and now for something different

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)

catch of the day

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

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

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

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

the cheese stands alone

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)

dead ted & rita bonita

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?

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)

we girls and our art...

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:

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)

Under the big top of life.

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.

Little house.

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)

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

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

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)

Thank you friends for coming to see our art.

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

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)

just working out some issues

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)

A plea to the sun and 3 links

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)

Artwalk happenings

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.

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.

mixed media by jennifer 2009

Thank you Heather.

That's about all I can say.

love,

jen