artfest - it's in the book

I really enjoy visiting blogs where folks post pages of their art journals, like this one and here. I hope someday to establish a rhythm that simply needs a page to capture thoughts... currently I'm letting most of it float away... but new days are coming and there will be new themes - thoughts - beginnings I will want to make a mark for - to be remembered.

I'm enjoying working in a book I created with the guidance of this fine friend... who will be teaching book making at this fine friends studio... can you go? Give yourself a treat and spend the day with Leslie... and then you can come back and tell me all about it.

For now I'm documenting my art travels - the cover was from an old postcard book - so it works. These pages mark my time at artfest... my travel, travel companions, my gatherings and my art and the art of classmates.

On this page I cut out a frame that was on one of the welcome packet pages and inserted mica to create a window to the back pages... I like have things to peer through, lift and such.

oh geeze... here they are... Leslie on the left and Kecia in the middle... and i believe Pam - on the right will also be attending the class... so you'll get to meet them all. Really that little introduction wasn't planned ... but nice when it just happens.

So I believe that's a wrap on artfest... it's now in "the book"

a little more... artfest

Susan Lenart-Kazmer
Hollow Forms in Color... I loved this class... packed full of techniques and use of Susan's massive collection of tools... I came home with a big wish list of tools to add to my studio. I really enjoyed the shaping the metal with a hammer. There were wonderful pieces that came out of this class.

My next day was spent with Patricia Seggebruch - Trish - the author of this amazing book

Encaustic Workshop. Throughout the day she would give demo's on this and that technique. She had centralized tables set up with the wax - so we each would go back and forth from our work spaces - I really liked this as you got to see the work of different students in the process...

layers mixed with a surprise here and there. I love the texture, the depth and the warmth of encaustic...

image transfers onto wax - some of the best results I have ever had in transferring an image. the center image on the piece above and the team of horses on the piece below are both image transfers.

layering - revealing - discovering

many of the gals in this class had taken multiple classes with Trish before... and their work was a great endorsement to studying with Trish... I'm hoping to do just that... and a little closer to home...so stay posted.

My last day at artfest... day 3. I have purchased plaster pieces that Stephanie Lee has made - but this was first time playing with plaster. I went into class with the horse in mind. However that didn't translate to having enough base material to create what was in my head... luckily my sweet table mate Denise helped me out there as did Stephanie. And like my kind classmate said at the end of class "honestly he is my favorite ... because really for awhile there I wasn't sure what it was going to be" .... I know exactly what she meant. Everyone headed to lunch and I stayed in... stuck with it... and i just adore him.

Stephanie has a new book coming out in 2011 with Judy Wise... oh to have an artstudy with these two... hum... maybe I should work on that too?

A

Few

Treasures

I scooped up along the way

A girl returns home from artfest.... simply wanting

a little more....

artfest - in good company

Ah horsefeathers... so named by Stephanie... and it fits. Sits in good company in my studio at home...with two "Stephanie Lee" works of art. Yeah I like her and her work... and each class I take with her. I learn new things - every time. Will I sign up for more? Oh yeah.

Back to the beginning... I drove to artfest. It is an 8 hour trek for me - so a pit stop here and there are required. Ellensburg, WA. - Dick and Jane's. I cannot imagine a better inhale of art on your way to artfest. If you are ever in the area... GO SEE THIS PLACE! Just ask anyone - they'll tell you how to get there.

I arrived in Seattle early and the sweet gal at the Edgewater Hotel moved me from the city side to the water side... needless to say... I ordered room service and never left the veranda. The next morning I headed out to the airport to pick up my traveling partners Leslie & Kecia. I was in good company!

Am I a coffee snob... yes, I am. Why? Don't ask because I'll explain all of the hints of a great cup and bore you to tears... but... I happily recommend this quaint little spot - right on the water - as a great pour. yummy!

In VERY good company

Leslie, Kecia & Pam

Photo taken with the one cool camera app on my droid... that I was very proud of - till i spent 6 days with 3 iphone owners.... for cryin in a bucket.

We gathered stones, laughs, praise and memories together.


Artfest - Show & Share

on the last night at artfest everyone is invited to display their "hurrahs" from class. Here is my gathering of bits... It is so cool to see the work of so many wonderful folks. It is also a great way to check out classes/teachers you want to add to your wish list for the future. When I get home from a retreat I always google... the retreat name in blogs to see what folks have posted about their time - classes and outcomes... it has been fun to see ole horsefeathers and Kecia's jackalope showing up... here, here, here.... and here. The space these retreats give us to explore - has just been amazing for me. I come home so charged... topped off with ideas and energy... and somehow reassurance that this is a path I should be on... I so glad for the friendships I have made along the way... truly I'm in such good company!

Here's a little peek... of horsefeathers up close...

swing back by... so I can share with you the other bits I made and collected along the way

I'll keep my eye out for ya!

As luck would have it... you can find yourself in the good company of Stephanie Lee - as she will be offering two online classes - I have had wonderful experiences with online classes and I cannot imagine all that this talented girl will put into hers... so go on now and sign up!