Even though we still have a few weeks of the year left, I have finished my review. It’s a grounding process that I enjoy, and hope you find inspiration in reading it. I’ve included a few photos of the pages below. The PDF takes a few seconds to download: 2016 Review Kathleen O’Brien
Cover of the 2016 Review by Kathleen O’Brien
Page 1 of the 2016 Review by Kathleen O’Brien
Page 9 of the 2016 Review by Kathleen O’Brien
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Annual Open Studios ARTTOUR the best one yet! The weather cooperated immensely, it was sunny and bright, so much so that our morning glories were still in full glory. This is a first, we always have had to take down our beloved shade wall due to frost. (more…)
I’m so happy to share special guests with visitors who come soon to the Annual Open Studios ARTTOUR. Encaustic sculpture artist, Michelle Hayden will be here as well as Greg’s Antique Corner. (more…)
Beloved apricot blush zinnia, 5th generation from Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary
Welcome to mid-season studio update with news since mid-summer; Annual Open Studios ARTTOUR, Horizon exhibit and talk, new art, and more. (more…)
Summer is almost over, we’ll be celebrating the Equinox in a few days. I start this blog series of “Summer Atlas” with the last of the 29 artworks completed this summer, “Things That Fly, Like Summer”. This is the only collage of the series that is a Golden Rectangle, (more…)
In keeping with my original idea for Open Studios here at Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary, to share the four seasons literally and through indigenous teachings, the 5th version of the special edition card set was finished, just in time for Saturday’s event. (more…)
Abundance at Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary July 2016
Welcome to mid-season studio update with news since mid-spring; Sunwise Open Studios Celebrations, shows, art, mound hacking, good trades, sanctuary upgrades. This is another favorite time of year, when we take shade behind the Morning Glory wall, (more…)
Besides being an artist who creates with paint and paper, everything I do I approach as an art form. My calling is to integrate all facets of my life creatively. So I regard Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary as The Art Farm and practice the art of the farm. It is part tending and caring for the earth, the plants and critters who visit and part aesthetic. I should be saying “we”, because my husband does all of the heavy lifting. My joke is “I’ll make the lemonade”. Luckily, some of my ideas are taken into account. (more…)
Preparing for the Open Studio the other day my husband said that guests can take home art that could only be created in a sanctuary, and experience the Sanctuary. That was quite a realization for me. It put many things into perspective. I take for granted how imbued this land and studio is with all the treasures our senses can hold. It is all translated into art. “Live Sunwise” is about art in an expanded definition. It is Transformative Art, one that strives for beauty in all areas with an unquenchable desire to create. It is Celebratory Art, one that supports slowing down enough to hear the small prompts within. (more…)
In this mid-season studio update I share what’s new since mid-winter. This is another favorite time of year, when we see the joyful return of spring perennials, and with hope plant seeds and welcome the light half of the year – Beltane, May Day!
I am excited to announce Kathleen O’Brien Studio is now open four times a year, at mid-season. Preparations for the next Sunwise Open Studio Celebrations on May 14 are underway, I look forward to seeing many of you here again, 1-4 pm. Opening the studio keeps me focused on sharing new works in progress, new art, new products like the ones seen below, and the best – a chance to showcase the grounds and gardens. This time I’m sharing milkweed seeds and information about becoming a Monarch Waystation.
Still on the drawing board, “Lilac Enchantment”, watercolor, drawing, lilacs combined into collage by Kathleen O’Brien, 22×30″
East Garden at sunset
Geobotanicals, lumbar pillow
Founded in Mystery, carry all pouch
Entry to Kathleen O’Brien Studio
Drawn to the Earth, has just closed. Seeing a year’s worth of art displayed in a gallery is a reward for hard work. I was please to have it during Earth Month. It was such an honor and pleasure to collaborate with Stan Brunn and his geopoetry. We were happy to have so many friends, new and old, attend the opening, and the enjoyed discussing art and poetry with the visitors on the two Saturday events. Very soon those who wrote, drew or collaged in the community journal “Where on earth are you from?” will be receiving their PDF copy.
Gallery view 1 of “Drawn to the Earth”, photo credit Mary Rezny
Gallery view 2 of “Drawn to the Earth”, photo credit Mary Rezny
Gallery view 3 of “Drawn to the Earth”, photo credit Mary Rezny
Juxtapose was a huge exhibit at Community Arts Center, Danville, with over a thousand examples of collage and assemblage. Long time art friend, John Dixon, wrote a great post about many of the pieces and artists. In addition to showing Pollinators 1 and 2, for the first time I showed all 365 postcards from 2006’s Each Day in the Year of the Fire Dog. The messages relate to events and celebration of that day. This example is from May 6. In 2006 it was Derby Day, when dear Barbaro won.
#98, May 6, Each Day in the Year of the Fire Dog, front, by Kathleen O’Brien
Juxtapose Reception with John Dixon, Mary Beth Touchstone, Nick Lacy, Brandon Long and me with some of the postcards
This is 50, was installed at the Kentucky Crafted: the Market, in Lexington. Artists were invited to interpret “50” in any way they chose to celebrate Kentucky Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary. Artists from all parts of the state chimed in with broad renderings of the theme. Mine was 50 Colors. Starting with the support, I painted dabs of 50 colors, wet it, which created a perfect grey. Then I collaged 50 painted color samples, scripts and Clary Sage petals. I was honored by Bobbie Curd’s review about it, with a catchy title; 50 Shades of Sage, playing on my 50 years as an artist.
“50 Colors” at “This is 50” exhibit with Kathleen O’Brien
For the first time at the May 14 Open Studio I will have my first silk scarf, in addition to the new carry all pouches, skins, pillows and tote bags. I’ll be developing more items this summer. There are more new greeting cards as well. I must get these on the web pages soon.
Outer World silk scarf by Kathleen O’Brien
We had the privilege of meeting Grand Slam Champion American Pharoah at Coolmore Stud. It’s difficult to describe the feeling of being so close to such a majestic creature, the only horse in history to win the Triple Crown (last winner was 1977) and the Breeder’s Cup. He is so sweet and creates a desire in me to aspire to my highest potential as an artist and as a person. It makes me happy to think that he lives only minutes away from us. Even more thrilling was that we were able to also meet and pet Thunder Gulch and Fusaichi Pegasus, both grand sires and Derby champions.
American Pharoah, Triple Crown Champion at Coolmore Stud