern clean feel. All the modern conveniences have been added as well. Plus, it is right on the Metra line for convenience.

Paul and Al & Elinor and I found the old boiler room. It is the largest boiler in McHenry County and was one of the old "twin sisters" boilers. Now it has been retrofitted into an awesome greenhouse space with patio furniture and a golden chandelier!

We were looking at one of the old photos which was mounted on the wall outside the boiler room. It showed someone working a monstrous machine which bent huge thick pieces of metal. The man sitting before it didn't have any safety equipment around him. Paul, my husband, came up and said "Oh, that's ol' 'Bendy' he was a great guy, but had only three fingers on one hand." We all laughed and talked about doing EVP work with ol' Bendy. I guess we have a sick sense of humor.

I felt so good when I came back home, that I went right to the studio finishing up a block I've been working on and drawing another that I had time to glue onto the block with nori paste.

Next stop... Sycamore's Art Walk: a benefit for the Art Attack School of Art in Sycamore, Illinois on Saturday, October 2, 2010 from1–7 pm. I'll be at the Taxco Restaurant right downtown.

Off to Door County to deliver framed prints

2010-09-14T22:09:00.022-05:00

Driving up to Door County by myself was an adventure! All I can say is that I'm so, so glad that my phone has Google maps and it could tell me where to go. If only it could tell me not to merge into another lane when there is a car in my blind spot! I got lost in Milwaukee on the way up AND on the way home. Let's just say there are some neighborhoods that are WAY different than in my humble little rural town! Yikes!

Finally I arrived and checked in at Beantown Campground to get my tent site. I had been driving for five and a half hours in the rain. I noticed the creeks and rivers were high which meant it had been raining for quite some time, but really didn't mind. Camping in a tent in the rain in Door County was still better than not.

So, anyway, I arrived and John, the owner, asked if I still wanted to campsite. "Umm... yeah," I replied a little uncertain. Were there no campsites left, I wondered? Then he said these magical words, "It's not that busy and there are some sleeper cabins open." I thought about it a bit. Money is tight and just driving up here was a luxury. "No thank you," I said. "I can't afford that, I'll just take the tent site." Then John says to me: (angels start to sing and a bright light opens up) "same price." THEN he gives me a heater!

Hands On Art Studio, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

It was 9-11 and John gave me faith that good people are still in the world. So, if you have to go camping, or need a sleeper cabin or nice cabin or RV site; please go see John at Beantown Campground in Bailey's Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin. He is the bestest!

I dropped off my framed prints at Plum Bottom Pottery with Chad Luberger. We talked a bit about what direction we both want to go towards. I was able to meet Angela Lensch, a jewelry maker who creates woven gold and silver jewelery. She is a Plum Bottom artist as well. They both seem intelligent, soft spoken, capable and down to earth. I think we are going to get along just fine. I get so nervous meeting people, though! If you asked me five years ago if I thought I would be driving up to Door County by myself, talking to people I don't know, to drop off my artwork at a gallery I would think you were crazy. This will be one wild ride where I push myself to do new things and take chances on myself. It feels good.

I had asked Chad and Angela what restaurants they recommended. They suggested the Coyote Roadhouse - which I remembered as a biker's bar from when I was younger, but now is an mid-priced, comfort food type of place. They asked if I liked seafood (which I do!) and suggested the in downtown Bailey's Harbor. That was the choice for me. I never noticed this building before. Once I stepped inside, it was as if I was transported to a Gentleman's English cottage. One room was lined with books with weathered tables and chairs. I didn't want to take up an entire table for just one person, so I requested to sit at the bar. Everyone was so friendly. Chad had suggested the mussels. I've never eaten a mussel before, so I had to ask the bartender how to eat them. I was horribly embarrassed. All that disappeared the moment I put a bite into my mouth. Oh my goodness! I've never tasted anything so wonderful - at least not for a very long time. The next thing I ate was a Brazilian inspired chicken stew with white meat seared in dendê (palm oil) and simmered in an aromatic broth of coconut milk, lemon grass, chilies, and, Cachaça rum, paired with steamed rice. (Description is straight from the menu).

Towards the end of the meal I met a couple from Davenport, IA. We both knew Jodean the director of the Venus Envy Show there. We had a great conversation and as I left, I felt so wonderful.

That afternoon, before dinner, I went to the Hand-On Art Studio and painted a bowl with a dragonfly and a butterfly from The Ridges brochure.

It was an absolutely perfect day.

I awoke after a fitful sleep and went to shower at the campground facilities - a LONG, HOT, calming relaxing shower. I took my time putting on my makeup and drying and curling my hair. Another luxury! The primping wasn't for anyone else but me. In fact, my plans included hiking, but putting on makeup and doing my hair just made me feel good.

Afterward, I packed my belongings and went to Toft's Point. It is a refuge for plants and animals just next to The Ridges in Bailey's Harbor. There were three distinct areas: the deep woodlands, grassy areas as the path led towards Lake Michigan and then the rocky shoreline. A family had raised 7 children in a cabin there in the 1860s. I tried to imagine how free, yet how hardworking they must have been.

As I walked the path, the little red squirrels chittered after me. I was all alone, so I spoke to them. "I'm sorry little squirrel, I won't hurt you, I'm just passing through." But then they kept following me! "Little squirrel," I said with exasperation," How can I leave you alone when you are FOLLOWING ME!" Then his friends came along. They chattered and whistled at me to leave also. They only left me alone when the wood ended and the grassy open areas began to appear.

I was amazed in the woods how I couldn't hear any sounds other than nature. It was so quite. The needles from the trees cushioned my footsteps and muffled sound. I wanted to just lay down and take it all in: the light shining is slivers through the trees, making the leaves shine like Tiffany stained glass and resting upon lush mosses.

I have a new place to love and it is called Toft's Point.

Mr. Anderson's Magnolia

2010-09-03T16:03:00.004-05:00

Mr. Anderson's Magnolia, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

This poor print. I've been trying and trying. I just wasted sheet after precious sheet of sekishu paper. It was a new paper for me and I do love it. It is thin and translucent, but strong. I think I found a new favorite paper. Finally I have Mr. Anderson's Magnolia just the way I pictured it from the beginning. It has only taken 3 months! LOL! Here was it's first version.

I had created multiple blocks for the different colors, but did not use them in the final version. I prefer the softness of hand painting with watercolors. Again, I need to learn moku hanga techniques to achieve this softness in a print form. On screen the print looks as if it was done in black, but it is really a dark sepia.

It ended up being an edition of just 4. One was sold at the Bliss Bead show. One is being delivered to Plum Bottom Gallery next week (along with some other prints) and one will be used for the Kishwaukee College Gallery Show in November of this year.

That is the latest news! Al and I will be having a show at the Kishwaukee College Gallery in November entitled: "cricket & sparrow." It is a joint exhibition of prints and drawings discovering and responding to the visceral qualities of our natural world.

Here my artist statement:

"Beauty can be found in the simple natural forms around us. Organic shapes, colors and textures are harnessed using design elements to guide the viewer to see the energy and life hidden within. In this way, the seldom noticed details of the natural world become elevated to the sacred."

"Pattern, texture, and energy are my primary intent, not realistic depiction. I use personal life experiences, memories, and stories as my inspiration. Each piece is representative of thoughtful reflection. The intricate style of the work leads to meditation which aids in correlating natural law with current personal, political, or social events. This process results in a deeper meaning found within the specific time and place captured in the digital reference photos that I take. "

It seems as if my artist statement is being pared down and streamlined. I like that I am more specific about what it is that I'm trying to accomplish. It is so difficult to put instinctive reactions and emotions into words that others can empathize with. Over the years the paragraphs are describing my work more accurately.

Enough about me! I hope all is well with you. Drop me a note when you get a chance.

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

2010-08-25T20:10:00.002-05:00

cupcake sushi for jake's birthday!, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Born at 7:21 pm 17 years ago, today is my son's birthday. This morning I made him French toast with Cherry syrup. Paul made cupcakes and I decorated them as sushi when I got home from work. Most of it was colored fondant and frosting, but I used pearlized, extra-large jimmies for the rice and spread green sparkle gel on the "nori" to make it shimmer like the real stuff.

Afterward, we all went out to dinner at Fushi Yami and had hibachi and sushi. (Delish!)

It is hard to believe he is becoming this man before my eyes. I wish I could show you how much he has grown, but he didn't give me permission to use birthday photos of him online. Ah well, I have the memories in my heart.

A Weekend in the Life...

2010-08-23T09:40:00.006-05:00

20100821130312, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Saturday I met with Al and El to discuss a college gallery show proposal at Shawn's, a local restaurant. I had the best Peach-Pear smoothie. After some decisions were made, we went on a hunt for the local Agrari Gallery which turned out to be a conference center with wall space. Not quite the gallery situation I was thinking of, but it is a start for this area!

Al and El wanted to go to Blumen Gardens, so I agreed to some with and I'm so glad I did! I had no idea this beautiful space was here right in Sycamore! The photo above shows a succulent garden on the roof of a small shed. NPR, was being piped from inside. We wandered around and looked at the beautiful plants. Sunflowers were everywhere and they, along with some other gorgeous flowers, attracted butterflies and moths of all types. We even saw a hummingbird moth. Al got a good photo of it.

Then it was off to the studio. I hadn't been in there since the summer shows! It was a mess. I cleaned and straightened and organized. Now it is ready to roll.

Sunday Maria, El, and I went shopping at , a local farm market. I hadn't been there before either. I'd passed it several times in the past, but just had never stopped. Again, I'm so glad we went! You wouldn't believe the great prices! 75 cents for a huge, fresh red pepper! Crazy! Our idea was to shop, then come back and cook a meal together. That's exactly what we did. El provided with best bi-color sweet corn and some yummy cake batter flavored iced drinks and crusty bread. Maria made roasted red peppers, a tomato-potato-jalapeno dish& salsa. I made a zuchini-leek-squash dish with parmesan and feta cheeses. We also had salmon burgers and pork patties.

After that it was straight back to the studio to take advantage of the clean-up the day before. I started a new block showing the bog at the Ridges in Door County.

This morning, J. started his senior year at school. I really am praying he will do well. (You can pray too, if you're generous and the praying sort.) His birthday is this week and I'm hoping to make cupcakes decorated as sushi rolls. I thought if I used green fondant for the nori and rolled little bits of fondant for the rice, it could be good! This coming weekend, we'll be taking him to the Ju-Rin in Geneva for lunch.

The honey bees lost their hive today

2010-08-18T23:19:00.004-05:00

the honey bees lost their hive when the tree was cut down, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

The tree that was marked earlier in the year by the city to be cut down is not gone. They came today. The bees are buzzing around so confused. They don't understand where their home has gone. I'm sure they won't make it through the night. When I came home from work, they were clumping together or digging into the ground. I feel so bad for them.

Hopefully the raccoon family made their escape and found a new home. The woodpecker no longer has a home either. Poor little things.

The tree was rotten in the inside. It needed to come down for the safety of the electrical wires and houses. It is just a shame.

Door County Dreaming

2010-08-18T22:50:00.006-05:00

It has been over 2 weeks since we visited Door County for vacation! I miss it so much already! It isn't the shopping, or the food, or the business that I enjoy. It is the textures and colors and patterns that make me feel at home.

The pebble beach at Algoma, the rocky bluff at Cave Point Park, the twisted roots at Ellison Bay Bluff - the water, the sand - it all soaks into me. I could walk The Ridges all day. This year I walked by myself. There was a doe and yearling fawn, still with its spots, that stood and watched as I walked past not 10 feet from them. Magical.

I found blueberries among the ferns. These were captured in a large bowl at Hands on Art Studio.

The best thing happened. Through a series of coincidences and networks, one of my prints sold at a reception for Nik Garvoille's KNOCK Magazine at Plum Bottom Gallery. When I went to pick up the check, the gallery owner, Chad Luberger, asked if I might be interested in having my work there. Of course the answer was an enthusiastic, "yes!" We traded: a print for one of his ceramic mugs. It is more beautiful in person. There are crystals in the glaze that sparkle in the sunlight. You can see it below on the rock wall at our campground.

That was the fantastic news that I wanted to share earlier! Chad is choosing the work to be sent up this week. It is scary and exhilarating at the same time. I needed a challenge to grow in my work. This is just what the doctor ordered!