For several years, artist Nona Orbach has been creating an online artwork called Blog as Artwork, dealing with the revival of the ancient library of Alexandria, using all of the possibilities offered by the internet as the ultimate archive. Mound Hacker is a global art intervention (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
Spring shows up in the most deliciously distracting ways on the farm. My next show, Drawn to the Earth, is almost ready to hang, but there are still many small logistical To-Do’s on my list. Meanwhile, the spring birds are coming back in full song. If I open the window to hear the Robin song, the Bluebird song, the Red-Winged Blackbird song, I’m drawn out the door and into their world, away from my hectic studio tasks and checklists. (more…)
Usually winter is a slow time but not so this year. Well the snow storm has slowed things, but otherwise there’s been a lot of good energy happening in the studio, that I’d like to share in this mid-season studio update. This is another favorite time of year, when we see the first signs of spring, Imbolc, Candlemas, Ground Hog Day! (more…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
Before I got too far on this next necklace that I’ll call “Talisman for the Deep Blue Sea”, I remembered to photograph them as they arrived as a present from my son. He was able to respond to my heavy hint to visit Nomad Beads and see what Jake might have for me. These gorgeous beads are Russian Blues, and old cobalt pony beads. (more…)
I had to indulge myself some fun by collageing 24 Small Valentines, then made them into a new product, and also a small gift (see the sidebar) for anyone who wants to sign up to receive my quarterly MailChimp studio updates, and occasional good feeling greetings, invitations, or announcements. Check back later for some loving thoughts on that day… (more…)