Art Harpy

Here I Go Again!

2012-02-13T00:18:00.003-08:00

"Quitting smoking is easy, I've done it a thousand times." ...Is one of my favorite quotes from Mark Twain and one I've been repeating to myself a lot over the last year. Everyday is a fresh start and a chance to try again.

I feel like this art "thing" is evolving and becoming easier. The inner critic is finally learning to shut the hell up and I'm learning to balance my time better. Between Responsibilities, Restoration, Relaxation, Reproduction and avoiding a Rut it's quite a balancing act.

Most people don't realize how much "business" goes into being an independent artist. I am extremely fortunate to have a wonderful partner in this life who is financially supporting us while I'm building this business of art. Being an artist himself, it is a wonderful gift everyday. One I am working very hard not to fritter away.

To help stay focused Husbang (@misterbowen) & I have started Podcasting. We are working up to consistently posting 30 to 45min every week. We are discussing what inspires us, this grand journey of art, and people we meet along the way.

Our hope is to encourage ourselves and others to get out there and create. Create anything...pick a number and do it. We have each been working on 100 paintings each. We're getting there!

Check it out at: One Hundred of Something

Art Heals

2011-06-06T15:28:00.001-07:00

It's been nearly 40 days since I last updated my Twitter or Facebook... and months since I substantially wrote here. I've been in what I call a "cocoon phase", which means I checked out like JD Salinger.

I deal with a myriad of health issues that prevent me from working in a "regular" job. Fortunately I have a wonderfully supportive and amazing Husbang who financially supports our family single-handedly and quite comfortably. Plus, he consistently tells me to stop beating myself up and do what I love. I am blessed.

The past 2 months have been difficult. I've been mostly bedridden with the inability to walk due to a 10 year old back injury and severe depression. I know it's cliche but, the chronic pain I have is not something I'd wish on anyone.

So the first few weeks was spent mostly sleeping, zoning out on movies and doing my best to shower on "good days" when I wasn't hobbled like a geriatric line-backer. It was not a good place.

Since getting laid off from my theatre job in 2009, we made the decision that I would follow one of my dreams and work on art full time. I realized about 3 weeks ago that I didn't have to get out of bed to make art. I decided that I wanted to find other artists with which to trade ATC's (artist trading cards) to have a "reason" to make art.

Well, it worked. Since finding Swap-bot, a website connecting people who love to make stuff, at the beginning of May, I have successfully made more progress with my art than I have in the past year. I am making art every day. And slowly, but surely, I'm having more "good" days than bad.

I also learned from another artist that Frida Kahlo suffered from chronic pain her whole life... and she accomplished so much. If she can do it...so can I.

Geisha ATC set of 3

2011-05-26T00:59:00.001-07:00

Geisha ATC set of 3, a photo by ArtHarpy on Flickr.

I made a set of 3 ATC's to experiment with different painting techniques. Geisha #3 went to a loving home in Canada as part of the "G is for...ATC" Swap on Swap-bot. As of May 25th 2011, Geisha #2 is looking for a home if you would like to swap ;-)

9/1000 On the Edge

2010-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Stand on the edge of a cliff. One step forward you will fall to certain death. The salty air chides your throat, the wind whips your hair, the sand stings your skin all in a choreographed dance. Warning of Danger? Protecting the beauty from your prying lens? Perhaps, perhaps. Stand strong and capture the light. This all may be gone tomorrow. Your witness may be all that remains.

8/1000 The Road Less Traveled

2010-12-07T23:07:00.000-08:00

I've found of late, my creative rhythms gentle to move me on the dance floor from one medium to the next. I am transformed. Creating with spirit, words and objects at random times and all together. Faithful in following My Muse, she is leading me to interesting places.

7/1000 Baby Steps

2010-09-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

The Theatre Arts has been my life. I wrote, directed and created costumes for my first play when I was in Kindergarten.

Fortunately Mom and Ms. Rising, the poor soul teaching me that year, were not only tolerant of my antics, but supportive. I remember giving Ms. Rising a preview copy of my script; getting her approval to produce the performance one sunny afternoon in our plant filled classroom.

All of the costumes were made of construction paper which I generously let the actors keep. I gained a reputation for being "bossy" from the other kids after directing a stunning show. A trait I have since learned to both embrace and temper.

I've continuously engaged in some kind of performing arts since that day. And held some pretty interesting jobs as a result...actress, carnival barker, director, costumer, circus ring mistress, producer, radio personality, adult educator, stand-up comic, improviser...

Having babies didn't put a damper on my passion. I was breastfeeding my 5 week old daughter on rehearsal breaks while directing "12 Angry Men". When we moved to Seattle I got a job teaching adults. I traveled around the country teaching... which was really just an 8 hour one woman show for intimate audiences in hotel ballrooms. So there wasn't a lot of time to commit to the process of being in an actual bone fide theatrical production.

Even though the kids weren't exposed to theatre constantly, they grew an interest in the art form at early ages. My son convinced me to do my first Seattle audition because he wanted to be in "A Christmas Story". Luckily we were both cast. He played "Show Mommy How The Piggies Eat" Randy and I the cackling school teacher of "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" fame. So began the past decade returning to my beloved Church of Illusion.

But I've become disillusioned.

The same routine, similar characters with different names, no new adventures to take my breath away... the "been there, done that" t-shirt of predictability is moth-eaten.

Two years ago Husbang & I discovered the world of Alternative Arts. A mis-mash of techniques, tools and mediums. Although fine art has a different rhythm, it takes my breath away.

This past week I realized that I can't just make the leap to art and expect to land where I was in the realm of theatre. I guess when you spend 30 years honing a certain skill set it's easy to forget how to take baby steps.

6/1000 Artists Anonymous

2010-09-15T11:41:00.001-07:00

If you haven't discovered Keri Smith yet you can thank me later.

I think her How to Feel Miserable as an Artist (By Keri Smith and featured below) applies to ALL artists regardless of your media (yes my actorly/writing/musical friends I'm talking to YOU)... once you start breaking these rules you really become free to create.

CONFESSION:

I am absolutely HORRIBLE at coming up with an idea and then seeing if someone has already "done it better" on Etsy or the internet. I am self sabotaging and I don't know how to stop.

Hi, I'm ArtHarpy and I'm a self sabotaging artist

(This is where you say..."Hi ArtHarpy")

MY PLAN:

1. To post her Manifesto around my life (house, car, studio, journal, to-do list notebook)

2. Discover exactly how many miserable things I'm doing to myself every day

3. Admit I am powerless over my inner critic

4. Believe that my artistic spirit is real

5. Treat my Artistic Spirit as I would an amazing, lovely, dear friend

6. Submit to my Artistic Spirit as she is greater than my inner critic and can restore euphoria in my life

7. Commit to making a fearless inventory of my artistic strengths

8. Believe that what I create is brilliant in it's imperfection

9. Celebrate in the pure freedom of creating

10. Rejoice in the ability to make the world a better place through art

5/1000 The Eye of a Beholder

2010-09-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

I took his outstretched hand. It was warm and soft and reminded me of touching a small, fragile, sweet baby. I looked him in the eye and gave him a warm smile and told him to have a good day as I got off the bus. As I walked away I wondered what made him want to shake my hand.

A flap of skin, which at some point had tried to grow into an ear, was somewhere between his chin and the back of his neck. His head was over-large and misshapen as though it had lived in a vice for decades. He walked with a swagger made possible by two sharp metal braces. And although his eyes displaced on his face he mastered the art of looking them both in the same direction.

His eyes were soft and gentle. They had seen a lot of this world and beyond. I wonder how many others were willing to meet his gaze?

As an artist I look for the underlying beauty in my world. The flower growing out of a crack in the sidewalk or the majestic sunset are easy scores. But for me, more often than not, beauty is in what others would consider ugly, deformed or obscene.

The dilapidated house on an abandoned lot with peeling paint and a lost history holds a treasure trove of colors and shapes. Like a dead tree in the forest, there is life living just below the surface. An amazing carnival for the senses if one is willing to look.

Yesterday the beauty in the 201 Local was below the surface, I hope I'm not the only one who got to enjoy it.

4/1000 Out of the Woods

2010-09-07T11:25:00.001-07:00

Listening to the sound of silence for three days was, apparently, just what I needed.

I was dreading coming back to civilization, thinking my reentry would be jarring. The woods were so peaceful. Lush green so vivid and beautiful it makes your heart ache. The fresh smell of the earth, the way the sunlight dances on spiderwebs. Dew-kissed wildflowers. It was all so incredible.

With three days of being able to think, sleep, make art and even cry without being interrupted I was worried the bombardment of people would be too much. But thankfully, my head doesn't feel like it's about to spin off the way it did before I left.

Feeling centered and in my being, I made some personal discoveries in the woods. I found the common thread of what has been weighing me down the past year. Although I didn't reach a resolution, I know which path to take.

3/1000 Into The Woods

2010-09-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

Today I am in the woods of Washington staying in a wonderful healing Yurt... at least that is what I am anticipating as I write this (a day early... ahh the powers of technology!).

My plan is to write and eat and absorb nature and art and heal for 36 or so hours. A solo silent retreat.

I've never done anything like this before although I've recommended it to many. It's a little nerve wracking but it will be good.

2/1000 Just be yourself?

2010-09-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

Since making the decision to pursue art full time I have stumbled. 13 years ago, before my daughter was born, my head was spinning with all kinds of ideas.

Weird Ideas, with a capital "I".

Crazy quilted pieces with with paper stitched to them and images emblazoned...antique junk pieced together to make new things... jewelry with silk and silver and old rusty things...

There was nothing out there like it at the time... it was a fusion of art techniques and hardcore crafting. I tried to create what was in my head with what I had and I failed.

Not being able to find the supplies I wanted was frustrating. Not having any extra money to blow on experiments with expensive art supplies was even worse. All the books available were tired art techniques of watercolors and the like. Additionally, without the connection of the Internet (still in it's infancy) I had no clue there were others out there thinking the same. I let the ideas subside after a few dismal attempts.

Three years ago I discovered Art Fest and the world of Alternative Art. I felt like I was breathing again!

It was all the Weird I had been thinking of years ago with a huge Plus; fully realized and wrapped up in a funky bow ready for me to enjoy.

The downside, I am now coming to discover, is that it's all been "done". In the decade it took me to "discover" my community they had all been hard at work developing techniques, creating process and exploring supplies.

So where do I fit in? Of course, "Be the best you can be!", and a bunch of other cliches come to mind. There's the question of "personal style" etc. What would the world have missed if Picasso said "There's already so many people painting, I should just become a carpenter."

For today the grand pursuit will have to be just being the best Self I can. After all, everyone else is already taken.

#1 How Art Harpy Got Her Groove Back

2010-09-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

I started Blogging in 2004.

The first blog I set up was a private blog... so private in fact that I now can not find the bugger. It was nice to have something so private that no normal person could access it (unlike a written journal lying around), yet so public that any hacker could free my words to the world...I got a little rush every time I posted.

Then I started Girl Scout Gone Bad. A place where I could post about my daily life and the angst of raising a family who was a little too smart for it's own good. My goal was to post something funny every day and I did. I posted nearly every day for a year.

Suddenly, through a series of unfortunate events I found myself not feeling funny anymore. Which sucks because I was a stand up comic for a few years. And to lose my sense of humor? Well I might as well have put in for a transfer to the Middle East. I was full of all kinds of negative garbage which I couldn't manage to turn into anything constructive. It was a difficult time and I was not willing to spew it on to my readers.

The past year has been one of tremendous growth for me (which is code for "my life is a roller coaster in a sewage treatment plant and I'm learning a lot"). I am coming to terms with a soon to be empty nest (not a problem) and freeing myself to be a visual artist (problem).

I'm in the midst of figuring out how to be self disciplined, balanced in work/play, and trusting my instincts to free my sense of artistic self.

This is a creative journey of the heart I want to share; like the crazy moments of domestic life on Girl Scout Gone Bad. My hope is that you will find inspiration, or at least humor, in my struggles. Know that what ever creative endeavor you are pursuing, be it art, writing or living with intention, you are not alone in your struggles.

I'm planning to post 1000 different posts of words, art or things I find inspiring.

Yes, it's a mighty undertaking but as Lao Tzu the Taoist Philospoher said, "The journey of 1000 miles must begin with a single step."

This is my single step.

See Life, Sea Life

2010-07-02T01:20:00.001-07:00

I love Jelly Fish and am SUPER excited to have gotten this shot! Very, very happy with the way it turned out... this picture hasn't been enhanced.

In the Bag

2010-06-25T00:02:00.000-07:00

Today I bought my daughter a bag. She is a Twihard (Twilight + Die-hard = Twihard)...It's bordering on a disorder as I believe the books have addled her brain.

The Girl has a tenancy to be a little absent minded when it comes to keeping track of her things. However, as an extension of her teen obsession, she has managed to keep track of EVERYTHING related to Twilight (books, journals, clothing, chap stick...)

I thought, perhaps, this OCD (Obessive Cullen Disorder) could work to my advantage. The Girl needed a bag od her own. One that she would cherish and not lose. She keeps stealing a myriad of MY bags to tote various and sundry things to dance class, the beach or slumber parties. When I found a Edward Cullen bag on clearance for $3 I felt I had hit the proverbial jackpot!

Oh... but it needed to be personalized. She is an "Emmett" fan...I felt this was an excellent use of my talents tonight.

Snapshots

2010-06-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

In between making a bunch of new metal designs, teaching myself block printing & making prayers flags, I've had the privilege of photographing some beautiful ladies....

The amazing Stacy Jones!

And Fiona on her 13th Birthday.

Furry God Mother

2010-05-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Lemme tell you a secret... some "dreams" should just stay dreams.

Simple as that.

Real life ain't gonna live up to what you've created in your head.

But when it's better than you ever imagined? Well...then life is so sweet it makes your teeth hurt. That sums up my Saturday...so sweet my teeth hurt. And here's why...

Yes. That is me and Elayne Boosler (picture DOES NOT do her justice) playing with our Vagina's. I make delicious little fabric sculptures shaped like Vulva's on the outside and useful coin purses on the inside. Because you can go inside it makes 'em full on textbook Vagina's. I've recently been featured in the Regretsy Book.

My favorite Power Jew, Julie Mains (here with Elayne playing with Vagina's) set up a love connection and hence THE lunch of a life time!

I am proud to say Elayne will be auctioning off one of my Vagina Coin Purses and another little goody to raise money for Tails of Joy. I'll let you know when the auction is scheduled so you can bid on a piece of history.

So she's a comic...what's the big deal? you ask... Well, Elayne Boosler is one of my Childhood Heroines. She IS the Godmother of Standup.

See, I got in trouble for watching her cable specials in the 80's when I was a kid. Not because they were dirty... Elayne is FAR from dirty...her act was smart, funny AND coming from someone with a V.A.G.I.N.A. (gasp)

She's smart and funny and educated and ambitious and bold and brilliant. Back then she put a positive spin on sexuality and spoke her mind. That was definitely NOT allowed. Women arguing with the status quo? What the Hell is that nonsense.

There was a lot of lip service given to "equal rights" when I was growing up. But frankly if you had a vagina, you were nothing. And if you were outspoken...then you were trouble. Elayne gave "the man" the finger and made it happen for women in standup. She. Made. It. Happen.

Elayne has been on my "List" since the first time I saw her. It's a secret list, comprised of muggles and celebrities. It's always evolving as some have been kicked off the list for being douchey or screwing over people I love. The List is simply people I admire and wish to meet before they die. I'm doing okay with The List, although I'm more than a little bitter about Jim Henson and Lucille Ball.

I always hoped I would have a chance to tell Elayne how I had studied her comedy and paid my dues for it. How she personally had a positive impact on my performing and sense of humor. Elayne Boosler was the first women who didn't have a man on stage with her to "make" her funny. She was THE first.

So to meet her? Excellent. To have the chance to help her do something she is passionate about? Honored. To have lunch with her? Hand me the Depends.

Lunching with her was like spending time with your favorite Auntie. There was this warm glow surrounding the three of us. We laughed and teased like old friends. And talked about everything you're not supposed to on a first date...politics, religion, sex, incontinence.

She made us feel like we were the most important people in the world. Elayne is charming and warm and intelligent and well informed and funny...wickedly funny. She is graceful and absolutely stunning in every way.

Tails of Joy is just an extension of Elayne Boosler's heart. They are raising money for the most needy shelters and rescues across our great nation and working hard to improve animal cruelty laws. They buy animals out of shelters before they are killed, support free spay and neutering, purchase medicine and food and are speaking for those who can't. Those who, despite how many times they're kicked, will still wag their tail or try to curl up in your lap.

It's not sexy work, but things worth doing seldom are.

Please check out Tails of Joy and become part of positive change for all creatures. Elayne Boosler has gone to the dogs and is making things happen, just as she always has.

Collage Lab 1

2010-04-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited about this great book from Bee Shay, Collage Lab. A few weeks ago I was going through ArtFest withdrawals and cracked it open. I played around adding Golden Fluid Acrylics to make the Liquitex Acrylic Gesso different colors.

Using varied texturing methods with common household objects I applied the colored gesso to 140lb cold press watercolor paper. I loved how they turned out!

On Friday Bee started posting a new challenge based on the labs in her new book. Last night Husbang and I tried a bunch of new techniques using gesso on mat board. We both have been using gesso as a stamping medium for the past year and have enjoyed the results.

This is allowing us to get the feel for using gesso as a foundation rather than an accent.

I liked using stencils & mesh salvaged from a bag of red potatoes. We also both used foam stamps and a pallet knife to layer on the gesso.

If you enjoy collaging, or want to learn please check out Collage Lab! And be sure to join the online challenges every Friday morning... It's free and every interaction I've had with Bee has been wonderful! She is also setting up a group to exchange collage creations with each other through ATC's or postcards.

Ringer!

2010-04-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

Had a blast playing with PMC for the first time at ArtFest this year! Our instructor, Catherine Witherell, was delightful, I enjoyed her upbeat demeanor and easy to follow directions. She did a great job and did her best to help each of us...the class was sold out so it was a hell of a job getting 'round to answer all of the questions.

I used both the kiln and torch she had available. We also set off the fire alarm in the building. The I Love Lucy moments continue.

Here's one of the rings I made. It's a hollow collaged bead of Sterling Silver...and it's got a little piece of silver inside so I can ring it like a little bell.

I love it!

Lounge Lizard Deux

2010-04-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

The instructions on the floor...ruined art....sticky fingers.

What was I doing wrong?

Well not reading the directions for one... but apparently the singular "little" detail that wasn't on the packaging NOR divulged by the evangelist from the bead store... The crap needed to cure in UV light.

Specifically Sunshine.

And I live in the Pacific North West... only SLIGHTLY more sunny than Scotland.

"Where in THE HELL am I going to get SUNSHINE!!!!! Especially at 11pm????" I thought... okay yelled at Husbang who was amused by the whole ordeal.

Back to reading the directions....I could also use a UV light, for curing fake nails, found at Salon Supply stores. Or a 40w or higher fluorescent black light (good luck). Since sunshine isn't consistent where I live I penciled in a trip to the Beauty Shop Supply.

The next day the Sun was out in full force! Score! I was able to whip out some experimental pieces to see how the stuff really worked. I must say, it WAS pretty amazing and I loved the finished product. However, to carry out my evil plans needed a regular source of UV rays.

The Salon Supply shop carried exactly what I was looking for! A cute little UV box with removable trays on which to put my creations. And at the LOW, LOW price of $350.00!!!

WOW! That was SO NOT Happening!

I love the fact that this little 1 oz bottle of $10 gel was turning out to cost me several hundred dollars. Huzzah.

So I'm thinking... what else needs UV? LIZARDS!!!! Reptiles need UV light to stay healthy!

Over the next few days my rounds of errands were expanded to include the reptile sections of various pet stores. Unfortunately, animal geeks are not as "into" using their supplies for things other than animals. So not much help or friendliness from staff.

Thanks be to all that is Holy for the internet. I was able to do further research and with the help of Husbang, make a successful purchase. The Lizard bulb, which fits into a clip-on lamp we already had, was only $17.50. Not bad...and worth the abuse from the pet Nazi's.

I've got the test pieces Lounging in the Lizard light as we speak.

Stay tuned for further updates!

Lounge Lizard

2010-04-15T00:40:00.001-07:00

So what the heck does the reptile section of the pet store have to do with Art?

I don't know, but that's where I wound up today. So I bought this bottle of stuff to embed mini copies of my collage on to tiles. The gal at the bead/quilt/metal supply store Raved about it.

Now normally I won't spend $10 on an ounce of eau de parfume much less an art supply I've never tried... over priced art supplies are B.S... but she R.aved. This was about 4 months ago and I hadn't opened it yet. It's too expensive to ACTUALLY use, right?

Artfest to the rescue...I came back with a vengeance of creativity this year... I OPENED that damn miracle bottle of bliss. It came with an 11x 7 page of 10pt. type directions which I promptly tossed over my shoulder and went to work an a new brilliant creation.

Then it wouldn't work right. This miracle liquid was supposed to dry to a hard-as-nails finish in 15min. tops. Not so much.

To be continued......

Believe in your Keys

2010-04-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

I'm working on some super durable key chains. I gave up the ghost of extreme beaded stuff with my keys... I'm just too hard on them. I've got a "Wild Woman" and a few other fun ones in the works.

Coming this week at my Etsy Store!

Bee Happy

2010-04-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

There has been a mass cleanse of epic proportions. I've been crying at the drop of a hat for over a week.

I'm not usually prone to episodes of crying like this....sure, when I've got the power hour of PMS onset....sure, who isn't with all of that wonder-woman-I'm-gonna-bleed-for-5-days-and-not-die-strength? You HAVE to cry because we live in a world where we aren't allowed to just go out and use the power to make massive change happen...the energy has to go somewhere.

But what my bad self has been doing the last 8 days has been disturbing. And worse, has interrupted the course of my usual snarky, get-it-done, whimsicle fuckery.

I haven't been able to talk to people, I've been overwhelmed by technology and I've gotten a little dehydrated. I've made that little scene in Alice in Wonderland look like a kiddie pool.

On the upside... I've been creating...and coming up with ideas. Thank Gawd for Bee Shay and her new book "Collage Lab".

AmAzing book! Worth every penny...think of it like the Joy of Cooking for collage...lot's of delicious recipes and ideas for you to springboard into your own creations.

Plus, it got me arting through the tears.

ArtFest deflated

2010-03-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

Ah Geez. It's amazing how much three days of doing nothing but art and hanging out with artists and talking about art can reignite my passion.

The past 36 hours have been tough... I'm going through withdrawals like a heroin addict. I'm cranky and irritated, I think I might be sweating and soon the shakes will start.

WTF?

I think last year was just happily overwhelmed... now I'm all firey and pissed off.

You've been warned.

Captured Butterfly

2010-03-07T15:44:00.000-08:00

Here's a mini collage I made for one of the VaWa Sisters based on the monologue she performed this year. I plan on posting a new piece every few days or so...keep tuning in for more art!

4"x4"

Mixed Media Collage

Right Up My Alley

2010-02-21T23:44:00.000-08:00

These musicians are the AWESOME! I really struggled with the first photo shoot we did in mid-January... It was totally me and the conditions and blah, blah, blah... working with the members of Hettel Street is always blast. (The Diva has even been in Vagina Monologues as a Guest Star, yay!) So we did an impromptu re-shoot in my element...an alley. As you can see, it was muuuuch better.

Stacy Jones Band: Urban Decay Shoot

2010-01-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hettle Street Blues: Studio Shoot

2010-01-17T13:39:00.000-08:00

Stacy Jones Band: Madison Pub

2010-01-17T12:24:00.000-08:00

Stacy+Tom+Rick+Jeff

2010-01-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

Beery Charming

2009-10-23T11:40:00.001-07:00

Custom Made Beer Charms for a soon to be newlywed couple. These fun pieces are made with a flexible wire which hugs the bottle so it won't smack you in the face when you sip the beer. Note these are versatile so you can use them on wine & cocktail glasses as well.

Want some custom made for yourself or a loved one? Prices start at $5.00 ($8.00 pictured here)

Contest!

2009-10-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

I have started creating a line I like to call "Heads or Tales". Each of these pieces are two sided and a Little naughty. You can wear either side "out" depending on your mood.

EXAMPLES:
Side 1: That is SO Amazing
Side 2: Get Your Head Outta Your Ass

Side 1: Gutsy
Side 2: Bitch

Side 1: Breath in Peace
Side 2: Screw War

Side 1: Make it Happen
Side 2: Get the F*ck out of your own way

And so on....

To launch this new line I've created a contest! Send your ORIGINAL quotes to artharpy (at) gmail.com and I'll select my favorite 5 to be voted on by the masses. I'll be taking entries until Sunday October 25th at 11:59pm.

What do you win? Well your quote on a Necklace or Key chain Custom Made by The ArtHarpy of course!

(The Fine Print...I reserve the right to change the rules if someone is a jerk as well as use your quotes without further compensation. By submitting them to this contest you release me to use the quotes in future contests and on jewelry if I so choose. This contest is for fun. If you don't win the grand prize, you can always order a custom piece with your quote on it.)

THE TPS GREGORY AWARDS: Making History

2009-10-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

I am always terribly interested in how things are made...you look at a finished work of art and really have no idea what went into it, how it was done or the thought process behind it....So, dear Internet, I am giving you a unique opportunity to peer into my creative process...my gift to you!

First, all of the plaques were primed and dry brushed with a base color to set the tone of the piece. I then looked at each recipients head shot, some production photos and their resumes and wrote a poem about each of them.... Without being too "woo-woo", I believe this creates a personal connection with the piece and subject matter. It helps me focus on a deeper meaning for the collage and projects a positive energy to viewers.

Next Step is tearing up bits o' paper/pictures and adhereing them to the base. I was excited to find a lot of great reviews of the shows I could use for these pieces. Of course I had Shakespere in my collection as well as The Wizard of Oz so those were a slam dunk. The Seattle public library has a copy of The Adding Machine on their shelves, but I didn't have time to run down there to get it. I was a little bummed about that.

Third...More photos/words and then some texturizing paint and color. I think waiting for the glue and paint and more paint to dry is the hard part, but it makes me slow down and really think about the piece and where I want it to go. I spent about 6-8 hours creating each of these Lovelies.

After all of that we have #4...The focal point. I like to combine words and pictures to give each piece a unique personality. This one in particular was a trip to create...Charles Leggett played Shylock in Merchant of Venice...great role and stunning performance...So to symbolize how he really got inside Shakespere's head I placed Charles headshot where the Bards face had been. (photo at left)

With Amy Thone's piece I created a collage of her headshot, production photos super imposed over her eyes, mouth and head. A little spin on "see no, think no, speak no...other than the character" law by which an actor lives and dies. In John Langs piece I afixed his eyes over that of the playwright's, Elmer Rice, as he is a director who truly sees a clear vision of the playwrights words.

Both of these to the right are examples of step 5...Darkening the surrounding areas creating mystery and making the focal points pop.

And I have to make a comment about Don Darryl Rivera...what a SUPER FUN body of work! WOW! He is living the dream. Now I know he played the Wolf in The Stinky Cheeseman...but how whimsical is it to put Stinky Cheeseman's head on Don's body? I couldn't resist as that is one of my favorite books of all time! I hope he likes it as much as I do.

In the final steps I detail paint some features I want to highlight, add some metallics for a little glow and varnish it whole thing for durability. These 6, being awards, had a custom copper plaque added to them to commerate the event and honor the recieptants. I'll have a few collages for sale at my Etsy store soon or you can place a custom order for one made with your very own photos and memorbilia! I'd love to make one just for you!

I also teach classes on how to make your own memory collage (minimum of 4 students) at Paperfling!

The Finished Gregory Awards!

Teaser

2009-10-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

SO I can't show you the Big Daddy of Awards yet....but check out what I'm making for all of the nominees! They're Key chain sized and if you like them I can customize one just of you!

Here's a close up shot to show a little more detail....

Gregory Awards!!!!

2009-10-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

I am excitedly working on the awards for the First Annual (in my opinion it can't be "annual" until it happens more than once...I know, I know...plans...blah, blah, blah...remember opinions are like buttholes....) Gregory Awards. TPS is throwing this shindig and I've been selected as the artist to throw down!

And HOLY CRAP are they turning out cool! I'm impressing myself.

I'd love to show you pictures....but I can't...until next week.....it'd give away who gets to take 'em home and then I'd have to kill you. Which I don't want to do.

Tune in Art Fans for another exciting episode of "ArtHarpy Tortures The Web World".

Inspiration

2009-09-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

Spent the weekend camping by the ocean. Nature is so inspiring! I loved the feel of the sand and waves, the fresh air and the campfire at night. I can't wait to get into the studio and start creating. I've definitely been inspired!

Abundant Grace

2009-08-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

Your life is full of Abundant Grace and this will remind you of that everyday! This delightful copper necklace is decorated with hand stamped letters and an iridescence shell bead.

Comes on a solid copper 18" ball chain necklace and has a durable finish so it will wear beautifully for years, just like the day you got it. Because of the finish the copper not discolor your skin. One of a kind!

Hand made with Love just for you by Art Harpy.
$25.00

Available only at Paper Fling... call and have them reserve it for you! www.paperfling.com

Live in Joy 2

2009-08-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

A gentle reminder of the way to live life everyday! This delightful copper necklace is decorated with hand stamped letters and a glass gold and blue bead.

Comes on a solid copper 18" ball chain necklace and has a durable finish so it will wear beautifully for years, just like the day you got it. Because of the finish the copper not discolor your skin. One of a kind!

Hand made with Love just for you by Art Harpy.
$25.00

Available only at Paper Fling... call and have them reserve it for you! www.paperfling.com

Make It Happen

2009-08-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

A reminder to follow your dreams! This delightful copper necklace is decorated with hand stamped letters and an glass black & gold dice bead.

Comes on a solid copper 18" ball chain necklace and has a durable finish so it will wear beautifully for years, just like the day you got it. Because of the finish the copper not discolor your skin. One of a kind!

Hand made with Love just for you by Art Harpy.

$25.00

Available only at Paper Fling... call and have them reserve it for you! www.paperfling.com

Shine!

2009-08-20T03:15:00.000-07:00

You know you Shine and this will remind you how much! This delightful copper necklace is decorated with hand stamped letters and cold riveted with a hand stamped Sterling Silver sta.

Comes on a solid copper 18" ball chain necklace and has a durable finish so it will wear beautifully for years, just like the day you got it. Because of the finish the copper not discolor your skin. One of a kind!

Hand made with Love just for you by Art Harpy.
$25.00

Available only at Paper Fling... call and have them reserve it for you! www.paperfling.com

Gusto!

2009-08-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

Live life with Gusto everyday! This delightful copper necklace is decorated with hand stamped letters and an iridescence bicone bead.

Comes on a solid copper 18" ball chain necklace and has a durable finish so it will wear beautifully for years, just like the day you got it. Because of the finish the copper not discolor your skin. One of a kind!

Hand made with Love just for you by Art Harpy.
$25.00

Available only at Paper Fling... call and have them reserve it for you! www.paperfling.com

Abundant Love

2009-08-19T03:13:00.000-07:00

You are full of it...Abundant Love! This delightful copper necklace is decorated with hand stamped letters and a ceramic heart bead.

Comes on a solid copper 18" ball chain necklace and has a durable finish so it will wear beautifully for years, just like the day you got it. Because of the finish the copper not discolor your skin. One of a kind!

Hand made with Love just for you by Art Harpy.
$25.00

Available only at Paper Fling... call and have them reserve it for you! www.paperfling.com

Live Deep

2009-08-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

A gentle reminder of the way to live life everyday! This delightful copper necklace is decorated with hand stamped letters and an iridescence fish bead.

Comes on a solid copper 18" ball chain necklace and has a durable finish so it will wear beautifully for years, just like the day you got it. Because of the finish the copper not discolor your skin. One of a kind!

Hand made with Love just for you by Art Harpy.
$25.00

Available only at Paper Fling... call and have them reserve it for you! www.paperfling.com

Nurture Yourself

2009-08-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

A gentle reminder of the way to live life everyday! This delightful copper necklace is decorated with hand stamped letters and an iridescence flower bead.

Comes on a solid copper 18" ball chain necklace and has a durable finish so it will wear beautifully for years, just like the day you got it. Because of the finish the copper not discolor your skin. One of a kind!

Hand made with Love just for you by Art Harpy.
$25.00

Available only at Paper Fling... call and have them reserve it for you! www.paperfling.com

Live in Love

2009-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

A gentle reminder of the way to live life everyday! This delightful copper necklace is decorated with hand stamped letters and an iridescence heart bead.

Comes on a solid copper 18" ball chain necklace and has a durable finish so it will wear beautifully for years, just like the day you got it. Because of the finish the copper not discolor your skin. One of a kind!

Hand made with Love just for you by Art Harpy.
$25.00

Available only at Paper Fling... call and have them reserve it for you! www.paperfling.com

Joy Full

2009-08-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

A lovely pick-me-up anytime you need it! This delightful copper necklace is decorated with hand stamped letters and a gorgeous glass butterfly bead.

Comes on a solid copper 18" ball chain necklace and has a durable finish so it will wear beautifully for years, just like the day you got it. Because of the finish the copper not discolor your skin. One of a kind!

Hand made with Love just for you by Art Harpy.
$25.00

Available only at Paper Fling... call and have them reserve it for you! www.paperfling.com

Grow

2009-08-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Part of the "Lucky Penny" Line...This delightful copper necklace has a hand sketched Tree of Strength and hand stamped letters. Very much One of a Kind.

Comes on a solid copper 18" ball chain necklace and has a durable finish so it will wear beautifully for years, just like the day you got it. Because of the finish the copper not discolor your skin. One of a kind!

Hand made with Love just for you by Art Harpy.
$25.00

Available only at Paper Fling... call and have them reserve it for you! www.paperfling.com

ArtHarpy at Paper Fling!

2009-08-11T21:29:00.001-07:00

Art Harpy has been accepted at Paper Fling in Country Village, Bothell WA!

You must stop by and see this boutique: "We only design classy, unique, awe-inspiring ensembles... So if you're looking for a place that has a good grasp on the latest trends, is fun to work with and will help you create something that will knock your socks off, you've come to the right place." ~ Ruth Song, Owner.

Amazing, distinctive designs for wedding & event invitations, baby announcements, custom holiday greetings cards they also have a great selection of unique gifts and stationary for every taste! I am impressed every time I visit the studio at the exclusive orders they create for all types of events in the Seattle area.

The staff delivers outstanding customer care and treats every order like a work of art.

2009-05-30T19:39:00.001-07:00

The stars make this piece really special...Plus the bead has this funky iridescent glaze on it so it'll go with anything you wear, bonus!

I love this necklace!

Buy it at my Etsy store.

Moon-Shine Earrings

2009-05-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here is the first item I posted to my Etsy store today...It took a little doin', but I made it happen!

These beautiful hand-carved Moons are fair-trade made in Africa from bone and have a wonderful feel to them. Accented with turquoise & Vermeil 14k gold French hooks & wire they will make a lovely every-day addition to your wardrobe. Only $20.00 on my Etsy site.

VaWa Memories

2009-05-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

I based these pieces on Monologues from the V-day shows we produced this year. The VaWa Sisterhood raised a mess of money for The Intervention Center for Assault and Abuse as well as Fabric of Life... both are great organizations working hard to end violence against women and girls. The actresses loved getting these personalized commemorative gifts!

Vagina Warrior Wire Work

2008-02-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

I'm working on this project with my mom to infuse the words "Vagina Warrior" into glass hearts. Here are my efforts thus far... I'm posting mostly so she can see it and make sure it's the right size, per her request. I'll post once they're done as I'm sure they will be most kick ass.

EXCITMENT!

2008-01-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

Excellent!

Today I start blogging again after being gone waaay too long. I made the huge mistake of saying... "Oh Hey.. read my blog!" Which is okay when you like the people. But it backfired on me a little.

So here I am, new year, new blog, new adventures!

EXCITMENT!