Diversion

Day 24 of the 30-in-30 challenge.

I titled this little piece "Diversion" even though it would have been more accurate if I had added "... from the Facts." I didn't do it because that would have sounded over-the-top yet very boring.

Anyways, who would have thought that the entire controversy about creationism versus evolution theory would fit just fine into the small center hole of a 45rpm record sleeve?

I am very pleased with how this piece turned out. It is such a simple composition but it works very well in terms of shapes and colors, I think. You may also have noticed that the center makes a googly eye. Well, would you look at that!

Mixed media: acrylics, EPIC record sleeve, storybook clipping, cut-out from a science teaching book, on cradled wood panel, 10" x 10"

Darns and Hoots

Day 23 of the 30-in-30 challenge.

I always feel that the end of the summer break immediately marks the beginning of the holiday season. So, no wonder that I felt I had to do something in this spirit.

The spirit of giving, to be more precise. There is a lot left to do and to wish for in our societies. For example, what's up with the white Santa image and everything that it stands for. Let's not give the change more time, instead let's give it some essential thought and meaning and power, for crying out loud.

Mixed media: acrylics, ink, edges from bookpages (which actually came from a book about the Poles, isn't that something), clippings from various book sources, including storybooks, craft books, dictionaries, and a special "Time" volume about the history of gambling; on cradled wood panel, 12" x 12"

Trick or Treat

Day 22 of the 30-in-30 challenge.

There is something very eerie about things or people that come in look-alike twos.

I find this especially true for this particular cat with those creepy balloons. It's a template for a "delightful" applique to go on a child's apron, according to an 70s crafts and sewing book. The smaller version was printed a few pages further in a recap chapter.

I cut out the mouse a few years ago. Now I finally know what has been frightening this little fellow.

Mixed media: fly leaves, storybook clippings, ink, on cradled wood panel, 8" x 10"

The Words to My Unwritten Song

Day 21 of the 30-in-30 challenge

A piece about wanting to open up but then not being able to.

Mixed media: Watercolor, torn paper and clipping from novels and storybooks, on cold-pressed watercolor paper on cradled wood panel, 9" x 12"

The Thrill Is Gone

Day 20 of the 30-in-30 challenge

This is a sad piece indeed. But nonetheless, it makes me happy that it worked out at least in a technical way. Because the poor little fly came from a very brittle storybook and fell apart, so I had to puzzle her hairy body back together, leg by leg, antenna by antenna.

Mixed media: watercolor, ink, storybook clippings, on cold-pressed watercolor paper on cradled wood panel, 8" x 8"

Don't You Worry

Day 19 of the 30-in-30 challenge.

What can I say about this piece other than this:
Even if everything is going downhill, don't you worry, we still have Mars.

Well, then.
 
For the universe, I used an Epic record sleeve. A scrap from a beautiful old fly leaf makes Mars.

I found this little saluting elf figurine in an antique collector's guide and, of course, declared him to be the Martian. He's perfect, isn't he.

For the background I sacrificed one page from "The Last Whole Earth Catalog." Please notice the "Funky Future" at the bottom right.

Mixed media: record sleeve, fly leaf, clippings and page from various book sources, embroidery floss, on cradled wood panel, 10" x 10"

My Cup of Tea

Day 18 of the 30-in-30 challenge

Well, NCLAC, our regional Arts Council, wants to have a beer-themed art show and has called for artists. So here you go.

Of course, I made a reference to Alice's tea party, what else.

The beer mugs are from an old book about "Colonial Living" and the pocket watch from an old antique guide. Both books I found just recently at an estate sale, and they are wonderful resources indeed.

"My Cup of Tea"
Mixed media: fly leaves, clippings from a history book, antique guide, and storybooks, ink, on cradled wood panel, 9" x 12"