Inspiring Moth by my Studio

This little moth, and his friends, have been hanging out by the studio door since the weather has warmed up. Look at the shape of the wings and the flipped up tail - such inspiring forms.

I wonder what kind of moth they are.

***Updating to add --The UW-Madison extension entomologist says that it is the lettered Sphinx- Deidamia inscripta and that the caterpillars feed on grape. We have lots of wild grape here.

I'm a Featured Artist in May!

I'm going to be the guest artist at VIVA in Viroqua, Wisconsin in May. Join me at the reception this Thursday.

The Season of Love

It's the season for hearts - swirly whirly glorious girly hearts.
Does your beloved has a heart of steel?
Or is that you?

These are small Heart Art objects, available of course in my Etsy Shop. Click on each photo to go directly to the listing.

For the softer side...

These are not for sale. This is the kind of activity I do in the house for relaxation, when I can't work on metalwork. If you're looking for embroidered art hearts to buy, try this search.

Wisconsin Hoarfrost and Minnesota Workshop

I've been busy, but not too busy to stop and photograph this lovely morning sight

It was so cold all day long, but still, a tad bit warmer than the day before, and certainly warmer than 2 days before. 

The workshop went very well.  Here's a taste....

1. Guild Workshop '07 in MN -1, 2. Guild Workshop '07 in MN -4, 3. Guild Workshop '07 in MN -2, 4. Guild Workshop '07 in MN -3, 5. Guild Workshop '07 in MN -5, 6. Guild Workshop '07 in MN -6 Created with fd's Flickr Toys.
Minnesota is just the best place to teach a workshop.  The students are ready to learn and always surpass my expectations.  They teach me too.  You'll see, when I photograph the piece that I worked on as a demonstration piece....

Exhibit in Hudson, Wisconsin

My work is on display at Hudson Hospital in Hudson, Wisconsin, very close to the Twin Cities in Minnesota. It will be up officially from Nov 14th until February 10th. There is a reception on Friday Nov 16th from 6pm to 8pm. I won't be able to come to the reception. (I can't spend that much money on gas twice in one week!)

My work is in the specialty clinic, on display with a ceramist's work. You can get to it through the main doors to the hospital. It's a beautifully designed hospital with art and handmade touches all over, even in the lighting fixtures.

There is work by other artists displayed in other parts of the hospital.

Let me know if you go.

Now back to the 4 things I've promised to get done immediately after I delivered that work.....

Line tool design sample, on copper

I had a request for a line tool, to use for outlining designs. A variety of the line tools could work, but I recommended one about 4mm by less than 1mm, all rounded edges, yet a somewhat sharp tip. I did a little sample to make sure it would move in the way I was describing to the client.

The rounded edges make it more versatile. If you tilt it, just use the corner edge, you can move around curves. You can use it to make a single line, or you can keep pushing the line out to make a wider line. It also leaves a nice texture in the recessed areas. When doing a line, don't lift the tool on and off the metal. Leave it on the metal and let it move as the hammer taps, with your hand guiding its motion.

Parties, Mosaic Yard Art, and Studio Update

 I had so much fun going to the Arts Potluck at the Grandview Folk Arts Center in Hollandale, Wisconsin on Tuesday night.  ZenithJade and I stayed at Canyon Creek, with 2 other fabulous creative women.  Lynn owns and manages Canyon Park Cabin.  Linda is a fantastic artist that I met through our mutual interest in bas-relief techniques. 
  You can't beat accordion music at breakfast.  That place is for rent and is within driving distance of Madison, Chicago, Dubuque or the Twin Cities.  Accordion music and pleasant company not included with rental.   
 

Now, back to the Folk Arts Center.  So, Nick Engelbert (1881-1962) was an ordinary hardworking Wisconsin farmer.  After working hard all day on the farm, he spent his spare time creating mosaics from concrete and glass and ceramic shards.  In fact, he covered his entire house, an ordinary wooden farmhouse, with the mosaic.

He also created a lot of sculptures through his yard.  Here's one of a brown haired woman wearing a seashell bustier surrounded by dancing gnomes.  ( I took these pictures for you Formerprincess, and just for you. )

Here's the organ grinder and monkey.

There's more, but I had to go to the party.  Can you imagine that?  Nick Engelbert once said "If a man can't be happy on a little farm in Wisconsin, he hasn't the makings of happiness in his soul."  I believe him.  I also believe it's time to start making more yard art.

fyi- A group of concerned citizens has turned the Center into a foundation for rural arts education.  It's their mission that every child in that school district receive a full arts education.   I don't know the full story, but I do know they offer classes for kids in the area, accessible to all. 

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Now for my own studio updates.
Remember the felted soap entry? (on Xanga or on blogspot)
Here's what's left when all the soap is gone.  I cut mine open. 

Interpret it as you will

Here's a special order that I just completed and am getting ready to ship out.   
 
It is cast and then hammered to a rugged burnished finish.

Here's what's in progress, in the studio.

just waiting on the welding table....

I almost forgot - Greenman in progress