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Thursday, June 04, 2009

Plaster Fit

On July 10th I'll be teaching a plaster painting one day class at Los Gatos, California for Artful Journey. This month I'll be taking time to make a series of examples to take to that class. I want to show how versatile plaster is and how it can be used along with encaustic medium for exciting textural effects. So really, this will be a two-fer; plaster and encaustic. (yes, there is still room in the class).

The image above was done on a plaster panel with tissue collage (so the texture of the plaster is maintained) and then with various paint and distressing techniques over that. The name is carved into the plaster.

I used a similar approach on this one only I added a layer of encaustic medium over the top for added transparency; the photograph doesn't do justice to the texture of the plaster but it is very effective in person. In the following days I'll be adding more plaster paintings to this gallery that will show stenciling and carving. While these first examples are realistic I also look forward to painting some abstracts where I use pure color and texture to good effect.

It's been a long time since I've posted journal pages but of course they are part of my daily routine. We are dreaming, dreamy creatures - the day has to allow some time for play.

I don't entirely agree with the quotation above but something about it attracted me. I do think a lot of life is luck. Of course you can and should be decent and helpful to others but bad things do happen to the good as well as the misguided. There is a randomness about the universe that is undeniable; I also believe in karma though. I think we can improve our odds by doing good.

This is the opening page in the new journal. Wow, a heady time. To look at all those blank pages and know that they will hold evidence of my life. Evidence of my travels, dreams and daily babblings. My one, sweet, precious moment in all of eternity. The record I leave behind of my put-together. Why does filling it appeal to me so? Another mystery to add to the other mysteries. Why are any of us the way we are?

Last night I found out that my younger sister is having a spot on her lung biopsied tomorrow. Please send up a prayer for her wellness if you will. I spoke to her on the phone last night and was struck by her composure. My parents raised frickin' superwomen if I do say so myself. Stoic in the face of danger, capable and strong. I almost said calm but that would be a fib. We are anything but calm. Until the chips are down.

So isn't it noteworthy how we humans can carry so many divergent emotions at once? Joy and sorrow travel with us side by side; beauty and loss. Somehow we do it. Somehow we find things that get us through all of it.

Thank you for coming here. This is my way of getting through it. Making art, telling stories, using my imagination to light a candle in the darkness. I don't know what to make of this post exactly. I'm in a pensive mood today.

20 comments:

Kim Mailhot said...

telling our stories, filling little part of the world with our marks, and letting ourselves be "known" little pieces at a time...that is a great purpose, I think, to this life...You are a mistress of story sharing, Judy.

Prayers and warm thoughts for you and your superwomen sisters.

Janine said...

Judy, I want so much to learn this plaster technique but I know I will never get to LA! I hope you someday consider a book or an online class on this subject, I would probably be your first book buyer or online student!

Karen Cole said...

My karma brought me here today.

So much to comment on here, Judy. I don't know where to begin.

beautiful technique with the plaster. I always worry about the moisture effecting the wax, though.

As usual, I am in awe of people who keep a steady running journal as you do. What a beautiful gift to share.

Joy and sorrow side by side. My mother just passed away two weeks ago. Her funeral was truly a celebration. She had a good ending to this life's story. So many people came to share funny stories and look at wonderful photos.

All of my positive energy is being sent to your sister and you.

Keep those creative juices flowing.

Bridgette Guerzon Mills said...

plaster+wax=love!

love your journal pages judy. especially the one with the face painted with black paint. The art and soul page.

I like how you put it "evidence of my life". i think that's what drives me too- my journals and my art.

xo

Dawn D. Sokol said...

Hey, Judy!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your pages, as always...thank you so much for sharing them!

As far as pensive moods: I've been having those off and on a lot lately...I know how you feel! :)

femminismo said...

Prayer sent for your sister. I will hope things work out. I believe as you do about luck ... and karma, too. Lovely pages. I wish I had vacation coming to attend the plaster class. Would love to try this with you as guide. - Jeanne

Kelly Kilmer said...

Sending lots of love and good thoughts for your wonderful sister and all of your family right now...

Sometimes sharing with friends, family and community and makin' art is the only thing we can do ;) to make it through life...

hugs...

Janine said...

Judy, sorry I just reread your blog. I missed what you said about your sister! I apologize, I am a skimmer and when I focus on one thing I only focus on it. I will think good thoughts for your sister! So sorry your family is going through this!

Stacey said...

Judy,

You and your sister are in my prayers, please keep us all posted.

Erika C. said...

THanks so much for your wonderful blog and for sharing your creative ideas. I found your blog through the Taking Flight book by Kelly Rae Roberts.

I was given a creative blogger award and asked to pass it along and I would like to give one to you. If you would like, you can come to my blog eachdayisapresent.blogspot.com to get it. I am just getting started with blogging and look forward to learning more from wonderful creative people like you.

Thank you again!

Martha Lever said...

This is was feast for the eyes, Judy! Love all your plaster pieces and journal entries. I wish I could take the plaster class but it is geographically impossible. Hopefully you can get to Random Arts. I said a prayer for your sister. Let us know how she is.

karen said...

Love and light to you and your sister.

PennyBlue said...

As usual you are doing fantastic stiff! Enjoyed catching up. Happy weekend!

Becky Mairi Farrell said...

You are too far away for me to join your class. When does your UK tour begin? :)

The compulsion to fill journals is one I share. Sometimes it drives me mad, this incessant need to write, the books I get through you wouldn't believe! But it sorts my head out more consistently than anything else does.

Seth said...

Thinking about you, your sister, and your family. Hope all ends up being well.

DS Borror said...

pensive is alright when you have a family member going through health issues....wellness thoughts for your sister.

Susan Tuttle said...

Hi Judy my friend!
Your combination of plaster and encaustic wax is brilliant -- what a wonderful topic for a class. I sometimes use spackle in my work -- it's much cheaper than molding paste.

Beautiful work you have shared with us!

Thinking good thoughts for your sister.

xoxo

Ro Bruhn said...

Brilliant work Judy and your journal pages always inspire. I hope your sister is OK. Sending some energy from down under.

Anonymous said...

you are frank and open and honest in your writing and for that I come back..not only for your art, but to know how you travel...

Thanks for reminding me to take time out to journal. I have been living under a mountain of wool and missing the paints.

Chris said...

I have not been here for awhile. I've been so busy. But this plaster class sounds exciting. I have future posts to read.

I do so hope the best for your sister.

more reading to do. Can I love you even if I've never met you? Mary Ann says it makes complete sense that I would love you even though I haven't met you, and she has, so she knows.