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Sunday, February 15, 2009

With Heartfelt Thanks!

I can hardly believe it's been over a week since I last posted. Well, when that happens you know I'm out of sorts as I'm normally pretty reliable....normally. This week has been the exception to the rule with me feeling like total junk, run down, congested, body aches...blah blah blah blah blah. Add that to having to work on opening a new branch, get adjusted to a new schedule, and a few other misc. things added in and you have my excuse as to why I haven't posted.

I did manage to get to the Carolina Mixed Media Guild meeting on Thursday, lucky thing as I was to present a demo on using acrylic mediums to add texture to mixed media paintings. I debated on whether or not to cancel. I really really wanted to have the opportunity to do the presentation but with feeling so ill I could barely muster the energy to get dressed and get to work let alone work on a presentation and samples. Well, somehow I did it even though I wasn't at a 100%, and I actually survived! :)

broken
This is one of the samples I brought to the monthly meeting. 4 x 6 mixed media collage on canvas, using acrylic paint, papers, stamps, graphite pencil & washes, gesso, then for my feature technique-I used tar gel to create a unique image transfer. This piece is called "Broken"--which is basically how I've felt for a long time, brokenhearted if you will so I thought it appropriate to use a portrait of myself over top a little journal writing which lets my constant questioning of 'why' come out in my art. I've pretty much moved past this time in my life, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have sadness over what could have been....

The uniqueness of using tar gel for an image transfer is the fact you only need one coat of the gel over top of the image. With most gels, you need to use typically 4 coats to get a good transfer, letting each dry for a day before adding the next coat. With tar gel, one coat does the trick! For this image I used an inkjet print sprayed with workable fixative to set the ink. I added a layer of gel and then let dry overnite before peeling the paper off the back of the print to acheive the image/skin.

Valentine box Penny made for our cards
Another good reason to go to this month's CMMAG meeting was our ATC Valentine's Day swap. Penny our new President made these uber adorable goody boxes to hold our treasures. After my demo, everyone started the ritual of trading cards and ohhhhing and awwwing everyone's beautiful creations. It was so much fun! I truly felt like I was back in grade school!
My Valentine ATC's
These are samples of the ATC's I made for the group. I collaged canvas paper, used a brayer loaded with 3 colors and then adhered fabric/paper hearts I made then finished off by adding some text and a little decorations with gel pens. Lots of fun!!
ATC's received from the CMMAG Valentine Swap
Enjoy a sampling of other members cards--each and everyone was totally unique!
ATC's received from the CMMAG Valentine Swap

Awww...Debbie's included a sweet treat!

ATC's received from the CMMAG Valentine Swap
What a great way to spend the Thursday before Valentine's Day, don't ya think?? I appreciate those that were at our meeting and put up with my feeling under the weather, it was thrilling to be able to do a presentation amongst such a talented group of artists! Thank you again for support :)

***
Some sad news to report--my step mother in Florida is not doing well at all..things don't look good unfortunately. Out of the blue, her heart stopped and she went into seizures one night last week--she has spent the last week on life support and nothing seems to be working. No answers as to why this happened or even any forwarning. According to my father, the evening was normal, laughing, joking, spending time with the family, went to bed, hugged good night and said their love for one another then next thing he knew, she was having seizures (never happened before). It doesn't seem fair to have no warning, or is that a blessing? Please keep my father and my step sisters and all in your thoughts and prayers if you will. Life will not be the same for them.

11 comments :

jodi said...

Am sorry about your step mom.

The cards are beautiful!!

Heidi said...

Sad news about your step mom. I"ll keep her and your family in my prayers.

Artsnark said...

Will be thinking about you & your family, Jodi.
Thanks for sharing those cute cards

Patti Edmon Artist said...

so sorry about your father and step-mother! it's so hard to know how quickly life really can change; i'll all of you in my prayers.
blessings... xo

Dinah said...

Get well Jodi. I'll keep all of you in my prayers too.

Kathy said...

Jodi~
I will indeed say a prayer for your step-mom and dad. So sad, life can change in a blink of an eye!
I hope the news is better soon...
~xx~
Kathy

pinkglitterfae said...

Jodi I am so sorry to hear this. I know you haven't been feeling great, and now your step-mom.
Life is so fragile, I guess this is just a reminder to us, to do whatever it takes to make our lives joyful while we still can. You're family is in my prayers
(((hugs)))

Alisa Nordholt-Dean said...

So sorry to hear about your step-mom. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Kim said...

Jodi my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Hugs to you.

I just realized I didn't have your blog link on mine! Yikes...going to add it now.

My Journey to Hope said...

I really like your piece "Broken." It's so vulnerable, especially with your picture and pieces of letters. Thanks for sharing!

-Michelle

nikki said...

first off...im sorry about your step mom...i hope all is well...she will be in my prayers...second...i am IN LOVEEE with those atcs....just amazingly crafted!!! im very inspired by them!! gorgeous!!!