by Kathleen O'Brien | Jan 25, 2016 | art shows, artists
Gratitude for the Kentucky Arts Council
Last week Wilma Brown, KAC Board member, wrote saying: “I have news that is almost unbelievable. Although not official, the word in the state is that Governor Bevin has eliminated Kentucky Arts Council from his budget, which will be made public Tuesday. This means that Kentucky Arts Council as we know it will be abolished and the emphasis on arts in Kentucky will change drastically, especially in the funding of all previous programs and partnerships.” Yes, for me it is unbelievable. Tomorrow will be the announcement.** This morning I woke up wondering where, as an artist, I would be without the support I have received over the past twelve years. without the past fifty years of support, what would the state of cultural heritage look like today. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Jan 17, 2016 | 4 seasons
Butterfly Inspiration in Mid-winter
I’m feeling warm in my cocoon of a cozy home when it is frigid and grey outdoors, looking at photos of milkweed and butterflies taken in summer time. The best Christmas gift was Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary’s certification as a Monarch Waystation. Thinking about the this and the butterfly cycle was the inspiration for the next Sunwise Celebrations, February 6. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Dec 27, 2015 | inspiration
Every December I review the past year. It is always worth the effort to distill the gems of what was learned and achieved. It helps to sort out the way forward. this year I did an illustrated review which you can see in the PDF below. One thing I forgot to mention is we have a new camera, so here are a few parting shots of the year, all the best in the dark time of the year. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Dec 19, 2015 | artists, inspiration, videos
100 years ago you were born, dear Edith, December 19, 1915. Thank you for singing your heart for us, dear rose and little sparrow, your voice opens my heart. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Nov 11, 2015 | Open Studio, talismans
Why I Love to Open My Studio
Why I love to open my studio can be said in one word, you. After so much time spent alone creating, dreaming, scheming and sharing art online, to have the fresh energy of you entering into a realm I’ve designed to bring a smile to your face completes the circle of creativity. There’s a lot in it for me like the satisfaction of connecting aesthetically, warmly, and hearing you tell me what my art is. Like “complex simplicity”. Yes! I’d been trying to put my finger on that. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Nov 4, 2015 | 4 seasons, art shows, mediums, Open Studio, studio updates, talismans
Celebrating Mid-Autumn, Studio Update
As of the Mid-Summer studio update, I thought things were settling down, but things have been busier than ever with art coming and going from the studio, there is a lot to share in this mid-season studio update. We are so grateful that the hard work of summer is behind us, our gardens fed us well, our milkweed has created a butterfly sanctuary. This is a favorite time of year, the time when we can slow down and count our blessings, Samhuin, the night of the Ancestors, is just past. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Oct 26, 2015 | art shows, mediums, talismans
Beyond the Horse
Beyond the Horse exhibit featuring 20 artists at tribeca trunk was seen by appointment.
Considering the spirit beyond the representational rendering of horse, ancient earthwork tributes come to my mind, thus the idea for Talisman for White Horse 1 and 2. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Oct 21, 2015 | mediums, Open Studio, talismans
You are invited to my 7th Annual Open Studio, it’s the 3rd year as founder and participant in the Annual Open Studio ARTTOUR, which has 10 studios and 2 art centers you may visit. In this post I share some details about what you’ll experience. I’m looking forward to seeing you, bring your friends! (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Oct 14, 2015 | artists, videos
Press Conference for Legacy Trail Blazes
Lexington Mayor Jim Gray held a press conference on October 13 at Lexmark, on the Legacy Trail near one of the fifteen blazes (flags) to announce it and congratulate the artists. Five of the fifteen artists were able to attend along with the officials who created the trail and Kate Sprengnether who organized the artists. (Watch the seven minute video). The day could not have been more perfect, sunny with a breeze to make the blazes flutter. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Oct 9, 2015 | art shows, artists
The reception last night for Horizon: Contemporary Landscape at Community Arts Center in Danville was packed, and I was happy to see artist friends whose art made it a fine exhibit. Not all were present, like Marianna McDonald, but I was able to capture a few good photos. Brandon Long, Program Director said, “The work has quite a diverse span of media, technique, and concepts – giving an incredible view of the current state of landscape art. We had more than enough artwork to fill the Arts Center’s Grand Hall and the exhibit overflows into the upstairs gallery.” (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Sep 23, 2015 | mediums
12 New Greeting Card Sets
That’s 48 cards! I suddenly was inspired to create new cards, it has been a while since I tended to that side of the business and what you have expressed an interest in seeing more of. It takes a motivated state and a lot of time to do the many steps from start to finish. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Sep 16, 2015 | art shows, works in progress
Elderberries for Paint, Colds and Fertile Ground
When preparing the elderberries to make Sambucus syrup for colds, I reverted to childhood using the berry mash for paint and beads. Gratefully I was invited to show in “Fertile Ground”, a Berea Arts Council exhibit to celebrate women’s roles at the forefront of community local food culture. Otherwise, I was wondering where I would display something so different from my usual style. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Sep 8, 2015 | mediums
When I first painted this I had no idea where it would lead me except that I heard the title in my mind upon first glance. That magical evening in the studio was six weeks ago. We were having so much rain, I guess that was uppermost on my mind. Now we long for more rain. The end result of this piece surprises me, I seldom have such a minimal collage additions compared to other pieces. But it felt perfect to me.
I am happy to be showing this at the Horizon: Contemporary Landscape exhibit, at Community Arts Center, Danville, October 1 through November 14, opening reception 6 to 8 p.m on October 8. From 250 submitted works, 50 were accepted that best fit the contemporary landscape theme of the exhibition.
(more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Aug 19, 2015 | art shows, artists
Artist Friends at “notBIG(3)” Exhibit
The reception Friday, August 14 was an exhilarating experience, yes to see the inspiring art, but also to see my artist friends in person, John Andrew Dixon, Ray Papka, Michelle Hayden, and Laura Eklund. I was sorry that Leslie Patterson Marx was not able to come from Nashville. It is an international show – six countries are represented, so proportionally good company to be in. At times the gallery was packed, which is a refreshing sign that there are so many art lovers, art is needed. It was a pleasure to talk to the juror, Nathan Zamarron, LexArts, Community Arts Department Manager, and learn about his criterion for choosing 45 out of 380. Learning about the new direction for Art Connects Mobile Gallery (formerly Art Movement Gallery) now under the helm of Kate Savage made me feel supported by a true arts maven. Here are some photos of these dear ones. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Aug 9, 2015 | 4 seasons
Harvest Days, Doodle Days
For fun I am doing Mountain Mermaid Studio’s Doodle Days. I love it because it takes hardly any time and it allows me to reflect on the highlights of a day, at the end of the day. She provides the templates for us to draw within. Printing them out on HP premium presentation paper is a good support for the Caran d’Ache luminance pencils that I have mostly used in these first few days of the project. Starting to post early in the month, I’m adding the pages till the end. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Jul 29, 2015 | 4 seasons, art shows, studio updates, talismans, works in progress
Celebrating Mid-Summer, Studio Update
Now that the mad garden rush is settling down to merely processing tomatoes (the good news and the bad news) much new activity is going on in the studio.
Thank you St. Joseph East Hospital for promoting this philosophy; “Art has the power to heal the world through the eyes of the heart.” Through a recent call for art, they purchased my Song for Superb Parrot to display for patients and their families. It will be displayed in a public area to promote a calming and healing environment. It fulfills my mission as an artist for my work to be experienced in a place that brings a bit of cheer to people who are suffering. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Jul 24, 2015 | mediums, Open Studio, works in progress
A Magical Evening in the Studio
Yesterday I started three new paintings, and finished a few. It’s an understatement to say it was a more productive day than it has been lately. As I sat in the setting sun light observing them I was filled with a grateful feeling that comes from just sitting, and being with what did not exist a few hours before. Sitting in the wonder of what will come on the next layers. So I indulged myself with taking a studio tour of what I can see from my chair in the beautiful light. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Jul 22, 2015 | art shows, artists
Grace Cafe, a pay-what-you-can Community Restaurant
We’re so excited that Grace Café, located at 219 S. 4th Street in Danville KY, is now open. It is a nonprofit, pay-what-you-can community restaurant committed to serving delicious, fresh, locally-sourced, organic-when-possible, highly-nutritious food for everyone in our community. We were invited to their soft opening last week, it was fabulous. Executive director, Rochelle Bayless is a woman of vision and dedication. Speaking of vision, her husband Nick Lacy is an exceptional photographer, who has curated the first art exhibit there. I am proud to be showing my art in such a sweet location. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Jul 8, 2015 | 4 seasons
Making Flower Essences Begins August 7
‘Tis the flower season to be jolly about engaging in friendship with flowers of many sorts, wild and cultivated. By caring for flowers and plants we can develop a sensitivity to communicating similar to our treasured friendships, a pleasant giving and receiving. The nature spirit residing in flowers has much to share to with us to support growth on spiritual, emotional and mental levels, we need only to listen (in our Heart Chakra) and follow through. And there is much we can give back to the flowers – what is your gift to the earth? I have enjoyed teaching Making Flower Essences since 1991, and will present this summers’ installment as a Sunwise Celebrations. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Jun 27, 2015 | 4 seasons, inspiration, mediums
Summer Sojourning
Summer is here, a time of minimal online interaction because so much is calling me elsewhere. It is a time of external growth in the garden and internal slowing down long enough to allow new ideas to steer my direction. I have joined Cigdem Kobu’s Summer Sojourn, Slow Down and Get Spacious, a 21-day virtual retreat that guides you to slow down, feel grounded and recharge. Based on benefits from her programs, like the Winter Joy Retreat and as member of Progress Lounge, I look forward to allowing creativity to percolate in expanded ways. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Jun 10, 2015 | 4 seasons, works in progress
Spring Lineup of Art in the Garden
Most creative efforts for about six weeks have been in the garden. Like most people, I adore flowers, food for the soul. We also grow food for the body. We get so excited when we see the first flowers, daffodils. When they fade my sadness is brief, as the next and the next show up attracting our and the bees’ attention. I can’t help but photograph them to share their beauty with you. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | May 27, 2015 | 4 seasons, artists, videos
Looking Back on Lilac Time
The cloud people were so generous with their raindrops this spring that the lilacs responded in multitudinous wonder at Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary. All I could do was sit next to a bunch and breathe. To date it is the most uplifted I have felt from “my” land. All I could think of was to call my friends and coax them out of their frenzy to take have an afternoon tea next to the west porch hedge. Or lie with the blossoms that were draped over the hammock. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | May 13, 2015 | artists, talismans
It has been an honor to know Laverne Zabielski for many years. As a fiber artist, writer and no-nonsense wise woman she inspires me and her community forward into empowerment.
Art that Speaks
Guest Post by Laverne Zabielski
Living a layered life happens when every thing I do has the potential to be connected. When I can’t tell where one piece ends and another begins. When the colors of my shibori dyed silk drying in the sun blend with the flowers in my garden. The lines of separation are blurred. Every art form informs and draws from another. This is what I love about Kathleen O’Brien’s life and art. I can’t tell where one begins and the other ends.
(more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | May 6, 2015 | artists, mediums
Lithuanian Knitting: Continuing Traditions, interview with Donna Druchunas
My friend, Donna Druchunas has a Pubslush campaign for her and co-author June Hall’s upcoming book, Lithuanian Knitting: Continuing Traditions. In the book you will learn about the traditions and techniques of knitting in Lithuania past, present, and future. Plus find more than 25 mitten, glove, and sock projects to knit.
They are more than 60% towards their goal that ends May 30. Please check the campaign details by clicking here. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 29, 2015 | 4 seasons, artists, studio updates
Celebrating Mid-Spring, Beltain, Studio Update
It is hard to believe we have arrived at the mid point of Spring, for many of us the sweetest most favorite evening of the year tomorrow, May Eve, Beltain, and the beginning of the light half of the year. It is a joyful time to give a surprise bouquet to loved ones. This lilac picture is my bouquet for you. And click here for a video, Full Circle Tour of Lilac Lane April 20, 2015 Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary. It is kind of long, but we just couldn’t stop filming the thousands of blossoms exuding their fragrant invitation to linger and love the sight of them along with the innocent sound of birdsong. Perhaps in our life time someone will invent a way to layer the sense of smell onto the visual, audio levels.
(more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 22, 2015 | artists, inspiration
Rivers and Roots, a Poem from Stan Brunn for Earth Day
Last week Stan Brunn, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography, University of Kentucky sent me this lovely poem, with a suggestion that it could be a good theme for a painting or a song. So I took him up on it, as my way to say thank you to the Earth and my friendship with Stan. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 22, 2015 | 4 seasons, Art Farms, inspiration
Finding Purpose
guest post~by Fox Hutt
Over the years the first person I think of to call with gardening question that will be answered from a holistic perspective is Fox Hutt. She kindly shares some of her philosophy here, and in a few weeks at the next Sunwise Celebrations event “Spiritual Gardening”.
“You and your purpose in life are the same thing. Your purpose is to be you.”
~George Alexiou
Being of like mind with Mr. Alexiou, I am glad that a good share of my purpose in this incarnation is being “me” while in my garden. A lovely rain shower just brought me in from my flowers and vegetables where I once again felt that wonderful deep sigh, that release that comes when I stand up from my work and look across my garden and pond at the radiant vital beauty around me, and know Satchitananda, which, in Sanskrit means “Awareness of Being is Bliss.” (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 15, 2015 | 4 seasons
You Are Welcome to Visit the Elemental Shrines During Sunwise Celebrations
For each of the four seasons we invite you to celebrate the essence of the season, Sunwise Celebrations, with an event that will inspire a deeper connection with the earth and your creativity. Last winter we dedicated shrines to each of the four elements as places for contemplation. The winter was long, but quite beautiful for photographing them. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 8, 2015 | mediums
I am announcing my society6 site. It’s a fun virtual boutique where you can order products that are derived from my art. They are offering free shipping until April 12. If you want to take advantage of this click here to take you to the site, your free shipping option is included with this link! (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 1, 2015 | 4 seasons, art shows, talismans
In the Talismans exhibit, there are four gourd rattles for shamanic journey work. This Saturday I am bringing some rattles from my collection to the gallery to show you. Rattles are an ancient healing instrument used to clear energy in a space or around a person’s body. The sound inside the gourd imitates the sound of rain, a cleansing element. Other materials are sometimes used in making rattles, like rawhide and turtle shells. Traditionally they are associated with the season winter, and the direction north. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Mar 25, 2015 | 4 seasons, talismans, videos
Video of the Show, “Talisman for Going On”
Click here to watch a two minute video of the Talismans exhibit that opened last week and continues until April 18. If at all possible see it in person, because the subtleties are hard to make out online, like in Talismans for Going On. As is the case with this piece, sometimes I create something to see that encourages me to go on creating. This large collage developed over a six month period. (more…)
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Mar 18, 2015 | art shows, talismans
Spring Gifts at the Talismans Reception
In two days when you come to the Talismans reception you will find a few gifts to celebrate Spring – the Vernal Equinox. I am sharing just 20 signed and numbered postcards of Golden Door from an Equinox exhibit in 2001, Cosmic Nest. And you may also choose a talisman affirmation scroll. (more…)
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