Christmas Eve!

This photograph is from a new series I will be working on..well, I was going to try set a time frame but I will be continuing this until I think I've finished with the idea.  The ammonites are cast handmade paper.  I've made some smaller pieces, about 6 x 6 with the cast ammonites and encaustic.  I learned from the small pieces that I wanted a more recessed surface to work on.  I built the frame for this piece which is approximately 12 x 18 and 1 inch deep. During my graduate work I built some large landscapes out of cardboard.  Those pieces led me to build these layers from cardboard and wood filler. Next I applied several layers of encaustic gesso.  The painting is done in encaustic and was the easiest part.  I am pretty happy with the outcome and have some jumping off point for my next piece.  After the New Year when I can get back into my studio and build a larger frame, I plan to continue building strata but cut into it so the cast paper pieces themselves are more recessed.

Tonight I will be playing my flute at the jazz service at church and spending time with my family.  Usually after church we hop in the car with travel mugs of hot chocolate to look at Christmas lights.  Wishing all a very Merry Christmas from Artful Dimensions Gallery

New adventures - I'm making soap!

     Last year the gallery where I am a member had a call for snowflakes.  I couldn't think of a single thing to do so I decided until I saw a mold for snowflakes at the craft store.  I had been reading cold process soap recipes and decided to try making the snowflakes out of soap.  They were a big hit and sold out quickly. 
     Since then I've learned a lot more about the soapmaking process.  I'm especially drawn to being able to use the herbs and plants I'm already growing.  Making my first batch of rosemary soap with my own rosemary was quite a thrill.  That other people seem to be enjoying using it as make I do is a great bonus. 
     A few months ago, The Scenter of Town began carrying my soap.  I'll be busy this winter planning new recipes and building the wooden molds I need to keep my inventory up.  I'll writing some more posts soon about my new adventure....which incidentally has helped fuel my artwork.  I'm working on some new encaustic pieces that I feel pretty good about.