by Kathleen O'Brien | Jul 19, 2018 | retrospective
Celebrating my 50th year as an artist from the 1993-1996 perspective continues to be perplexing, because it was such a difficult period in my life, and I don’t have much art to show for it. My records show that I participated in several exhibits; Day of the Dead Zodiac, Memory Theater, Boulder Artist Gallery, Craft Design ’90, Colorado Artist Craftsman, both in Boulder, CO and Shamanic Search for Soul, University of Massachusetts. I was studying with some esteemed shamanic elders. During The Next 500 Years festival I hosted several members of the Northern Arapahoe tribe. It was an honor to receive my drum made by Eagle Robe. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Jul 5, 2018 | retrospective
Celelbrating my 50th year as an artist from the 1991-1992 perspective is perplexing, because it was such a diffictult period in my life, and I don’t have much art to show for it. I am very proud of Eagle Feather, and wish I still had it, but it is being lovingly cared for by a dear friend. It is painted from a photograph I took at the Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Foundation, Broomfield, Colorado, where I was volunteering. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Jun 20, 2018 | retrospective
The Bridge, from 1989, has come to symbolize for me crossing into a whole new phase into a realm of clouds, soon I was to find myself painting cloudscapes. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Jun 6, 2018 | retrospective
This post celebrating my 50th year as an artist, brings me to almost half way through my career and up to my 40th birthday. These were big years because of my studies in shamanic and transformational healing, and as the one being healed. How it manifested artistically was varied and prolific. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | May 30, 2018 | retrospective
In an earlier post I talked about meeting Sun Bear, Rolling Thunder and my spiritual teacher, Wallace Black Elk, a Lakota Medicine Man. From him, I had the honor of learning about the traditons of the pipe, Chanupa, for several years. In the Stone People Lodge, his word for the Inipi Ceremony, one of the Seven Sacred Pipe ceremonies, he taught me how to pray and my heart opened. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | May 23, 2018 | retrospective
These artworks are from 1983, sharing some thoughts as I continue to celebrate my 50th year as an artist. It is clear to me how influenced I was by Henry Miller, not only as a writer but also unbeknownst to me, an artist. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | May 17, 2018 | retrospective
I’m still celebrating my 50th year as an artist, and remembering 1981-1982. Here’s a poor drawing that I love anyway, of a rare moment, because it shines with domestic pleasure and irony. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | May 13, 2018 | retrospective
1977 and 1980 were landmark years in my life when I gave birth to my two children. Of course this enhanced my experience as an artist. This post is timed to celebrate Mothers Day today. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | May 9, 2018 | retrospective
As previously mentioned, synchronicity was ever-present on my mind, due in large part to the tremendous inspiration I derived from learning about symbols and dream study from Carl Jung. If I have any regrets about parting with an art work (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | May 3, 2018 | art shows, retrospective
This post covers 50th Year as an Artist, 1971-1973. The first image is my first stab at a logo: Boulder Arts and Crafts Co-Op. It began as an official Co-Op, I was the first treasurer. About a dozen avant guard artisans banded together to begin a wonderful business that is still thriving today. It was a vibrant tribe of artisans determined to succeed at their art. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 25, 2018 | 4 seasons, Art Farms, Atlas of the Year, studio updates
It’s been a time of quiet progress since the last studio update, when I was focused on writing. That brought me to the finish line for Atlas of the Year, at least the writing and artwork. Next, it will take on several forms. For starters, the first installment of a print version is Atlas of the Year, Spring, East, Journal which I’m excited to premier at Spring Into Art, the next open studio April 28. In the works: a class, Atlas of the Year: mapping the path of our true being. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 21, 2018 | 4 seasons, Open Studio
I’m not telling all, but just some things you’ll see at Spring into Art. Having my studio open four times a year motivates me to come up with surprises, new art, new projects, new products, new landscape vistas. It is a peek experience to greet and show you around, I would never want to hear that you have been here before and therefore, seen it all. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 17, 2018 | retrospective
Reading yet another inspiring piece by Henry Miller the other night, I was pierced with the arrow of the muse as to how to celebrate my 50th year as an artist. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 11, 2018 | Open Studio
I am pleased to announce there are eight new Mothers Day cards that will be available at the Spring into Art open studio (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 4, 2018 | 4 seasons, retrospective
Home of Ancestors is a series of oil paintings that express the energies of the four seasons – four directions inspired by a Celtic perspective. These are a few paintings from the spring and east section, 1996. I’m only now realizing how Atlas of the Year evolved from (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Mar 29, 2018 | art shows, Atlas of the Year, inspiration, retrospective
Through the years my creative expression in response to the “here and now” has taken different formats. This post is about how Atlas of the Year evolved. In the 1980’s, (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Mar 23, 2018 | Atlas of the Year
In the Atlas of the Year I write about the division of time as it relates to the medicine wheel of the year. In this art project the year begins with the Vernal Equinox, (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Mar 19, 2018 | 4 seasons, Atlas of the Year
To celebrate Equinox tomorrow (12:15 EDT) I’m announcing that Atlas of the Year is complete, I’ve met my goal. I offer you a glimpse of the first few pages. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Mar 11, 2018 | Art Farms, art shows, retrospective
In 2018 I’m celebrating my 50th year as an artist. In 1968 I set up my first show on – gasp – pegboard- at the Allentown Art Festival. Someone from across the street noticed my oil painting of Beethoven, came over and bought it. They commented that they wanted it because they could feel the Celtic spirit in it. My first thought was, “what does Celtic mean?”. My second thought was, “OK, I’m a professional artist now.” (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Mar 6, 2018 | Art Farms, artists, Atlas of the Year
All year I’ve been in a writing mode. Much of the topic has been about being in the right place in the right time, the central theme of Atlas of the Year. Awakening slowly to in increasing sunlight, we noticed that the perfect time, according to the bio-dynamic calendar for transplanting trees was March 3. After days and days of rain and gloom, Saturday arrived full of sun and cool air on the face. It was perfect time to have the first Big Fig Dig, at the perfect place, Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Feb 19, 2018 | Art Farms
Quickly upon us…The Big Fig Dig at Sunwise Farm, Saturday, March 3rd 2018 from 10 A.M. till noon. Approximately 40 U-Dig Fig Trees will be at their peak transplanting time, according to the BioDynamic Gardening guide, which we use. Bring shovels and large containers. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Feb 6, 2018 | Open Studio, talismans
Perfect Valentine Gifts await you at this Saturday’s Winter Salon Open Studio Celebration. And feel welcome to create some paper Valentines to take home. I made some special necklaces, Talismans for Abundance, Passion, Affection and Love for the occasion. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Jan 31, 2018 | studio updates
Celebrating Mid-Winter, Studio Update, 2018 is the year I am celebrating my 50th year as an artist. I am grateful for the creativity still bubbling up from mystery. The snow days have provided long quiet days to proceed with the creative tasks at hand. I’d like to share what’s going on. This is another favorite time of year, when we see the first signs of spring, Imbolc, Candlemas, Ground Hog Day!
The biggest focus as I write is preparing for the next Sunwise Open Studios Celebrations on February 10, I look forward to seeing you here. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Jan 17, 2018 | classes, works in progress
Let’s Make It is the theme of my next series of classes. It’s going to be so much fun for me, oh yeah, for you too. A certain youngster who lives inside is the leader in this project. The idea came to me a couple of weeks ago in smatterings, (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Jan 15, 2018 | talismans, works in progress
Mandala, More Beads, 2018 Year of Coffee
2018 is starting off really busy, with the completion of this year’s Mandala from “Lotus and Lily” writing in December, fashioning new and old necklaces from “Christmas Beads” and other newly acquired antique beads, and the ever important element, coffee. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Dec 28, 2017 | talismans
Neolithic Beads for the New Year
I recently received these gorgeous hand carved quartz Neolithic beads to bring into the New Year. They are an honor to handle. The feel of them makes be think of possibly how worry beads got started, they have been smoothed by touch for thousands of years. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Dec 21, 2017 | 4 seasons
The Great Return of the Light
Happy Solstice, it’s one of our favorite days when we celebrate the Great Return of the Light. I like to finish things up at this time, so I’m pleased to share my 2017 Review Kathleen O’Brien. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Dec 12, 2017 | Art Farms, artists, videos, works in progress
Robert Bellows Studio
Just north of Haystack Mountain Robert Bellows Studio is embraced by the land. His Owl greeted us from the entry. For years we enjoyed this fierce yet friendly totem in his front yard in Boulder. He was the first artist I know of to use rusty farm equipment to fabricate his sculptures.
Robert graciously gave us a tour of his work in progress, The Warrior StoryField, a conversation between veterans and civilians in the language of art. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Nov 6, 2017 | Open Studio
Virtual ARTTOUR
After the ARTTOUR we realized we were always too busy to take photographs of the visitors who came both days to enjoy the drive to see the art. We get so involved with conversation, really the best part of the event. It’s equally fun to welcome back old friends and meet new ones. Everyone left inspired and with a bit of art. So thank you for those who could be here, and for those who could not, here are a few pictures taken beforehand. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Nov 1, 2017 | 4 seasons
All Hallows Eve, Autumn Light
All Hallows Eve, known as Samhuin in the Celtic tradition is the Night of the Ancestors, a sacred time to honor them. I set aside this day to reminisce about my dearly departed parents and grandparents. It is a period of time beginning with sundown on October 31, and continues for a few days. Traditionally it is the time for a bonfire. All Soul’s Day and All Saints Day are times for us to be grateful for the ways they supported and loved us. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Nov 1, 2017 | studio updates
Celebrating Mid-Autumn, Studio Update
Welcome to mid-season studio update with news since mid-summer; Annual Open Studios ARTTOUR, new art, and more. We are grateful that the hard work of summer is behind us, our gardens fed us well, our milkweed has attracted more Monarchs than ever. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Kathleen O'Brien | Oct 30, 2017 | Open Studio, works in progress
Clearing Studio Dust
Over the weekend, probably because it was so cold and damp and I was happy to be inside, I did a clearing of studio dust and messes that have been tolerated. The worst part was the torn and marked up white paper that covers the west workbench. I hadn’t changed it in ages. That’s because to do it right I’d have to take everything off the surface. (more…)
Like this:
Like Loading...
