Menagerie

a cool distraction

2010-10-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

It was nice to have a bit of a distraction last night. I made some prospective test boutonnieres; my daughter is going to homecoming, and rather than giving her date one of the many cookie cutter boutonnieres from the local market, we thought I'd try my hand at fashioning something more unusual.

Once upon a time, when I was about a year older than my daughter is now [yikes, what?], I studied floral design. It was one of the many career paths I strolled upon in hopes of figuring out what I want to be when I grow up--which by the way, I still haven't. It was a fun little stint and comes in handy now and then, although I couldn't tell you the scientific name to any flowers (I think I retained that for about a week--to get through test at the time).

Below are the samples I created for my daughter to picky and choosy from. Hard to make flowers manly, yes?

standard traditional carnation--corny/cool, can't go wrong

this one is created from vintage "silk" foliage

if you look closely, this one has guitar string embellishment

and this one is a bit girlie, but I couldn't resist a feather

(jen)

yes, we're busy, and here's why...

2010-09-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

All photos courtesy of Nic Tucker Photo

Yes, our blog has been a bit neglected, and as everything else in life, it is evolving from how we originally intended. For the last year, I've been newly employed at an event production company, so my art has taken a back seat, and Heather has been busy with her new consulting position as party/event stylist.

Recently I was asked to throw together a surprise party for the managing director of the company I work for, and I was a bit intimidated, knowing she's pretty much the best production manager you'll ever encounter. On top of that, she--not knowing I was organizing her birthday party--had me working on a major production project. I needed help. Thankfully my partner in artistic crime, Heather, is a party stylist extraordinaire.

She basically coordinated the elements you see here, and thanks to Nic Tucker [photographer], you can see the beauty of the party--hat themed, by the way.

The birthday girl's box of mixed exotically flavored truffles, created by Suess Chocolates, and decorated by yours truly.

A box of Suess truffles as party favors for guests. One of Heather's duties as party stylist for this shindig was to go to Suess for a truffle taste test (must be rough).

Me in my hat.

The birthday girl was pleased, the party a success, and Heather saved yet another day for me.

Thank you Heather.

Love,

Jen

and now for something different

2010-08-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

bones I 2010 24"x 24" acrylic by jennifer culp

These are a couple of pieces from a group I'm currently working on, Bones & Tissue.

tissue I 2010 20"x 20" mixed media

(jen)

hope she likes it better than elementary school ashtrays...

2010-07-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is the product of the flower I made with Heather in our friend Syd's studio a while back. I was hesitant to post a picture, because my intent was to give it to my mom for her recent birthday.

I did, and I hope she likes it better than the ceramic elementary school ashtrays we used to make as gifts--which by the way, is a weird phenomenon. Why were we making ashtrays? May as well have been making shot glasses and poker chip holders.

Got to love the pre-'pc' days.

(jen)

Earth Laughs in Flowers

2010-05-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

'Earth Laughs in Flowers' --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Heather and I had the privilege to visit the studio of Syd--Heather's artist friend, and now mine. She holds clay sculpting classes, and we were lucky enough to have Syd and her studio all to our selves last night.

It's always magical to be trusted enough to visit the inner workings of a functioning artist studio, and Syd's in particular, is brimming with treasures at every turn. Notes, sketches, sculptures, broken bits, mis-happen sculptures, student pieces, supplies, and inspiration are just a few of the bits scattered about the space. *One of my favorite parts of her studio are her the notes to herself; many artists keep these private, but Syd displays her ink scratched thoughts all about her space.

Here are some of Syd's tools and supplies, which by the way, she has endearing terms for, like the 'pokeholio'--a sculpting device that is round on one end and pencil-like on the other. The instruments in her studio are more like friendly productive conduits, rather than tools, and my thought is, because she respects her materials and gives them unique descriptive names, they give back to her.

One of my favorite areas in her studio--lots of notes and thoughts.

An architectural functional box, and probably my favorite piece of Syd's. She's even had requests for these pieces as urns.

One of her elephants, adorned with texture created from stamps from India. Syd actually has a shelved wall dedicated to rows of textile stamps from India.

This is one of her beautiful flower sculptures; she has more of these, along with other works, currently showing at Ombu Salon in Edmonds.

This is what we were creating last night--this type of sculpture--although ours will be dipped in white glaze [and I look forward to returning in a couple of weeks to dip].

This is my flower in progress...

...and here is Heather's.

This is the beginning of the center to my flower. Notice the holes at each intersection, and the 'pokeholio' that created said holes.

Here's Heather creating the center of her flower.

And here are our pieces as we left them [they're upside down, by the way]. Eventually they'll visit Syd's kiln room; Syd has 2 kilns (lucky).
I look forward to seeing these pieces complete, and I'm so appreciative to Syd for opening her studio to us and allowing us the therapeutic time we took in creating these beauties.

(jen)

Turned the Mother Out

2010-05-11T20:10:00.001-07:00

foxy funk disco cds created by jen for book club friends

So book club was a smashing success this past weekend. Our meetings are generally themed in food and whatever else according to the literary choice, and this time round' it was Tim's choice of Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City. Disco, costumes (good sports Mary, Jonas & Scooter [of course]), and fondue (and some fon-don't when Scooter thought the bread would turn out yummy/crispy after several minutes soaking in the broth???).

We also watched the first chapter of the mini-series, as well as danced the night away while the disco ball spun overhead.
As a special treat, I thought it fun to create cds of hand picked disco funk songs--in which I like to call foxy funk disco. It seems I was not the only book club member with the idea to bring a gift...Jason brought the chocolate bars pictured below. They feature my friend Van Gogh (and his art) and come from Amsterdam. They are a throw back to the book I chose for book club, Irving Stone's Lust for Life, which happens to be one of my top 5 books ever (so far)--and I know my friend Jason loves it too.

I'd like to give a special shout out to my friends: Keith--who does a mean sprinkler, Jodi--hoola hoopin with a bumb to it, Mary--mariposa of the disco, Jonas--a great swirly twirly leader, Tim-- the front car in our roller coaster [of love], Scooter--dj extraordinaire, Jason--with his John Travolta moves, and of course my friend Heather--dancing queen.

hand-made cd sleeves from 1970s Ice Capade program paper

the lovely chocolate bars Jason brought back for us

(jen)

like your mom always told you...

2010-04-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

jerk 2010 4"x 4" mixed media

If you don't have anything nice to say, disguise it as adorable and say it anyway.

(jen)

catch of the day

2010-04-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

mr. pickles 4 x 4 2010

It was a nice weekend filled with art. I finished a set of three snarky birds that I'll share on another day, and the above petite piece.

I spent all of Saturday painting set pieces for my daughter's high school musical production of No No Nanette. I must have been a slacker back in the day, because this youth worked impressively hard all day long. Everywhere I turned, everyone was doing something--a duet in a corner improvising a new dance routine, a gang of guys outside hammering & sawing bits of the set, groups of gals backstage harmonizing, still standing individuals with arms spread out while a parent helper altered costumes, passers-by tap dancing their counts as they walk [or tap] to and fro, kids spread out on the theatre audience floor with their SAT, chem, and math books studying as they wait for their routine to queue up for practice, and painters painting and repainting sets to get them 'just right' (which is where I was). I was extremely impressed with the set painter who directed me all day--a junior. She has high standards and runs a tight ship. I learned a few things from her, proving to me (and possibly her) you can teach an old dog new tricks.

(jen)

Back to life

2010-04-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

pussy willows 2010 by jennifer culp

So I took a few days off to try and get some outstanding things accomplished...and well, I can at least say I finished the piece above. Today. On my last day of vacation.

It's meant to hang in a bedroom over the head board, and I'm hoping the recipients will be pleased.--Oh and by the way, it pains me to see the quality of photo I've posted here; crooked, bad lighting, far away, with another piece of art peeking out from behind the left piece, but I at least wanted to post it--proving I've done something.

Also, today marks a life changing day, the day I gave up TV. Yes, today I turned in my digital cable box, which means no TV. I have no profound reason for doing it, I just feel no TV will help facilitate living a creative life. BUT, I anticipate this to be a difficult change. You see, TV & me go way back. We're best friends. TV's always there for me, early in the morning, late at night, and never talks back. But, TV is a bit like the attractive bad boyfriend--looks good, but isn't necessarily good for you. So farewell TV.

jen

A Valentine for my friend.

2010-02-14T10:13:00.000-08:00

Hoppy Valentine's Day Heather.

It's fortunate that out of all of the people across the world, you and I were brought together as friends. With generosity, kindness, and love, you tolerate my crazy (entertain it even), yet you're also not afraid to let me know when I'm unreasonable (which rarely happens, if ever).

Thank you friend.

With much love and appreciation,

jen

untitled

2010-02-10T22:18:00.000-08:00

painting by Matt Scheid

The painting featured above, is by a friend of my daughter Riana [drama friends]. I expressed how impressed I was with his work, assuming he was just a theatrical talent, but he briefly explained how he had created this piece just before my daughter's birthday party (that night), and that he had been dabbling in this type of painting for a couple of weeks!?--raw talent.

The party itself was a good time: shiny neon spandex pants, 1980's short shorts, and kitty cat sweatshirts--that was just the boys. As for the girls, I so badly wanted to join them and whip on my Madonna wanna-be garb and roller boogie the night away. For whatever reason [something to do with a childhood roller skating spill, resulting in a minor concussion] I could not convince Heather to strap on some skates. It's probably better that we didn't skate, reserving our energy for post party late night people watching and tolerating bad cover band music.

The following night was the auction for Heather's daughter's preschool. It went quite well, and our paintings, especially Heather's, were very popular. I failed to mention that Heather donated a personal pet portrait, which along with her "I will be good" piece, created some hovering and competition with the silent bidding. Nice.

(jen)

Let's start the bidding at 1 piece...

2010-02-05T16:32:00.000-08:00

mantra by heather jarvis

So tomorrow night is the annual party and auction of the Central Branch Preschool, where my good preschool friend attends. My preschool friend is Heather's wee-est one. I recently traded her 4 pieces of gum (1 orange, 3 mint) for a rogue binky that she came across during the unpacking of Heather's recent move. It wasn't long ago that she reluctantly gave up the bink, so when she found the stray, she knew she'd struck gold. She drives a hard bargain; I initiated the bidding with 1 piece of gum, and she upped my ante (after some back and forth) to 4 pieces and the ability to deposit the binky in the kitchen sink--which was in the other room and I think she assumed she could collect her gum from me and run to grab the binky from the sink...but aha! I've been around the binky block. I came back at her with a firm "4 pieces and binky in my hand". She wavered, but eventually agreed--some exciting bargaining, and I hope the auction benefiting her preschool tomorrow night is equally successful.

The above piece [by Heather] has been donated, and the two below [by me] have also been donated--the best of what we both currently have to offer.

If you would like to help support the Central Branch Preschool, details are as follows:

Saturday, February 6th

7pm

Mt. Baker Community Club

206.723.1187

As for now, I've gotta run. Heather and I are meeting for dinner, then off to Skate King--to roller boogie the night away (no joke).

loosely separated by jennifer culp

hamsters on the mind by jennifer culp

Wear your Steve on your sleeve

2010-01-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

they don't make them like this anymore... 2010 mixed media valentine

So I think I'm taking a little break from churning out art. It seems I can't get my act, space, or supplies together. I have some ideas, but am having a difficult time bringing them to life--mainly due to time constraints. I'm not giving up...I'm hopeful yet.

In the mean time, I am working on some Valentines, like the one above. It's Steve McQueen.

(jen)

these are a few of my [and the kids] favorite things...

2009-12-25T22:39:00.000-08:00

dollar store army guys

snuggies

flarp

new running shoes

cheese in a can

motorized hamster

bowling shoes and gutter balls...

Christmas 2009, pretty nice.

(jen)

Climbing Mt Everest

2009-12-21T21:48:00.000-08:00

My lack of writing is a direct reflection of my current inability to find time to create. Life's busyness has managed to come between me and my art. I've moved, traveled for work, road tripped for holiday, etc, etc, and still have not managed to find time to unpack. Thankfully, Heather commissioned me to make a piece for her the other night (featured above) as a gift for someone. Although it's a busy time of year, I was glad to force an opportunity to dig around the Mt Everest of boxes that reside in my garage to try and find my art supplies, which I did manage to find, as well as inspiration to unpack and organize my mountain of belongings [and I plan to, as soon as...].

The beauty in the lack of personal creation is the motivation that comes from witnessing the inventiveness of others. For instance, I had the good fortune to sit next to Kay Abude on a long turbulent flight from NY. I'm not even sure how to describe the type of artist she is; as best as I could understand from the 20 million questions I bombarded Kay with, she seems to be a contemporary installation artist/sculptor, testing spacial boundaries [I hope I explained that properly]. She is currently working on her master's degree, and told me of an installation work from the past that I think is best understood from this link.

I also found that a woman I worked with (Taj Sukhija) on an event with last year, launched a website, Seattle Namaste, which acts as an online local hub to the Seattle Indian community--a great undertaking and resource to many people.

And I also had the pleasure this past weekend to check out my friend's band, Railyard, at Soul Food Cafe, where they held a benefit gig, and from what my pal Ben told me, they gathered quite a bit of goods to be donated. Railyard's show is an acoustic trio treat of multiple instruments, witty interim banter, and sweet harmonies.

Now it's time to take the thoughts in my mind's eye and bring it on down through my hands; make something of it. And if I might be so bold in a respectful way, I challenge my pal Heather to do the same. I know she's got a lot of great ideas floating around, and I think it's due time we collaborate on another show; 2010.

(jen)

the cheese stands alone

2009-10-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Before leaving for New York last week, for my day job, I had the opportunity to participate in the Edmond's Artwalk, showing my paintings at The Resident Cheesemonger. It's one of my favorite venues due to it's town center location and its cheese insulated quaintness. The photo above features a piece I finished the night before, and ended up selling before I even had a chance to name it.

My little plywood pieces fit well among the international community of cheese. By the way, it's always surprising to me how passionate some people are about cheese.???

*On another note, the photo below features the impressive view I had last night. Now I'm back to the reality of my life at home.

(jen)

nice time

2009-09-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

So I'm in Milwaukee, and I very much look forward to returning home tomorrow, and it's not just because of this creepy hallway from my hotel [shown above]. Beside becoming dizzy from the combination of the florescent lighting and funky carpet pattern, the chanting come play with us Danny runs through my mind each time I walk down this hallway.

So I had some time to myself yesterday, and decided to take the opportunity to check out the Milwaukee Museum of Art, which just opened their Warhol exhibit. As I approached the entrance, I realized they looked obviously closed [on Mondays] and turned to watch my cab drive away. And so my short journey in Milwaukee began.

This is the view from the skybridge of the museum. Forgive my phone camera, it doesn't take the most delicious of pictures, but you get the idea.

And this is the pink fountain that is outside of the museum. I would have liked to have seen it on a sunny day, but the day I experienced in downtown Milwaukee was possibly more interesting--due to the sustained 35-40 mile an hour winds that plagued the city. *By the way, oh how I wish the museum was open Monday.

This is the view of the city as I approached it from the skybridge.

I originally set out to look for food and shelter [in a "I'm pretty hungry and it's pretty windy" way] and came upon this hole in the wall bookstore, which really was misleading, because once in the doors, it seemed to go on forever. Very cool shop. Long, narrow, and stacked higher than I could reach without a stool, with any type of book a person could imagine.

In the back, up two flights of a concrete stairwell, and all the way toward the front window of the shop, resides the art section. I love used books [history, stories, stains, missing pages], but the beauty of this shop is the crates and boxes of art prints & postcards protected in sleeves and stacked to be thumbed through by a scavenger like me. I was probably there an hour, and barely scratched the surface.

I, for $3 + some odd cents, walked out with 7 articles, including: a vintage postcard, some prints [one being of my friend Vincent and his missing ear], a vintage informational pamphlet on the Church of St. Elizabeth, and a print that wasn't particularly catching but featured an excerpt from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's The Builders [in a nice stoic sentiment if you ask me].

Nothing useless is, or low;

Each thing in its place is best;

And what seems but idle show

Strengthens and supports the rest.

These are some of the crates from the bookshop.

The rest of the story is...I didn't blow away, and now I'm going home; I have some treasures and a nice time in Milwaukee. Yes I said it--nice time in Milwaukee.

That's that.

(jen)

dead ted & rita bonita

2009-09-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

dead ted 2009 6"x 6" mixed media

Today was a terrifically gloomy grey day of drizzle in the Northwest. Very inspiring to stay home and paint all day--well that and clean, do laundry, cook [macaroni and cheese for the kids, because I really didn't feel like stopping painting, and by the way, I'm probably the last mom on earth to admit that publicly], prepare plywood for future projects, and make [yes real home-made] snickerdoodles. PRO-DUCTIVE...my day was today.

The grey day also inspired some autumn theme (Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos) bits, like dead ted and rita bonita.

Story goes like this...Ted loved Rita from afar for days [long time for Ted], and on a grey gloomy Tuesday, much like today, he walked across the street from his barber shop (funny because clearly Ted has no hair) to Rita's bikini latte stand. Unfortunately Ted stepped in front of the 11am city sightseeing tour bus, which usually slows down as it passes by Rita's bikini stand, but on that day barrelled through with the fury of a red sports car. Rita kicked off her high heels to run barefoot to the scene of Ted's demise. It was then that she noticed, crumpled in Ted's hand, a photo of her--somewhat creepy, because it seemed to be a surveillance still shot, but the picture persisted to soften Rita's heart. Tragically still, Rita grew ill from pneumonia and died on Friday [too many rainy days of chill, and not enough clothing]. But on a happy note, Ted and Rita reunited in the afterlife, where they formally met and fell in love.

The end.
[They currently follow Riana, but that's a side story].

rita bonita 2009 6"x 6" mixed media

*oh, and thanks to Bill for cutting my plywood on this rainy day--snickerdoodles are for you.

(jen)

you can commission a fire?

2009-09-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

simple as that 2009 24"x 24" mixed media

Thanks to those who came out to Tacoma City Ballet to enjoy the festivities of Saturday evening. Between the bits of modern and ballet dance, the music, the dessert, the champagne and the art, it was a great [possibly last] nice summer Saturday night.

It was so nice to see my aunt and two cousins who came to the event. The surprise of the night (other than my one cousin's new baby bump) was talking to my attorney cousin who is running for fire commissioner. She wanted to give me one of her signs, which I am thrilled about and told her I would hang it as a work of art in my home, and I noticed that as she dug through the trunk of her car, she seemed to be looking for "the best" sign to give me [sweet].

VOTE FOR AMY!

(jen)

it's a bird! it's a plane! it's a...balloon?

2009-08-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

So my kids and I were hanging out, when we began to hear a loud noise outside our house that has become quite familiar--the sound of hot air balloon fire. Tonight however, it was louder than usual, so I hopped up from my seat and ran with my kids outside to find strangers parked in our driveway and a hot air balloon landing in my neighbor's yard. The people parked in our driveway must have been (what I assume) balloon chasing, which is something I've been known to do on occasion. We live in a community where hot air balloons float above the tree line most summer evenings, and if we happen to be driving and see one descending, my kids will make a plea to chase it, but until tonight, they've always landed somewhere hidden.

We invited the family who parked in the driveway to join us as we witnessed the balloon gently land in my neighbor's field.

going...

*and this is the point when I decided to ignore the niceties of politeness and stand at my neighbor's gate smiling until he let me and my kids in [thanks neighbors!].

In the words of my 9 year old son, "those were about the best 17 minutes of my life." (he's very literal by the way--it probably was 17 minutes, in fact I'm sure it was; he noted it)

(jen)

3...such a nice number

2009-08-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

So tonight we placed some art at Mode Organic Salon (on Roosevelt) in Seattle, and it went efficiently well thanks to my friends Heather and Angela. [3 is such a nice number]

Mode is a cozy organic establishment, and when I first visited to scope it out, I was inspired to create something specific for its environment.

Images that came to mind during inspiration:

delicate

muted colors

whispers

branches

paper

history

...and I think judging by these photos, my original idea came to life, which is fairly remarkable considering that doesn't happen too often [inspiration translating into something tangible without losing original integrity or evolving into something completely different]. I imagine I'm not alone in that?

Anyway, it's another one of those moments that when I step back and feel as if it came together on its own accord with me as the mere conduit.

This work will hang at Mode for about 2 months, so feel free to pop in and check it.

6317 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle

(jen)

Something old + Something new

2009-08-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

I've waited to post anything, because I wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to see the video Renan created of Heather's brother and sister-in-law's wedding reception. Intoxicating to watch--in a good way--and if you haven't seen it, check it.

Shown here are two examples of some current works, finished today, that I plan to install on Monday at Mode Organic Salon on Roosevelt. There will be some canvas floral pieces, and 13 new [vintage] postcard pieces. I've been inspired to hang them integrating organic materials, but I'm not sure how it's all going to come together (very typical, although it always does). Heather has also offered to help with the hang--thank you friend!

(jen)

married man

2009-08-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

here's a great video of my brother's wedding in Norway. It's our last day here and we LOVE the people and new family... we will for sure be back! The video was created by Renan Ozturk (my brother's best man and one of my favorite artists/people) BIG congats to my baby bro Seth and his beautiful new wife Maren (WE LOVE YOU!!)

XO,

Heather

Bluebird, art, and Dick's

2009-07-10T23:54:00.000-07:00

my art on Bluebird's walls

Last night was a terrific opening night for Bluebird. Bluebird is a homemade ice cream/tea room establishment, full of warmth and charm, and also housing a cool shop upstairs called Snowmonkey's: House of Monsters--selling all things monster, in a cool artistic way.

Our friend Scooter Lowrimore [www.scooterthephotographer.com] showed up to Bluebird with camera in hand, and captured a visual diary of our evening together--some of which is shown here.

some of Bluebird's game selection

cute dog that seemed to be independently enjoying the artwalk--going in between the shop across the way and Bluebird

Heather & Jen

I can't tell you what Heather is holding--this is a clean blog

cool picture [by Scooter]; me playing an interactive installation piece by Brad Biancardi--it actually creates sound

Wendy, (a friend of Scooter and Heather's [and now mine], who we coincidentally ran into and took along on our artwalk adventure) Jen, and Heather

I began to realize, after a cue from Heather, that to take a good picture, one must be prepared with Scooter, who is ever lurking around corners, ready to pop up and snap an unflattering candid shot. Ha! Scooter. Bring it. We're ready! (Notice the blurry brick wall in the right of the picture above? It's Scooter trying to be sneaky behind the corner)

and who doesn't end a night on Capitol Hill without some Dick's [drive-in]?

Nice.

(jen)

we girls and our art...

2009-07-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

barbwire heart 2009 by jen

Quick little shout about our art.

Tomorrow night I will be at Bluebird: Homemade Ice Cream and Tea Room [http://bluebirdseattle.blogspot.com/].

It happens to be Bluebird's grand opening day, as well as the Capitol Hill artwalk. Check "where we at" for details.

Exactly one week after, Thursday July 16th, Heather will show her work at Salon Pena as part of the Edmond's artwalk [http://www.manyaveeselects.com/artwalk/artwalk.htm].

Hope to see you.

(jen)

In a nutshell:

2009-06-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

spring by jennifer culp 2009 24"x 24" mixed media

Feel like saying something, yet not sure what is relevant, so how about bullet points--thougths in a nut-shell:

thanks to my friend Bill I have a fresh stack of plywood waiting to be transformed into art
it's my kids' last day of school [boo/yay]
I still haven't gotten Heather's birthday gift (but don't tell her)
I'm anticipating an upcoming photo session with my photog-friend Kerry Morgan [http://www.flickr.com/photos/kerrymorganphotography/]
looking forward to a magical summer

*and on another note, below is a photo of a page from the book that Heather recently gave me. It's a vintage children's birthday book, and although I've looked through it several times, I failed to notice the last two pages that have the original owner's notes. Such a nice surprise.

(jen)

To: Heather, Love: Jen

2009-06-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Heather!

I don't have the capability to take a picture and upload the mosaic of a birthday cake I intended to make out of office supplies, so instead I give you this image--a party bird.

Have a great day; celebrate the marker of this new year in your life.

I love you my friend, let's live it up together soon.

(jen)

*and as a plug for my best friend on her birthday, she has just posted a new blog, dedicated to her art--an online portfolio: http://www.heatherjarvisart.blogspot.com/

"But what if he has a happy life turning out bad art?"

2009-06-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

We had an exciting day in our household a couple of weeks ago. When I retrieved the mail from our box, I noticed something that looked far more fun than the myriad of bills and junk that stuffed the box...

A good friend of our family, author/cartoonist Mo Willems (well, he may not actually be aware that he's a friend of our family), sent my youngest daughter Ellie a postcard in return for a picture she had created and sent to him.

I (oops, I mean) She was so excited to see the return address of Mo Willems, and after opening it to reveal its contents to us all, my oldest daughter suggested we place the postcard in our family collage, with the hand-written note side facing out. [Ellie's mail surprise featured below]

I recently listened to an interview with Mo on NPR about the importance of getting adults to draw. It was very inspiring for several reasons and is definitely worth listening to [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103818071]. The photo at the top of the post is a oil pastel family created picture my kids and I made about 4 years ago. It was initiated by my oldest daughter, and after some time, she asked us to join in and help color in the flowers, grass and trees. It's a drawing of a dogwood tree that sits in our front yard. Anyway, it ties into the Mo interview (listen to understand). Also inspiring is an idea I gleaned that will be quite nice for our next most awesome bookclub ever meeting. If any awesomers are reading this, then be prepared to create. The book this month was chosen by yours truly, and it's the biographical novel of Vincent Van Gogh, Lust for Life, by Irving Stone. Beautiful, complex, inspiring--I just feel that we should do something beside talk about the book, so by inspiration of the NPR interview we will be creating art by group effort.

*on a bluer note, I feel a bit like her (below), but the trials of life add to the richness, and the law of opposition promises good, so I go on knowing life is glorious.

detail to girl on a string by jennifer culp 2009 mixed media

(jen)

*title quote taken from Lust for Life, by Irving Stone

Under the big top of life.

2009-05-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

under the big top 2009 6"x 6" mixed media

I spent the weekend with Heather, and she so sweetly surprised me with 3 vintage children's books, which immediately inspired me and I couldn't wait to get home to begin incorporating some of the pages from the books into pieces of art. I featured the piece above as tribute to mi mejor amiga, because she is a little obsessed with the circus theme. *If you follow our blog or know us at all, this may not be a surprising bit of trivia.

Beside the new books, and Heather's grandmother's artwork (as mentioned in the last blog post), was an equally inspiring trip to the Folklife Festival this weekend. Heather's family and mine spent an afternoon enjoying sunshine, good food, music, people, and the Seattle Center International Fountain. We also discovered some cool art/artists, two of which being Sean Wilkinson (http://www.wilkyart.blogspot.com/) and Don De Leva (http://www.dollhedz.com/). We met them (and their supportive wives) in the booth they shared--they and their art seem to be good friends, reminding me a little of my art friend that I show with periodically [Heather]. I bought myself two little pieces, a mini canvas magnet by Sean Wilkinson, and a print by Don De Leva entitled Loco. Heather was particularly taken by a small painting by Don De Leva entitled Blue Skull, that can be seen on his website.

After our weekend of dinners, the beach, the park, Folklife, painting, and lots of laughter, we came together again today to visit Heather's grandmother at her retirement community in support of the opening day of her art show. I wish I had brought my camera, because after visiting Kathleen today, I have a new favorite by her, featuring two swans. *If you missed it, a few of her pieces are shown in our last blog post.

I think that's that for today. I just wanted to make note of a couple of cool links (the art friends) before I lost the thought, and to give appreciation to my friend Heather for picking up the vintage books for me, and also to pay a little tribute to Kathleen for showing her art, when it couldn't have been easy to gather it all up and put it out there for everyone to see--inspiring.

(jen)

*The piece below is a paper pillow created from vintage paper and hand stitched together, featuring a bird fashioned out of paper from one of my new vintage books. It's meant as a little 3D art piece, paying tribute to pillows (i love naps) and art.

It runs in the family.

2009-05-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

by Kathleen Johnson 1945

So I'm hanging with Heather this weekend, and she showed me some art created by her grandmother that she is helping to frame for her. I had the opportunity to talk art with Kathleen (Heather's grandma) at out February art show, and she shared with me that she too is an artist that had created some "bird" art in the past. I've seen some of Kathleen's work over the years and admired it without even realizing she was the creator--one of my favorites being a still life featuring colorful fruit.

I just found out that Kathleen is going to have a show, beginning Tuesday, and I look forward to seeing more of her work in person. I snapped a few shots of some of the pieces that Heather is helping to frame, and as you can see, her work is very cool and relevant today, although most was created long ago.

*On a personal note, Heather bought me some cool children's vintage books to incorporate into my art [thanks Heather].

And now we are off to take our kids to the Folklife Festival.

(jen)

by Kathleen Johnson 1944

by Kathleen Johnson 1984

by Kathleen Johnson 1987

Where it's at--love.

2009-05-11T19:13:00.001-07:00

My kids and I went on a walk Saturday morning. The sun was shining (rare), and I knew I would be busy painting, so I thought I should take the opportunity to go on a walk before I became too wrapped up in my work. My kids--with their keen eyes always looking for treasures--found this little heart. Not to be a cornball, but it seems like this little bit of nature is a reminder that love is everywhere. We were so lucky to find this treasure, and even more particularly special to our family is the fact that this heart is made out of "parties". Later in the season, my kids and I like to pull these very treasures off the trees once they've dried out and crush them between our fingers over each other's heads. They crumble into a shimmer and fall like confetti--hence the name "parties".

Nice little story. Hard to believe it was a yell fest in our house about 5 minutes ago (that's love for you).

(jen)

Little house.

2009-05-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

untitled by jen 2009

I just now finished this little commission piece. It has sentimental value to the patron (my friend) who asked me to bring it to life. It is meant to idealize, with a bit of a child's perspective. It turned out cute--now I want to live there.

(jen)

Sister Eugena, my new treasure.

2009-05-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

I'm totally diggin using vintage and tacky frames for new little art pieces I've been selling in my etsy shop lately. I buy them at the thriftstore, disassemble them, clean them, spruce them up, add my art, and put them back together.

I recently took apart a vintage frame that had some charming mini art in it. It looked to be some sort of ethnic collage, out of grass (?), featuring a bird on a branch [sounds familiar]. When I pulled the art out of the frame, behind it was a hidden photograph (the one featured above). I feel so lucky. This picture is exactly something I would purchase at an antique store, although I don't ever recall coming across a photo like this before. My friend Jodi suggested I should name her Sister Eugena, so now Sister Eugena is among family photos and other visual treasures in a collage in my living room.

I'm so lucky.

(jen)

*oh, and if you want to see the finished little mixed media art piece I created from Sister E's original frame, check: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24731490.

Finally here.

2009-05-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

a bird made from brown wrapping paper, painted green with leftover paint from a mural project Heather and I did

Finally, here I am. I've wanted to blog, but life keeps me so busy, I can't do half of the things I need to do, let alone half the things I want to do. Same for Heather. In fact, I know she's done some great creative and artistic work for her daughter's school auction, but along with everything she juggles, she missed the opportunity to take photos of her projects.

*On that note, she and I are kind of notorious for that--not taking photos of our work, in fact, I think it's safe to say we both forgot to take photos of some of the work that is now featured at Naked City Brewery/Taphouse for our most recent show together, and we were told that several of our pieces have sold (which is good, but A. it means we may have no visual record of the work we failed to photograph, and B. there is less to choose from if you haven't already checked out our show).

Anyway, I did manage to capture a few photos of a project I completed for my day job. I work at a children's boutique/store called Kibbn. We are currently emphasising a "green for Spring" theme, featuring many of the green products we carry. Jonathan Lo of j3 productions created an awesome look to accompany our theme and can be seen on Kibbn's opening web page [www.kibbn.com]. All of the pieces below were created by me, with either upcycled or recycled materials from my studio. When I first heard about this project, I was so excited, because anyone who is familiar with my art will understand that incorporating old/used/vintage/recyclables is what I'm all about. Jonathan's ideas are so inspirational, and my boss Justin is cool enough to trust I'll make something nice that will keep to the integrity of Jonathan's designs--it makes for a nice environment of creativity.

a large store sign that hangs behind the cash wrap, made from recycled cardboard, the same green paint, and recycled newspaper from the hotel down the street--oh and Justin helped with the tracing, and dang, he has the hooked up projector that Heather and I can only dream of owning for our mural projects

potted flowers created from upcycled pots, brown wrapping paper, recycled floral foam, shredded paper, recycled plastic flower stems (that I knew would one day come in handy) wrapped in vintage paper, with grocery mailer leaves, and plastic bag pom pom flowers--and I keep noticing window shoppers slowing down to check these babies out

a butterfly created from the grocery store mailer

*on another design note, I have a new creation I'm excited to reveal soon. I'll give a hint...it has to do with undersmacks (which is my term for underwear). The prototype undersmacks are being tested in the lab called life currently, and as soon as I get the feedback, I'll give a shout.

(jen)

whack-a-doodle? yes I am, but so is Heather!

2009-04-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

fried prawns party bird 2009 mixed media by jen

Well. I'm not even really sure what I should say, but I thought I should say something. I haven't blogged in awhile because I haven't really felt like I have something relevant to say. I guess I could confess to feeling a little overwhelmed--which actually is a constant state in this season of my life. But in contrast, I feel like I've got it all under control. Always balance. Always dark, always light. Always good, always bad. Always flow, always opposition...and on and on. What is she talking about? I don't know, or do I? This is turning out kind of funny.

Anyway, inspiring to me today is the book I'm (and probably Heather) currently reading for our book club, called The Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. I'm working on my 10,000 hours of something (?) to become proficient and successful. By the way, our book club is called "the most awesome book club ever," and although I've never participated in a book club (or any club that I can think of for that matter), it does seem to be the most awesome. It was founded and named by Jason, Heather's husband, a writing and reading fanatic.

Also inspiring is a little etsy shop http://www.clevernettle.etsy.com/. There are only a few items, but they're truly unique and cool--particularly the zine and the booklet about famous Bills.

Last and always inspiring to me (especially Saturdays)--reggae. I really pondered my love and connection with this musical comforter in my life, and how it came to be. It was like a first love; I stumbled upon it at 16 and have loved it since. It actually was on my first date. My friend Steve organized his school dance, a reggae theme, and brought me as his date. Maybe I had heard reggae before, but in the gymnasium on the big system, back to back cuts all night long, it made quite an impression on me. I then moved to Bob, Gregory, Frankie Paul, and some how discovered KCMU's positive vibrations--the Saturday morning reggae show. Reggae Charlie, selector back in the day, selected the soundtrack to my youth, and I've been listening since. Sometimes I wonder if I'll be a crazy old Grandma, still breakin it down to some bumpin dancehall or dub step...and I think, yeah, probably so.

Well, I guess that's it for my whack-a-doodle thoughts for today. Thanks to you reader, for letting me indulge, especially in my public professing of my love for reggae (it's the closest thing I could do to marrying it, although that has not yet been legalized in the state of Washington).

(jen)

New artist friends and old

2009-04-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

bon voyage blue bird 2009 by jennifer

Heather and I met the other night at the Edmond's Artwalk. We had intended to visit my friend Megan Burke's (http://megancburke.com/index.html) art reception at the local theatre and see a play production after, but considering it was Heather and me, we were late and became distracted by something shiny (like other art and a new artist friend).

At Ombu Salon, we came upon the art of D. Ora Wolf (not fair, cool artist name). Deb is a woman of inspiration--architect, interior designer, artist, and has made more friends and connections in the few months she's lived in the Northwest than I've made in my life [I guess it pays to be friendly and out going]. Her work can be seen at Ora Creative (http://www.wolfcreative.com/Oracreative), my favorites are probably her FORMS and FACES.

After bonding with our new friend Deb, Heather and I decided to hurry on down to see the jewelry of Michelle Lenae in person. Heather is hoping to have her husband pick out a ring for a birthday/Mother's Day gift--nice. Michelle has a fresh etsy presence at http://www.michellelenae.etsy.com/.

I'm off to have a cup of coffee and chat with my friend Heather. We had a slumber party last night and we're notorious for lazing around when together.

(jen)

Here it is...

2009-04-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

Peep salad

Here it is, by popular demand, my famous Peep salad. I know it's a little late, but with a little effort, two computers, two people, a somewhat working camera, a somewhat in-tact camera USB cord, and a disc, I am finally able to upload some photos. [me + technology = dysfunction]

Anyway, it's not too late. In fact, you might find Peeps marked 75% off at your local grocer, and if you're like Heather, you'd rather they're a little stale anyway.

Peep salad:

1 package of blue chicks

1 package of yellow chicks

1 package of orange chicks

1 package of purple chicks

1 package of pink bunnies

1 package of green bunnies

Combine all Peeps in a large bowl and toss gingerly (so not to remove their faces), and voila!

*for those watching their cholesterol, you can substitute the orange and blue chicks for all yellow.

I just thought I'd share my notable recipe with all people who don't want to put forth the cooking effort, but really want to bring a dish that looks like you did.

...And Heather, be honest, didn't the peep salad go just as fast as the traditional salad at Sunday dinner?

(jen)

Thank you friends for coming to see our art.

2009-04-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

menage et trois 2009 by jennifer culp

I've been hesitant to post something on the blog, because my camera is not working at the moment, and I can't upload new images, like the Peep salad I made to bring to Heather's family's Easter dinner today (don't worry, when my camera is working again I'll include an image and the recipe).

Heather brought her camera to our show on Friday night, but the pictures don't really promote our work so well, they mostly feature us making goofy poses during our evening out. All in all, Friday night was fun and we appreciate all those who came out to see our art. Our art will show along side the art of Craig James Logghe at Naked City Brewery Taphouse for the next month. I was sitting across from an abstract piece by Craig James Logghe for a good portion of the night; I think it was entitled My Brain, and now I can't get it out of mine--I connected with it, as well as one I think was entitled Don't Cage the Octopus. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the Greenwood/Phinney area.

*on another note...I hadn't seen Heather since my birthday, and I received my gift from her--a 36"x 36" mantra piece stating I will be good (like seen at the top right portion of our blog). I love it and hung it in a prominent position in my home, and now I attempt to live up to it's proclamation (however it is to be interpreted). Thank you Heather, it's my favorite!

(jen)

Bill and a Block Party

2009-04-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

forget me not by Heather Jarvis 2009

So here is my latest labor of love.

I painted it for my good friends Scooter and Tim (also the owners of my 'Bart' portrait) who lost little Bart's companion Bill suddenly this year. Before Bill's passing I had already decided to paint Bart because I loved the picture of him running into the frame, but once we learned of Bill's death I knew I had to paint Bill as well.

I found a great picture of him standing in their yard looking back over his shoulder (do dogs have shoulders?) and I thought it would make a great portrait. I have it hanging in my dining room and the more I look at it the more attached I get to it... it will be hard to part with, but I really hope they like it. It will be part of our next show this Friday at Naked City Taphouse so they'll have to wait a month to get it.

By the way, I just learned (by accident really) that our show going to not only be part of the Greenwood/Phinney Art up/Open up art walk, but also part of the Seattle Summer Street Party!! It's a party - a twenty-two block street party from 6 to 9 p.m. Greenwood Avenue N is being opened up from N 65th to N 87th Street so that pedestrians and bicyclists can come out to play and explore local businesses, check out great art, and party! It's going to be fun!

You can download a map of the art walk at: http://www.artupgreenwood-phinney.blogspot.com/

And more details about block party here: http://www.seattlecan.org/summerstreets/greenwood.html

Hope to see you all there!

Chow!

(Heather)

Nothing good comes easy: 3 links

2009-04-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

by jen (today)

Thanks to Heather for that sweet post on Friday for my birthday. I really missed her this weekend.

Dinner on Saturday night was at Mary's (as in Mary Hawk from the Feb. group art show), because her husband's birthday is the day before mine, so they put out the most deliciously beautiful sushi spread for us. Thanks Mary and Jonas--gracious hosts and entertainers extraordinaire.

On to 3 links:
*But first a little heads-up. The three this week will take a little work if you're up for the challenge, but anything good doesn't come easy, right?

1. Baltimore Museum of Art--there is a children's Matisse online activity that I think is worth while for kids to experience. I've used it as a tool when presenting a lesson on Matisse for my volunteer work as an art docent at elementary schools. For younger kids, they will probably need help navigating and reading. Matisse's dog, Raoudi, takes you through a colorful lesson about Matisse, which takes about 10 minutes, and at the end, you've collected items for a portfolio that can be used to create and print your own Matisse masterpiece.

DIRECTIONS: From the link (http://artbma.org/families/activities.html#Matisse), click online activity.

2. Kexp--yes, I know I reference kexp a lot, but it is so inspirational. Today it was Preachin' the Blues, hosted by Johnny Horn. There is a particular song that made me laugh out loud when I heard it, called Conversation With Collins, by Albert Collins. He's recounting a bluesy story between he and his lady, and it's awesome (I can dig it). The beauty is, he not only tells it verbally, but he illustrates the conversation with his guitar, and you can hear the banter. It actually inspired a piece I listed in my etsy store today called still mad.

DIRECTIONS: from the link (http://kexp.org/ondemand.asp) go to streaming archive,

then listen by time and submit Sun. Apr. 5 at 10:54 am--that pops you right into the beginning of the song.
I personally think the whole show should be listened to, but this song in particular *as well as use what you got, by Freddy King (10:35 am), which made me smile really big.

3. Vincenzo Rizzo--this link goes to Vincenzo Rizzo's etsy shop, full of very cool art, and makes me wonder how one person could produce so much original art that is so affordable? Nice. (http://www.vincenzorizzo.etsy.com/)

I wasn't kidding. You kind of have to work for the links this week, but they're good.

(jen)

Happy Birthday to You!!!

2009-04-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

Today is Jen's birthday.

We made excellent plans to hang out and have a paint-fest slumber party to celebrate followed up with a party with friends tomorrow... but...

I went and ruined everything by waking up sick!!! Ugh! I skated through this whole awful flu season unscathed, even after caring for, snuggling and kissing on my sick kids. I felt untouchable. Apparently not so much. I just wish it wasn't today of ALL days, when more than anything I want to be celebrating my bff.

So, I will make this up to you Jen, I promise we will have THE most awesome belated birthday hang-out fest EVER... asap!

Also, know that this is going to be your best year yet! It's SO exciting! I can't wait to experience it with you.

I wish you a great day (even without me) I LOVE YOU GOBS AND GOBS!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

XO,

Heather

just working out some issues

2009-04-02T16:57:00.001-07:00

a different kind of bird 2009 by jennifer culp

The past couple of days I've been adding paintings to my shop that are markers to issues I may have--one being the unexplainable problem I have with naked lady mud-flaps. I'm not sure what my deal is, but when I see them, I'm automatically ticked off. I guess I decided to take the naked lady back, back away from the guy who feels he has to advertise his love for naked ladies, and instead feature her as a work of art.

I also started creating some little bird paintings that are meant to be inspirational pieces, but for the derelict minded (like Heather and me). They were actually inspired by a little porcelain bird I gave to Heather for her birthday one year. It was beautiful and said something like "generous" on it's belly. These little pieces I'm creating are a little more realistic for girls like we, with one stating, eat dirt.

That's that. Gotta get back to work; our show is like a week away.

(jen)

MMM... Good!

2009-03-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

I just finished this one last night. I am actually going to do two for our upcoming show... I'm thinking the next soup may be Charlie Noodle... but let me know if you have any other clever soup names. It was that or Bob with Barley, or maybe Cream of Marsha? Not sure just yet.

I actually created this because I wanted something to hang in my freshly painted kitchen and I love the classic Andy Warhol Soup cans, but wanted to give it my own flair. I remembered the time my daughter Stella misread a soup can as Cannibals and it cemented the idea. She often adds extra letters to names (like McDonGalds). After studying a can I changed condensed to condemned... how perfect!

Now I'm off to sketch out my next project. I want to take a day off of Cannibalism so I'm moving on to a portrait of my friend's dead dog... I'll post pics when I'm done. :)

Happy Tuesday!

~Heather

sneaky preview

2009-03-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

sneaky preview of a jen painting

Just a little preview of a painting I'm working on for our upcoming show that is less than 2 weeks away--yikes! Heather and I are both in prep mode; we even have an eating/drinking/painting date for Friday night. Thankfully, we're a couple of girls who work well under pressure.

I thought I would give an early heads up, so people (meaning you) could plan to come see us and our work in person. It will prove to be a very fun night.

Details are found to the right.

(jen)

*and Heather, I challenge you to take a close-up picture of something you're working on as a preview for our blogdience.

A plea to the sun and 3 links

2009-03-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

by Heather Jarvis 2009

First I want to begin with a plea to the sun.
Please come out, we could use some vitamin D here in the Northwest. Cozy days of drizzle and naps are becoming tired.

*On to business, the 3 links this week are as follows:

1. Scooter Pop--featuring our photographer friend Scooter Lowrimore, and in his premier post he advises readers on how they too can become a spy in less than 2 hours.

2. Simply Supper--a blog by Laura Prothero, who also happens to be a writer. Her recipes, photos, and words come together so nicely, it almost (almost) makes me want to cook.

3. Willow Bader Artist--art by Willow Bader. I happened upon her when looking at the map from the Edmond's Artwalk that I participated in last week. When reading through the names and descriptions, I thought her name seemed lyrical and that was enough to make me want to look her up. Her drawings are my personal favorite, yet her encaustic tango pieces are entrancing.

These are three that are inspiring to me today, making me laugh, sit up straight (as all impressive art work does), and want to want to cook.

(jen)

real quick

2009-03-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

music feather friend by jennifer culp 2009

Hey, not to be a yawner, but I just wanted to let our imaginary blogdiance know that I created a blog that will act as an archive of my art. I won't be writing or saying anything on it, it's just a place to put my birds--keeping it up to date visually but that's about it (http://www.jenniferculpart.blogspot.com/).

Also, I'm on twitter (link on the right).

I just came from a ladies who launch meeting downtown tonight and am inspired. Thanks to Jill for having me as her guest. I'll update the 3 links tomorrow, unless Heather wants to pop in and say something?

(jen)

trying not to be a yawner

2009-03-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

by Riana 2009

The pastel piece above is by my daughter Riana (16). She made it tonight for a friend of hers--Mary. I thought I would share it, because I don't know about you, but it's got to be tiring looking at all the birds on our blog. So I will try not to post so many of my birds, and try to keep it a little more diverse, yet still showcase personal artwork. Although this is not mine or Heather's, Riana wanted me to blog about it. Probably not so much about the art itself, but about the atmosphere in which it was created.

Tonight we worked together in my studio--her pasteling, me packaging up paintings to ship out--all while listening to some mixes from her ipod by DJ DV ONE.

We're one in the same about working with music, so she shared a sweet reggae mix, then some west coast gangster rap. I'm not really sure what other parents would think about me listening to some of the lyrics that we listened to together, but as I explained to Riana when she noted the possible awkwardness of the situation, lyrics are just (artistically) expressive words. Man that's a dorky way to say big deal--who cares, bad words. I know she knows I dig reggae, and I know she knows I dig hip-hop, but I think maybe she thinks I somehow have missed all music with questionable content and lyrics?

Anyway, she was disappointed that she is grounded from using the computer at the moment and couldn't hop onto facebook and update her status to "listening to Too Short with my mom."

So that was me trying not to be a yawner with my girl, and by sharing her art, also trying not to be a yawner with the blog.

(jen)

Artwalk happenings

2009-03-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

good as gold by jennifer culp 2009

Thank you to all of my friends, old and new, who stopped in to say hello and make my night such an enjoyable time. It was the most fun Edmond's Artwalk I've participated in, and my location was great.

I should first extend appreciation to those at Resident Cheesemonger for having me; thank you, especially Monica--so kind and patient. All who visited the shop were either charmed by it's quaint environment or were there on purpose to purchase specialty cheese with enthusiasm I had not witnessed before. It was so busy, I spent a good portion of the evening up at the head of the shop, near the window and door, trying to stay out of Monica's way while she helped the customers. After about an hour of standing in this particular spot, I heard a girl say, "Look Daddy, 'Beware of cow.'" I looked to see where she was pointing and next to my foot was a little sign displaying the words she had just spoken. There actually was a little plastic cow that usually sat a little closer to the sign, but it seemed to have gotten bumped at some point, and I was then the one closest to the sign, and once pointed out to me, I did take a big step back. This probably alludes to the cow theme present in the shop. You know, cows = cheese.

Anyway, along with my friends of old who stopped by, like Mary from our last art show, and Anita from my sculpture class, I met new friends. Sie-ce, a girl who looked to be a "tween" age, seemed to be attracted to one of my little plywood paintings and told me that she had come up with a name for it--song bird. It was actually funny that she did, because it was the only plywood painting without a title, because I had just finished it about 20 minutes before I packed up for the show. Later Sie-ce came back with a coin purse full of dollars and change, telling me it was almost enough to purchase the little song bird piece and asking if it would be okay. Of coarse she is now the owner of song bird (thank you Sie-ce, and I apologize if I'm not spelling your name correctly).

I also met a sweet man, who showed me his love for birds in a recent tattoo he acquired in memory of his wife. He also shared some beaded jewelry she had made for him (beautiful) and told me how she also liked to paint. He serenaded me briefly with a few Roy Orbison lyrics after sharing his love of singing ballads. Something about his countenance touched me. One of the necklaces he wore was so special, and maybe it was my collector nature that made me feel kindred, but I appreciate the opportunity I had in meeting him.

I did take a moment to run up the street to see the art of Lynne Alexander. Someone had mentioned that she too had some bird works, so I had to check it out. Her work can be seen at http://www.alexanderartworks.net/, and both Heather and I would like to have one of her bird in the house pieces. I was told about artist Karol Westphal, but was unable to make it to see her work. I looked online at http://www.daisyskyscape.com/ to see her work and love her florals and landscapes. Her poppy looks similar to a poppy that I did as a demonstration at my first Edmond's Artwalk, which is always a funny thing, but like said before, there are no new ideas (mine can be seen an http://www.artistrising.com/, searching jennifer culp, if you're inclined to see what I mean).

The night ended with good food, drink, and laughter. Thanks to Heather and her husband Jason, I don't think I've laughed so hard since our last dinner after our last art show.

(jen)

Three links and a thanks.

2009-03-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

cardboard blue bird by jennifer 2009

I first want to extend appreciation once again to my friend Bill, who has cut some plywood for me, so that I have 32 little squares on which to paint--thanks a bunch Bill.

I also wanted to initiate our 3 links deal again...you know, 3 links that don't stink, generally highlighting art in many forms or other bits inspirational to Heather and me for whatever reason, explainable or not.

This week's 3:

1. D.S. Brennan Photography- a photographer from Rhode Island, chosen because I thought I'd research what's going on artistically in RI and came across Diana Stith Brennan--I really dig her work.

2. Rat City Rummage- a rummage/arts and crafts sale in South Seattle at a roller rink. I thought this would be a cool link for artists, junk collectors, and art collectors alike. I'd like to participate in the future, maybe sell some stuff, and I'm wondering if they'll let me live out my childhood dream of skating as a roller-boogie queen while selling my wares?

3. Walker Rock Garden- a charming garden in the former backyard of the Walkers of West Seattle. I went there as a child and still have a rock that Mr. Walker gave to me somewhere in my collection of things. I linked to a flickr page that opens tons of photos that many people have contributed of the little gem in West Seattle.

So find our 3 links off to the right to click and enjoy.

*A thought on junk and collecting occurred to me while considering this week's links:

I'm a collector from way back, and used to be a bit obsessive. I've kept some of the most ridiculous treasures, like (as a teenager) the matchbook to a friend's friend's friend's sister's wedding, to commemorate that we crashed 2 weddings that night. Really was it necessary? I have a million of such treasures and I realized how silly it is to keep the tangibles. Stuff comes and goes--things, money, relationships, seasons; all we really have is our memories, and even those are fleeting, so really what we have is the moment.

So on that note, I probably should strap on my roller skates and boogie on down to Rat City and sell some of my rummage.

*example, artwork above is from recycled cardboard that used to line my work area when I painted, and I kept it for no other reason than it looked cool and was a journal of colors, materials, and notes to myself during the period in which it was used (at least I've given it a little justifiable purpose).

(jen)

This one's for you girl.

2009-03-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

mixed media by jennifer 2009

Thank you Heather.

That's about all I can say.

love,

jen

Sweet Inspiration

2009-03-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

Although there may be nothing new under the sun, what is old is new to us and so rich and astonishing that we never tire of it.—Robert Davies

Inspiration, a topic I haven’t explored on our blog much recently, but so valuable.
Sometimes it loudly manifests itself after seeing, hearing, and feeling the world around us, yet often it comes from within, but even then it must be originating and building upon cultural baggage that we aren’t even aware of.

*My daughter, usually a music making nut, picked up a paint brush recently, and created some pretty cool paintings. I’d like to think that she may have been inspired by me (wishful motherly thinking probably). Her painting above actually reminds me of a picture on the blog of a favorite cartoonist of mine, and makes me wonder if she was inspired by that?
The ease in which she created the painting inspired me; the act of painting, not planning, not sketching it out first—just acting. [see painting above]

*Literarily inspiring to me right now is William B. Irvine’s A Guide to the Good Life [the ancient art of stoic joy], and I mention this because I have a sneaking suspicion I am not alone in my partiality to stoicism.

*Heather. Heather is inspiring to me. She just told me some of the ideas she has for some new works, and I’m (not gonna lie) miffed I didn’t think of these ideas myself. [Not really. I can’t wait to see her bring these ideas to visual life].

*Music—ever inspiring. If you read our blog, this may be redundant, but http://www.kexp.org/ is always a hidden factor in all of my work, and may be for you too. Better go, listen, and find out for yourself.

I just wanted to give a little thought to inspiration, and try to be better about sharing links to those who are inspiring me.

(jen)

a little heads-up

2009-03-06T15:11:00.001-08:00

by jennifer culp 2009

I just wanted to give a little heads-up about my next show. I'll be at Resident Cheesemonger participating in the March Edmond's Artwalk, Thursday March 19th 5-8pm. A detailed map and list of the evening's events can be found at http://www.manyaveeselects.com/.

I'm pleased to be stationed at this location for a couple of reasons:

1. It's right in the heart of the Artwalk.

2. I've enjoyed some of my favorite artists at Resident Cheesemonger as a looky-loo during past walks. In fact one time, my oldest daughter and I decided go to the artwalk, and when visiting the Resident Cheesemonger she held her nose the entire time, which was a little embarrassing since I was having a pretty meaningful conversation with an artist I admire.

*on another note, it was the same night I witnessed my daughter get cat-called by a jerk in a big truck. He yelled out as he drove by, "are those jeans painted on?"--referring to my daughter's "skinny jeans" (teenage must-have). And I'm sure from afar she looked like an adult, but she's my girl, and it really ticked me off. I was about ready to drop my purse and chase his truck down and kick him in his naked lady mud-flaps. But instead, I turned to my daughter and congratulated her on her cat-call initiation, and explained she's becoming a woman.

Anyway, come and see my work in person; much of it will be new, and please, no cat-calls--it's a pet peeve of mine (punny).

(jen)

me + Heather

2009-03-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

pinata party bird by jennifer culp 2009

I am thrilled to say that I get to show with Heather again. Hold on, I've got to turn down my music. I cannot write and listen to music at the same time. Some people, like my daughter for instance, work better with music. I find it distracting--gotta move. Only classical (can I work with), but even then it's too distracting sometimes. Not because I have to move, but because it's moving. Anyway...

I am happy to announce I'll be participating in the Phinney/Greenwood Artwalk in April (details later). The funny thing is, I kind of signed Heather up for the deal too. Her work is quirky cool and this venue will be the best place to show it off. Now if only the girl would answer her phone I could tell her.

*and on that note, Heather and I were talking last week and she acknowledged all of the kind things I've said about her recently on our blog, and I pointed out how she had started it with her mushy pre-Valentine video. I asked her what was up; I mean she's a smack talker from way back (at least to me). She admitted she reserves it for me in person, yet I feel like we owe it to our imaginary blogdiance to publicly deal with one another the way we do in "real life." Enough with the love fest. With that said, I hope to provide readers with some unusual character revelations of the two of us...Heather's note to me being a crazy bird lady in a post the other day is a good start I guess.

These are my haphazard thoughts today. If they're confusing, too bad; amusing, good then.
(jen)

in the creative thick of it

2009-02-28T12:45:00.000-08:00

curious feather by jennifer culp 2009

This was a particularly crazy creatively prolific week for me. It began last Sunday with helping along the completion of Heather's mural design, then a poster with my son for cubscouts, then a model of the Titanic with my son (for school), then the table for an auction with Heather, then a decorative cake with my son for cubscouts (that would have been cooler if I hadn't run out of black gel frosting--and if you're thinking ewe, black gel frosting, I agree, but I thought it would manly up the cake), then finishing and creating a couple of paintings to ship out and/or list in my etsy shop (not to mention working and other motherly duties). Yes. I was exhausted, but today is a new day. The sun is shining and I'm ready to paint.

I did want to feature a couple of paintings on our blog that may not be seen otherwise, because yesterday I shipped out 12 of my 6"x6" pieces and 4 of my 10"x10" paintings to Florida. They are going to The Studio Gallery of Grayton Beach (http://www.studiogallery30a.com/), and I'm thrilled that at least my art gets to travel. If you missed the 6"x 6" pieces I grabbed from my etsy shop, I'm sorry, but here are a few other pieces (below) that you can view, although they are now happily on their way southeast. I also included a picture of Desmond's (my son) Titanic, because we're proud (and not just because we crammed it in one day when we had a whole month+ to work on it [don't tell his teacher]).

our Titanic (mixed media--foam sculpture, paper mache, BBQ skewers, legos, paper, wire, cardboard, paint, aluminum foil, wax paper)

behind the curious birds mixed media by jennifer culp 2009

loosely connected mixed media by jennifer culp 2009

tiny tim bird mixed media by jennifer culp 2009

(jen)

Lady Bird

2009-02-24T18:15:00.000-08:00

Here's our latest collaborative effort, a children's table created for a local preschool auction.

Today Jen was asking if she was turning into the "crazy bird lady" with all of her bird art.

I lied and said she wasn't, that's what friends are for.

Then later I was thinking about what Sir Paul McCartney once told me (well... OK the whole audience at one of his concerts) about his song Black Bird, and how it is about a black slave woman (in the UK bird is slang for girl) who was finally experiencing her first taste of freedom

The words...

Black bird singing in the dead of night

take these broken wings and learn to fly

all your life

you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Who better to represent birds strong, weak, dead, curious, cute.... free (!) then Jen,

the most resilient bird I know, crazy or not.

(Heather)

Etsy treasury features Jen--Feb. 23

2009-02-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

feathered friend by jennifer culp (gildedcandy) 2009

Real quick, CassandraKiss has compiled a note-worthy bunch of bird art, and has featured one of mine again (in an etsy treasury). It's called artful birds: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=41812

(jen)

So fun to work with Heather

2009-02-22T19:32:00.001-08:00

So Heather designed this cute simple decorative mural painting for a client (twin girls), and it happened that I was able to help her this afternoon--bust out the finishing touches. She originally stopped by to drop off her two year old, so I could babysit while she finished her project, but we got to thinking how our projects go so much quicker when we're able to collaborate, so we left the children to watch themselves (it's okay--we do have two teenagers). I wish there was a way to convey the fun we have when we work together, but it's probably best kept secret, and it's not just because I enjoy watching Heather knock over cups of icky paint water and cans of diet coke (she's a bit clumsy [and first to tell you]), but because she completes me...I just can't quit her.

This little name banner is my favorite part of Heather's design.

Forgive the pictures--it is my sad camera, and mural pictures are always tricky when considering space and light.

(jen)

The beauty of a friend

2009-02-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

holding down the fort by jennifer culp 2009

I just wanted to pop in and say a little something on our blog. This is a piece that I finished this week. Heather was out at my house the other day for a birthday party and she saw this piece and commented on how well she likes it. She may think it's the colors or the pattern of the birds, but I know what it really is...it's the fact that one bird (up) has the back of the under-the-weather other bird (down)--just like us throughout the years.

*The beauty of a friend...better when you're both up, not so good when you're both down, but even that's beautiful, because at least you have someone to commiserate with.

(jen)

Slideshow link

2009-02-15T14:04:00.000-08:00

Bart by Heather Jarvis 2009

See a slideshow of some of our art from the other night--courtesy of Scooter Lowrimore, http://www.scooterthephotographer.com/index2.php?v=v1

(click on clients and use password "bart")

Thank you friends for such a fine Friday the 13th.

2009-02-14T15:15:00.000-08:00

Mary, Heather, and Jen--February 13, 2009

Photo courtesy of Scooter Lowrimore [http://www.scooterthephotographer.com/]

Thank you so much to all who came out last night. We are so grateful and our evening so fun. The art, in it's colors, subjects, and compositions, flowed well as a backdrop to a terrific party, and it was so nice to meet all the friends who came to see the art. I personally appreciated making some new friends as well as watching others form fast friendships too--like that of Scooter (the photographer) and Kerry (http://flickr.com/photos/kerrymorganphotography/), who I thought coincidentally knew each other and ended up at the same party, but realized after talking to them, they had only just met that night--photogofriends.

So I've included some photos from last night, opening and closing with two pictures Scooter took, and the in-betweens are taken by Jason (Heather's Husband) on my sad little camera.

Heather's Aunt Anne (caterer) helping with the set up of our goody table, and notice Mary's beautiful piece in the background.

Some of Heather's family enjoying her piece Bart (one of my personal favorites).

Minglers and art.

* I want to thank all of those who came and supported, who helped out in various ways--loading/unloading, setting up, taking photos (Jason & Scooter), music (Scooter), entertainment (Scooter) and a special shout out to our new friend Riley, who hung all of the work [thanks Riley]. I also want to give much appreciation for those at Bilbao's Restaurant, for putting up with us, making such great food suggestions and keeping the Sangria flowing--muchas gracias (http://www.bilbaorestaurant.com/).

+ And the brilliant photo below is one that Scooter took. It started out fine, but then he asked us to pose--so we did--but when we did he started barking "go! go! yes! yes! do it! do it! go! do it! go! go!" Heather is professional; that's all I have to say...well, that and how does Scooter manage to take such great photos when he's yelling at us average people as if we're supermodels who experience such crazy talk on a regular basis?

We three girls 2009

Photo courtesy of Scooter Lowrimore

(jen)

*Heather may chime in and add to my bit about last night...I'm eager to hear her take on the night.

Just a couple of last minutes...

2009-02-12T16:52:00.001-08:00

cardboard beauty bird by jen 2009

I just thought I would mention that I hadn't intended on bringing any of my etsy pieces to our little show tomorrow, because I wanted to show them at my show next month (Edmond's Artwalk--details later), but I have recently been asked to ship several of them to a distant land (okay, Florida--details later). So I decided to bring many of them tomorrow night, including a couple that are so fresh, they're not even listed yet.

Along with my random etsy pieces, Mary and Heather are also showing several pieces that won't hang with the rest of the work, but will only be there to see in person tomorrow.

Just thought I'd mention...and if you need a refresher on the reception details, page down to the post a few days ago featuring our postcard.

(jen)

*and Jeannie, in case you're looking, the piece above is one I made while talking to you on the phone (details at my etsy store).

I'm so lucky.

2009-02-09T17:11:00.000-08:00

by Mary Hawk

I'm so lucky, for many reasons really, but today because I'm surrounded by some fabulous art. Mary dropped off her art at my house yesterday, in preparation of our upcoming show. We were originally going to house the art at Heather's, because she is closest to our venue, but for several reasons we decided my house would be more suited to keep it safe.
*A couple of reasons:
1. I have a large studio space that can hold lots of work.
2. (This is my personal opinion) The art may be safer at my house, due to the budding artist miss Scarlett--Heather's 2 year old, who, if you've read our blog in the past, is notorious for "enhancing" others' artwork.

So anyway, the art will remain here until Friday--Heather's is coming tomorrow. In the meantime, I get to enjoy some really nice work. The photo of Mary's four piece flower above is a painting that hangs in her office, adding to the tranquil environment in which she works. I actually included it in a paper I wrote about her for my abnormal psych class [the paper was not about her being abnormal; it was about her methods as a therapist].
I would share more, but I want to leave some mystique for our reception on Friday.
(jen)

Hey look at me, in an etsy treasury--"Heavenly Creatures"

2009-02-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

lucky number 5 by jennifer culp 2/2009

Thanks to BlueHeronQuilts, I'm featured in an etsy treasury again [limited time, a day or so--better look now]. It's worth taking a look at, because my little bird is surrounded by some of my favorite etsy artists. So nice.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=38829

(jen)

Stop me if you've seen this one.

2009-02-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

If you are new to our blog or have happened upon us randomly, then you probably have not seen this sculpture before. If you have seen this sculpture, you're probably thinking something like, enough with the sculpture already, but I just thought I'd share this photo I took during one of our recent bouts of snowy weather to demonstrate how well this piece melts into the wintery environment. I actually intended to move it before the bad weather, but it looks so nice, I let her be.

Okay enough already with the sculpture, but really, look at the landscape--nice.

(jen)

Friday the 13th

2009-02-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

This is our little postcard, inviting you to come see our art. Our work will be in a business suite in the University District of Seattle--kind of The Office meets super cool art.

Address: 4500 9th Ave NE, Seattle

Suite 300 (third floor of the Metro Cinemas building)

*opening reception on Friday February 13 from 7-9pm

Hope to see you.

Life is So Glorious

2009-01-31T21:39:00.001-08:00

under the weather by jen 2009

I love Saturdays, especially this one. The sun was shining; I had time, inspiration, and good music to help along the creative process. My favorite dj was back from his two week absence, and this week's positive vibrations show (www.kexp.org) was extraordinarily nice. The only set back was the dancehall/dub step vibe was so captivating, I couldn't sit still.

The piece above is a funny little work. It's painted on one of the 32 plywood squares my friend Bill cut for me. I've been painting them (about one a day) and listing them in my etsy shop--trying to breathe new life into my little shop.

I think that's it. The only other thing I could say is that I'm a bit sad to see this week come to an end. I can't remember one so good.

(jen)

Unexpected

2009-01-29T15:02:00.000-08:00

So I've been noticing a theme lately with my art. I didn't intend to create several (or even one for that matter) religious pieces (Jesus started it!) but sometimes it's not really up to me. Most of the art I create for me, by that I mean not commissioned by others, or a say a portrait where I need to take every step with intention, can be an unconscious process. When I paint freely I often come up with unexpected things that I didn't even know were inside of me. It really is like therapy (although much cheaper... I should know).

The Mary piece almost shocked me... what am I trying to say? There are many ways to take this and everyone that has come across her has a different view, which is what I love about art and what can be beautiful about religion as well. My mother always told me that the bible was my personal gift and that it was meant to speak to me exactly how I needed to hear it. Art is the same, it is personal and up to interpretation. Each piece has it's own story for each viewer, it's own life. I am merely a vessel, and I do think all art is a divine gift.

Anything that elicits thought is a good thing.

(Heather)

Saw this and thought of you

2009-01-28T08:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yx34-zuiPo

I happened upon this cute video and thought of Jen. Not only because it was artistically inspiring but also because the cute little characters remind me of us.

So many times during our 16+ years of friendship (of course we met not long after birth) ;)

we have found ourselves up against the world, and had to count on each other's love and encouragement to push through. Our bond is special and irreplaceable (Mary recently pointed out to us that we finish each other's sentences). We joke that we are "married" to each other and I should seriously be so lucky.

So in the spirit of upcoming Valentine's day here's a love song to my best friend.

I'm so blessed to have you!

Big mushy XOXO!!!

(Heather)

Finally, my new grey friend.

2009-01-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

3 little birds too by jen 2009

Today I finally type from my new (well, new to me) computer, thanks to my mom--thanks mom. I'm so thrilled with the endless possibilities of a fresh computer; the googling, the printing, the non-missing keys, the updated software, the space to be filled with images from my camera, the history that belongs solely to me, the documents to be written, the spreadsheets to be spread (or whatever you do with spreadsheets). Oh I'm so happy. I even cleared off my desk and dusted just for the momentous occasion of introducing this new little grey friend into my life.

Besides my new technology, I've been quite busy madly (or happily) painting, as have Mary and Heather. I love how creativity grows when creating. Sometimes it just takes the act of doing to channel in the brilliance, other times it takes a quiet moment to let the brilliance whisper to you. I've had both types of inspiration so far this week and I'm appreciative of any.

I decided to give 1 link that doesn't stink today. It's a link to a shining illustrator named Celia Marie Baker. I saw her at a farmer's market a few years back, looked her up and came across her website http://celiamariebaker.com/. The link to her blog is equally as great and features some handmade books she created for family. Really nice.

*One more little thing to note--I think on an artistic note--and maybe you don't care, really. I thought I might take a moment to explain my heavy use of parenthesis, semi-colons, commas, hyphens, brackets, and asterisks. Maybe you think to yourself, why does jen use so many parenthesis ?(or whatever else you may have noticed)--much in the same way I notice people who are heavy with the exclamation mark. The answer is this...I am a visual writer, I mean my writing has to be visually interesting, with lines and dots and stars and spaces (oh and italics). My thought is this: who wants to read a bunch of veranda type words all scrunched together without any variation? Not me. So if it's distracting (like heavy exclamation users are to me), then I apologize.*

*one last thing--I think I've also illustrated, you're never too old for your mom.

(jen)

You are in my heart

2009-01-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Happy lazy Sunday!

Here is my heart of pictures that hung in my hallway up until yesterday...I have so many pictures that I want to look at and appreciate regularly so I just taped up many of my favorites in a heart shape.

The bummer is I noticed that the exposure to varying temperatures is warping the pictures a bit as well as discoloring a few of my black and white wedding pics (whoops!) good thing I'm not sentimental! So I'm thinking about actually buying two large pieces of glass and suspending my pictures in my heart shape between them to preserve them better.... maybe after the art show.

We'll post more details on our upcoming art show this week but do save the date, Friday the 13th of February 7-9pm... we didn't pick the day, we're just lucky like that.

Chow for now!
(Heather)

Much appreciation friend.

2009-01-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

winged felt heart (or heart-felt) by jen 2009

I thought I would wait and let Heather say a little something, but I cannot let an opportunity go by where I should be expressing some gratitude.

Thank you to the anonymous friend(s) that dropped off several canvases for me to paint. I don't know who you are, but I'm hoping (on the off chance) that you are a friend who may periodically peek at our blog. My youngest daughter had a theory that it was Sparky who dropped them off--Sparky's one of our pet goldfish who died this evening, and we just had a service for him in the in the back yard about an hour earlier--but I explained how it's probably not.

Whoever you may be, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I truly appreciate you thinking of me.

Take care friend(s).

(jen)

Here a Mary, there a Mary

2009-01-19T21:33:00.000-08:00

by Heather Jarvis 2009

A couple of random things:

First, I thought I would show yet two more pieces that give a little peek into the work we've been creating for our little show.

Second, I failed to mention that some of Mary's (our painting partner's) work can be seen on her blog, at http://www.maryhawkart.blogspot.com/ --it's enchanting just like she.

Third, when Heather and I were out to dinner the other night, she pointed out the fact that the word baby in front of food selections does not make it more appetizing, in fact it really has the opposite effect (ex: baby prawns, Dutch baby [I guess a type of pancake, but ewe], and Baby Ruth [for a different reason]).

And last, I'd like to thank my friend Bill for cutting plywood for me--so nice, dragging out the table saw, getting all saw-dusty, bonking his head on something metal while getting something in his garage, polluting his family home and neighborhood with loud noise--all so I could have 32 little squares of wood on which to paint. Thank you Bill.

That's that.

by jennifer culp 2009

(jen)

We Three Girls

2009-01-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

by Mary Hawk

Today, Heather, Mary and I got together to talk art. I also I got to preview Heather's work last night while at her house, and thought it might be nice to give a glimpse of what's to come at our little show. As far as I know, it will be on Friday the 13th--spooky sweet. I'm so inspired by their work. Each of our styles are different, but we all gravitate toward color, so our paintings go well with one another.

If I might (admittedly) speak on behalf of Heather in regards to her painting [shown below], not everyone could see the Jesus that had appeared within the creation of her painting [as she had blogged about last week], so she enhanced it just a little--can you tell? I mean really, do you see anything? We're not sure. I kind of see something, but...

As for mine, if you are at all (imaginary blogdiance) interested in the hidden treasure within my painting, the bird is fashioned out of a recipe for hand knit gloves from a 1962 book for girls.

The titles are a secret today, you'll just have to come and see.

by Heather Jarvis

by jennifer culp

(jen)

*El sueno de Merida.

Here comes the sun--do do do do.

2009-01-13T14:17:00.001-08:00

peacock pantry mural 2009

So I finished a little mural project yesterday. I appreciate Patti (the client), because she loves color and she's not afraid to show it. This piece is intended to hang on her pantry right smack dab in the middle of her kitchen/dining/living area. It's not often that a project this bold comes up, so hats off to Patti.

*Also, just a little note to the sun: Thank you sun for making a bashful appearance today. I see your rays streaming into my windows, and I encourage you to come straight out and show yourself. We miss you here in the Northwest. Don't you know you make us happy when skies are grey?

(jen)

Why leave well enough alone?

2009-01-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

Like Jen, and I imagine most artists, I see potential in everything. Most of my furnishings are items I've acquired used and I've just tweaked to make them my own. I re-paint as regularly as my styles change. I often have friends dropping off finds from Goodwill, or their garages, in hopes I will breathe new life into them. My husband is less than happy about the "potential projects" that I have stacked in our garage (aka his man cave) but I try to convince him that we must all do our part and make sacrifices to recycle and re-use to reduce the landfills so that our children's children will have a green and healthy planet with polar bears etc... etc... he's buying it for now.

Pictured are a few things I've painted for my daughters. The little kitchen was a basic Target cutesy all pink ditty that bored me so I spiced it up with color and an oil-cloth curtain.

The table I painted for my daughter Stella 6 years ago. It has held up fairly well to regular indoor and outdoor use and now my little Scarlett enjoys her tea parties and colors on it (literally... you can probably see some of her work in the corner).

The small armoire was a bit of a collaboration. I originally painted it for Stella in a whole different color scheme but she went at it with a sharpie one day creating a flower scene on the then light green shabby chic doors. I could not be mad as I found myself liking her now permanent artwork so much that I re-did the whole thing around it and painted in her flowers and grass, leaving them as she originally drew them. It now sits in Scarlett's room and Stella is quite proud of it. You never know where you will find inspiration, I often get it from my children's art.

(Heather)

From Philly love to fluky features.

2009-01-10T13:44:00.000-08:00

works in progress preview, by jen 2009

So I thought I'd say a little something while I have a quick minute. Last night I took a painting break to scope some of my favorite artist's websites and see what they're up to; one of the places I visited was http://www.philadelphonic.com--home/ --home of G. Love (+ his special sauce and music). I was surprised to see his post about cookie love, including his family Christmas cookie recipe. If you go check it out, make sure to listen to Superhero Brother and also the featured video--he throws it down--just he, his guitar and harmonica (nice). If you really dig him like I do, then it's worth at least hanging into the video feature long enough to hear Beautiful, featuring Tristan Prettyman.

As for the paintings, if you think they look chaotic and unrelated, it's not you, it's true. Heather, Mary, and I were talking about how our upcoming show has no theme, but we decided no theme is a theme...random, fluky. As pointed out by Mary (Hawk), it's remarkable we're able to paint and show at all with the demanding lives we all hold, so our jumbled themed gathering of paintings will be very representational of our lives.

(jen)

Something to say.

2009-01-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

church blue bird mixed media 2008 by jennifer

Imperfections = charm.

(jen)

Divine Inspiration

2009-01-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

After pondering my inspiration, and well, lack thereof, I decided to paint through my creative block in hopes of pulling together something, or even just to exercise my creative muscles.

So I decided to paint a simple rose just to get my artistic muscle juices flowing. After much creative frustration, I walked away to clean my brushes and noticed from afar that the flower had a face!!... and not just any face!! HA! I just accidentally painted Jesus!!! So I went with it and even made it more obvious (although I don't think it's finished yet, I'm almost afraid to alter it too much, I hate to mess with some divine intervention or something).

I finally had my inspiration... literally staring me in the face.

As soon as my 7 year old daughter saw it she immediately pointed out, "hey there's that guy in your flower"... my 14 year old son didn't notice (believe it or not!) until I strongly hinted... when he finally discovered it he asked, "is it dad?"... yeah we're not particularly religious, which is why I think this painting is so ironic.

I ran with it and decided to try to put Mary in my other flowers, but discovered it was much harder to do when you are trying to make it happen. I think I'll at least try to tackle Jesus in a tortilla or something... or maybe green eggs and ham. I'll keep you posted.

(Heather)

Speaking of Skulls...

2009-01-04T22:49:00.000-08:00

lil cabeza 2008

Just for fun, and to emphasize how Heather and I are somehow on the same artistic page, I thought I'd feature a picture of the crochet friend I gave to Heather as a Christmas gift. We did a white elephant-type gift exchange (hand-made/re-purposed/or under $5); thankfully I did not receive the dog fur pillow. Heather at least likes me enough not to give it to me, or maybe she's just waiting for my birthday?

As for this skull, unlike Heather's sparkly sugar skulls--it's edible (yarn, poly stuffing, faux suede, and a rhinestone [lots of fiber]).

Also, Heather and I would like to give a little love to the theatrical art of Jet City Improv (http://www.jetcityimprov.com/). We spent New Year's Eve at the University Theater, watching improv comedy, mingling, and dancing--those at Jet City Improv are talented, funny [and tolerant].

That's that for today.

(jen)

+ oh, and our last post did actually include words directly typed by Heather---we really were together, and I actually wasn't speaking on behalf of her (otherwise "she" would have said something much more embarrassing).

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

sugar skulls by Heather 2008

Hello. Heather and I are here blogging together--just a little girl on girl action (sorry, shameless way to draw random google search visitors). Really we're here to bestow well wishes and greetings to you in the hopeful beginnings of this new year.

Heather and I were talking today about inspiration, why we create and what we have to say with our work, and have decided to briefly comment on our thoughts...

Jen's comments on art/2009:

As I pondered what art means to me, why I create and what I'm trying to say, I realized I'm not trying to say anything really. No message, just cathartic paint strokes creating aesthetically pleasing (hopefully) pictures of fluff. Sometimes there is meaning, but only meaningful to me. I guess it's really a translation of (candidly speaking) ugly thoughts and feelings into something I'm willing to look at. As for this new year: Bring it, let me see it--let's go.

Heather's comments on art/2009:

What inspires me? Usually inspiration comes from what I can produce in the 20 minutes I have while the baby is napping, or what I can create while helping with homework and eating tacos. Oh, also what paint coordinates with my sweatpants in case I get some on them (which I usually do) deep huh? I am mostly attracted to color and how it makes me feel. Like most creative endeavors, it's a release. Happy beginnings and happy endings to you in this upcoming year. Good riddance 2008!

*the above photo features some bejeweled sugar skulls that Heather recently created. I hadn't been to her house in a while, and they so fancifully caught my eye--we had to share them. Below is a preview photo of a painting I finished a couple of days ago for our upcoming show.

when life hands you lemons... by jen 2008

Worst (or possibly the best??) White Elephant EVER!!

2008-12-21T01:30:00.000-08:00

Heather again here. I had to share!

I went to this fabulous white elephant party last weekend and was most impressed with the thought, time and creativity that went into each gift. I however, pulled mine together from what I had in my garage (which is FULL of "treasures") 20 minutes before I had to leave, the paint wasn't even dry on one of my gifts when I shoved it into the box... what can I say, I work better under pressure, adrenaline is my friend.

So we draw numbers and karma pulled through against me. I was next to last, which is the worst to draw since the last number gets to see everything opened and steal accordingly. As I grabbed the large (very last) gift under the tree I saw the gifter grimace with pity... which of course only peaked my morbid curiosity, plus I am always a sucker for anything wrapped.

As I pulled out the large hairy (yes... hairy) pillow I ran my fingers across it trying to figure out what kind of yetty died in vain for this horrible decorative accent. Then I noticed the tag with a picture of a sullen dog.... eew! This pillow was covered (as in glued) with the brushed off sheddings of what must have been a year long collection of dog hair... very clever, and still very stuck to the velour pants I was wearing.

I would re-gift it next year but I'm afraid I'll be blacklisted, and pretty sure it may start to smell by then. Maybe I'll just tack it to the wall for our art show, like a funky avant-garde modern piece.

I wonder how much I could get for it.

Speaking of cupcakes...

2008-12-18T16:20:00.001-08:00

So nice to hear from Heather. I'm glad she could tear herself away from eating bon bons and watching tivo re-runs of Yo Gabba Gabba long enough to prove she exists (but seriously, I am pleased to have her publicly join our blog).

It's funny--Heather and I are often inspired by the same things. I made this crochet cupcake (above) as a Christmas gift last week, right about the same time Heather was dreaming of Cupcake Royale.

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet. I'm borrowing my daughter's computer, which similar to the last two computers that crashed on me, is an old formerly crashed computer that she somehow got working??? It's rather archaic, and I'm not even completely sure if this post will work; it's like dealing with a zombie computer--it used to be dead, and now it's (possibly against its will) been brought back to life, with minimal out-of-date programs, and no space bar (don't ask me about how I'm making spaces). Anyway, I just had to pop in and put my two cents. It's very cathartic, this blogging--even if no one were to read it. Words are like balloons (even when you type them), ideas being released into the air.

As for the links--I am too busy to keep them fresh at the moment; I have a interior painting/mural project and Heather and I need to get ready for our show next month. We'll bring the links back as soon as we can post them with the integrity we originally intended.

*okay Heather, bring it...say something else. Let them see why we go together like cornflakes and ketchup (or is it catsup?).

(jen)

So here I am...

2008-12-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

Heather here... I had to "man up" and take on the blog while Jen tries to find a solution to her curious magnetic field that continues to destroy each computer she ventures near. I guess that can happen when you are hit by lightening. Let's hope for all of our sakes that she finds a solution or you will be stuck with me... which means you never know what your going to get.

Anyhoo... I've been thinking about cupcakes lately and they have actually been inspiring me to do something artistic, not with the cupcake per say (although that could be my next venture after cheese whiz sculptures, at least the mistakes would be more palatable) maybe I'll just start by painting them(canvas not cake)...

I not only appreciate the scrunptious yumminess of the cute little cakes at my local cupcake bakery (the appropriately named Cupcake Royal http://www.cupcakeroyale.com/ ) but also the wonderful presentation which makes each cupcake look like an adorable present wrapped in frosted happiness.

I'll get back to you on my cupcake creation when I decide which creative direction I am going to take... but for now I'm hungry and wondering if I dare brave the snow and ice for a Sunday morning cupcake... sounds like an adventure!

--Heather

Some updates

2008-12-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

twinkle twinkle—designed by Heather, painted by jen

Okay, so first…I should explain that my back-up computer crashed. It was a reconstituted computer that had crashed a couple of years ago, so it’s not completely shocking, but a little disappointing. Thanks to my friends Jodi and Keith, I am borrowing this computer until I’m finished with finals—and really I feel a little guilty writing this, because it’s not completely necessary, but I feel I owe it to my and Heather’s [imaginary] public to state I don’t know how we will blog without my computer. I guess I need to save up my cookies and buy a new one…or better, strong-arm Heather into going public.

Oh, an important announcement: I just received conformation that Heather, Mary Hawk (artist/counselor), and jen (me) will have the opportunity to show our work at a building on Capitol Hill (Seattle) mid January through February. We’ll have little kick-off reception to open our modest show. I’m really excited because our art will compliment another well. *stay tuned for details.

As for the art, since my computer is gone, I again have no images. I considered borrowing a picture or two from my friends’ computer; there seem to be a lot of pictures of their kids eating ice cream. I decided against borrowing. Instead I dug through prep sketches for a mural project Heather and I did. It was a storybook theme. There were 3 sketches between us, and to keep it fair, I did one, she did one, and the third she designed and I painted. So the first picture shown is her original design re-painted by me for our final sketch, and the one below is a final sketch I designed and painted.

Hope to touch base soon.

(jen)

this old man--by jen

So Sorry--Just a Headline...Computer Crashed Again (try to catch up later)

2008-12-03T17:16:00.000-08:00

Portland Art Inspired the 3 Links

2008-11-30T22:19:00.000-08:00

The Annunciation Campin 1425

Being gone over the holiday kept the 3 links from being poppin fresh…sorry. Heather stayed in town to host her first Thanksgiving and make her first turkey. I really wanted to attend her dinner, if anything to enjoy her domestication (which neither of us really are), but following tradition, we went to Portland to visit family. While in Portland, I gathered a few cool links—being the artistic epicenter that Portland is.

Crafty Wonderland—super colossal holiday sale! It’s a monthly “arts and crafts extravaganza” featuring many vendors with handmade wares. Check out the photos—looks cool—as well as the list of vendors for the December show. Well worth it if you’re anywhere near the area.

Charles Dwyer—artist. I saw his piece titled Grace at a gallery and looked him up. His figurative art and abstract art are my favorite, but his photography is equally as intriguing.

grammargirl—owner of NOUN a person’s place for things. If you scroll through a few pages, you witness a fair representation of the cool items for sale in NOUN. I was excited to see one of my favorite etsy artist’s (Rachel Austin) paintings in person.

That’s it. As for the visual feature today, it’s a page out of a book I made as a project for an Art History class. It explores the notion of what I might say or think if I were in Mary’s shoes, featuring various painted Annunciation scenes. The one above is the center of a triptych altarpiece by Robert Campin (and Assistant) 1425, and of coarse my comment inserted [caption reads: "Focus Mary, just pretend like he's not there"]. Below is the cover to the book [fortune reads: "You will hear a kind word from a stranger"].

1-3 days only, but so nice...I'm in an Etsy Treasury Again.

2008-11-25T16:03:00.000-08:00

hootenanny 2008

I just thought I'd send out the message I'm featured in an Etsy Treasury, thanks to 'awesomeradastic.' The Treasury is entitled pink & gray, and can be found at http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=33792.
I appreciate the support artists give one another.
Nice.

(jen)

Heather's Pet Portrait Endeavor

2008-11-24T19:49:00.000-08:00

sparky 2008

So here’s the picture Heather and I lost the other day when we were trying to design postcards for her new pet portrait endeavor. It's a commission piece featuring Sparky as the subject. I love this painting and look forward to her future creations.

(jen) on behalf of Heather?

You can't trust a baby...

2008-11-23T21:56:00.000-08:00

First, I want to share some art that is an [unintended] collaborative effort on the part of my youngest daughter (6) and Heather’s baby (2). When Heather came over the other day she brought her budding young artist daughter. She is notorious (more than I’ve ever seen) for writing on anything with anything—the world is her canvas and the nearest marking item is her medium.

Contrary to her house, she only colors on things that are intended to be colored on when she comes to my house; at her house loopty-loos, scribbles and stick figures adorn walls, floors, furniture (etc.). This last visit, she only colored on a magnetic white board on the refrigerator and a couple of self portraits my daughter had made. You can see from the photo she just enhanced (with green marker) the eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as coloring in the crown pattern my daughter put on the shirt. I was pleased, my daughter was a little hesitant…learning the lesson at a young age, you can’t trust a baby (It’s almost like you have to watch them all the time or something—by the way, don’t trust them with your purse either).
But above is the collaborative masterpiece; remember you saw it here first.

*Also, I went to the 20/20 Vision art show in Burien last night with my friend Lucky Red Hen (http://www.luckyredhen.com/). 400 little masterpieces hanging among a crowd of people who were eagerly snatching them up at $40 a piece. We got there about 7 minutes after 7:00 (the opening) and it was quite picked over and crowded as if the party had been going on for hours. The artwork we kept gravitating toward was created by Rebecca Chizeck, and Lucky (Shannon) was fortunate enough to lay claim to two pieces. You can see a few examples of her work at http://picasaweb.google.com/cleobrim --click on Hatch Madness, its true is my favorite.

(jen)

Went on a walk, saw some art...

2008-11-21T21:37:00.000-08:00

Life Cycle #3 Megan Burke

gently down the stream Jennifer Culp

I went to the Edmond’s Artwalk last night with a new artist friend Megan, and her husband Mike. It was a little concerning on the drive—pouring rain, but ended up to be a beautifully rainless, shiny-street, dark and cloudy night. We didn’t make it to many exhibits, but what we did see was great eye-candy. My favorite of the night was Kimi Hansen, but unfortunately she doesn’t yet have a web-site, so I can’t really share. I could tell you about the vivid colors, the luminescence of her work, or the unpredictable nature of the subjects (like green olives and mint hard candies), but that would be like trying to tell you what jazz sounds like.
Another artist worth noting is Kim Hood, photographer (http://www.kimhoodphotography.com/). He recently published a book entitled Seven Continents. It’s a moving compilation full of black and white images from his various travels, sprinkled with relevant quotes and journal entries. What I like best about his book is it progresses from broad to intimate when he focuses on his home continent.

All in all it was a nice night to be out, friends, art and interesting conversation.

*As for the pieces above, I wanted to show them together because they look like they could be sisters. The first piece is # 3 in a Life Cycle series by Megan Burke (my new friend, http://www.megancburke.com/) and the one below it is the left piece to a two piece work by me. The interesting thing is that they look related and they are both (seemingly) created in the same spirit. Mine too is a life cycle—a flower (person) moving gently down the stream (of life), and in the second piece [not shown], the flowers are gilded, representing a different phase of the “life cycle;" this causes me to ponder how Megan’s develop through her Life Cylcle series? [the rest of Megan’s can be seen on her site]. I just thought it was cool—kindred.

(jen)

Just thought you should know & 3 links

2008-11-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

So Heather came over today, we were designing some postcards for her new project—pet portraits—but while we were setting up the program, somehow the pictures she intended to use vanished. Not too surprising, we’re artists not technology experts. So the postcard deal fell through, which is a bummer, because that’s one of my most favorite things, picking up new postcards fresh from the printer. Instead I thought I could coerce her to say a little something on our blog, but she pointed out how it’s actually funny at this point that she hasn’t said anything. So she convinced me she should be the silent mysterious partner behind the scenes, and I’ll act as the public voice. I tried to convince her to at least post her picture/profile/ statement, yet keeping in character, she suggested it’s best that I do these things on her behalf. She gave me full permission to say whatever I want, which is a little concerning for two reasons:

1. She must really trust me; honestly, she shouldn’t. What if she ticks me off? I could tell everyone about the time I caught her licking frogs in her backyard (but I would never do that).
2. People may think she’s a figment of my imagination, which I guess really isn’t that big of a deal, and really this all adds to her mystique—lucky her, mysterious, funny, and maybe not real.

Anyway, she said I could post whatever picture/statement/profile I want. Should be fun.

*Also, here are this weeks three links:

1. bagpainter.com—art of Chris Crites (other works is visually rewarding).

2. Amy Carleton—portrait artist extraordinaire.

3. Poor Sailor—beautiful art ( I love the honesty of her post on the 18th).

I'm off to see some art.

(jen)

A couple of things...

2008-11-19T10:17:00.000-08:00

It's been nearly a week since I've written, and I just can't stay away today (wow an unintended triple rhyme). I first want to share a picture I took. If you've read the "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Forest" post, then you understand I have a special (maybe weird) appreciation for the personalities of trees. Soon after I shared my thoughts on trees, I stepped outside to snap some pictures for inspiration. When I uploaded the images on my computer I was pleasantly surprised to find the knees of this lady tree. She looks to be standing demurely (or maybe cleaning fluids are finally getting to me).

Also, I've been sitting on this story for some time, and I just have to share. If there is anyone out there reading this that has had a similar experience I REALLY want to hear about it, because it was very surreal for me.

Well as many of you may know, Heather and I started by painting children's furniture for a local consignment shop in Seattle. Back then, about 8 or so years ago, neither of us created art on a consistent basis. It seemed like our stuff sold well, and as I created it, I wondered where it would end up--much like now. So this summer Heather and I were doing some mural work in Seattle, for a household that was admirable in their appreciation for art.

While Heather and I were setting up shop, I spotted something familiar out of the corner of my eye. Down the hall, in the middle of the reading room was a rubber duck step stool I had painted. It was so exciting. It was still loved and used after all of these years, and (if I do say so myself) has held up quite well. [The picture below, not so good, but you can at least see the stool].

my step stool friend in its environment

When I imagined this day, the day I randomly came across my art that someone had purchased, I imagined it would be one of my masterpiece paintings that I slaved over for months--but no, it was a humble little step stool.
It was very inspiring though. It was as if the logos were telling me my work was worthy and I should continue. It put a little hop in my paintbrush.

*On another note, I have some new links I'd like to post, but I'd also like to check with Heather and see if she has some too. Also, she's working on some projects...I'm eager to see.

(jen)

Petite Project & New Links

2008-11-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

These are a latest creation, hand-painted magnets, constructed from recycled materials (metal rounds and magnetic backing). Thanks to Britanny for the rounds--see I knew they were valuable.

As for the links this week: Heather has contributed two. These are two sites she finds inspiring.

1. smart mama's blog--cool ideas and her gallery is impressive (looks Klimt inspired).

2. decor8--"fresh finds for hip places"

As for me, I'm choosing:

3. daily candy--a publication to keep you apprised of any happenings in many major cities (including Seattle). My pick is the art section.

So there you have it--this week's 3.
Look right, and click away.

(jen)

Hello, is anybody there? Hello? Hello?

2008-11-10T22:49:00.000-08:00

hang up and try your call again 2006

So since my technical difficulties, I don't have any images to draw from (clean computer and all), so I thought I'd go through some discs to find images that would be important enough to keep in my files. As I did this I realized this is a good time to make a clean break and move on. It's been hard to be creatively prolific, due to life's happenings getting in the way (and I think I can make this statement on behalf of both Heather and I), but this is all the more reason to put down the books, set aside the dishes, tell the kids to fend for themselves [just kidding/ kind of] and simply create.

In the mean time, I posted this older mixed media/brown paper piece that actually ends up looking like Heather (the eyes).

*Posting an older piece makes me feel a little lame, because I know I haven't done anything in a few weeks--makes me feel a bit like an online dater that posts a really old picture.

(jen)

Technical Difficulties

2008-11-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

I don't like when this happens. My computer gave up, so I moved over to a back up. All is well, except I have no images to share, because they are all on the ill fated computer. I just wanted to give a little notice, because it could take a minute to get all the programs going again. In the meantime, imagine I'm humming some elevator music while you look at our blank screen.

(jen)

A Favorite Mural & new links

2008-11-04T20:07:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of a mural Heather and I recently did for a nursery. I was the photographer that day, so I apologize for the quality of the photo (but I'm not entirely to blame, it was also a gloomy rainy Seattle day, so I was working with limited light source). This work is designed by Heather and painted by me--a circus theme--which is actually a running joke with us. Heather loves circus themes; I think the fact she keeps suggesting them to clients helps her work through her deep seeded fear of clowns (notice no clowns?). We've both painted children's furniture in the past, and Heather was fortunate enough to be able to paint her walls while growing up, so that may have something to do with most of our murals being children's themes. We do occasional "grown up" designs, but mostly gravitate toward children's projects...they are the most fun clients to gain inspiration from.

As for this week's three links that don't stink:

20/20 Vision--Burien Arts Association art show, so this one is for the Seattle locals. *please note the $40*

Pierre Riche--cool sculptor.

Mo Willems--super funny author/illustrator. I actually once went to his book signing (Knuffle Bunny Too), while my kids were in school. I think I may have been the only grown up unaccompanied by a child, but it was worth it--he's so entertaining. *check out Pigeon Presents* and play hot dog dress up & Elephant and Piggie Dance Game

(jen)

Trees: The Ladies and Gentlemen of the Forest

2008-11-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

I might be crazy, but there is this tree I pass by everyday, and I feel like I know him. I've always had an appreciation of nature, but this tree caused me to realize how much trees resemble humans (or vice versa). I like to think of them as wise men and elegant ladies, with their arms stretched out--palms up, fingers delicately spread--and in the winter they catch puffy bits of snow. It's not surprising that now it's fall, the trees are dramatically making their presence known. The other day my kids and I stood beneath a canopy of very tall trees while hundreds of leaves rained down on us (with big gusts of wind), all the while trying to catch a leaf, which is harder than it sounds because they fall unpredictably.

When all of the trees finally lose their leaves, they're left unclothed and their essence is revealed--which is how I first noticed my tree friend.

Just so you know, he is not featured here; we once took a picture of him, but it was too dark and it didn't turn out, but when he sheds his leaves again, I am going to take a new picture, which is the point of this post; my new series will be entitled: Ladies and Gentlemen (inspired by trees).

(jen)

By the way, new links will be added in the next day or two, including at least one pick from Heather. Tune in.

2008 painting ispired by trees (above)

Only One Chance to Make a First Impression

2008-10-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

stratagem 2006 (jennifer culp)

Inspiration has come to step up the blog situation, and here's why:

The diverse crowd that visits our blog (various countries, states, and cities) is humbling and impressive; good effort should be made to present something worthwhile to those who stumble upon Menagerie...it's a small world after all.

For this reason, the hope is to keep it visually fresh. Some links have been added--only a few, because it can be overwhelming to come upon a huge list of links, Menagerie features 3 links...the three that are inspiring, (that day) for whatever reason...and they will be rotated on a regular basis, in hopes of not becoming stale.

An explanation of the three chosen today:

Two feature really great art, and KEXP is candy for the ears.
When visiting KEXP, you can stream live, or archive. Check out the various genres, there's something for everyone. Favorite pick: positive vibes/Kid Hops (Saturday the 25th was a good show).

(jen)

Art and Function

2008-10-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

I created these card holders for a few reasons:

*first, I was inspired by a gas card that wouldn't play nice with the other cards in my card holder, so I had to segregate it from the others so the swipey strip would continue to work.
*second, I think it's more fun to have something unusual to hold business cards (especially as an artist).

*third, I appreciate re-purposed/handmade, and assume others do too.

*fourth, I think this is a cool way to present a gift card.

These little works of art are fashioned out of vintage paper (with clear contact overlay for protection), yarn, and velcro (basically). Anyway, here's my little latest inspired endeavor.

(jen)

Enough with the mice already!

2008-10-24T15:10:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I was out Saturday night at my friend Lisa Norgaard's art gallery (www.norrgardsoptik.com), a reception for artist Tove PisaRelle--beautiful serene landscape painter. When I returned home, my daughter opened the door to greet me with, "you're just in time." Apparently a mouse had just run into her closet; we are becoming very efficient with the mouse capture/release program.

So again, here's crochet as therapy, although my creation isn't nearly as cute as our capture--he (or she) was a jumper, unlike the last one which was very docile.

(jen)