ArtFest 2012

I recently returned from Port Townsend, Washington, where I attended Art Fest for my second time. I made new art and new friends, and what is better than that?

Here are some of the pieces I made:

I did this piece in Sunny Carvahlo's class "Story Pieces."

These two were done in Erin Faith Allen's Class "Soul Portrait Empowerment."

This pitiful looking thing was done in Michelle Allen's class "Dolls and Dudes."

Talent Search

The last few days have been pretty exciting!

I thought life would calm down as soon as school was out, but nope!

BAsed on her head shot, Eliza got a call-back for the H&M catalog model audition, so yesterday we drove to Bozeman and she got to meet the photographer and have a mini shoot. She was awesome, and they loved her. I will be surprised if they don't choose her for the catalog!

Another great turn of events is that they noticed Caroline with her and said, "Are you the big sister?" and Caroline said yes, but that she was not the right height to apply. Then the photographer told her, "Well, we will be back next year and we'll get you then."

Caroline was thrilled. Although she is excited for her little sister, she was feeling a little left out of all the fun.

Then, we got back home just in time for Jamie and me to get ready for the Holter Museum's annual Art Auction. I had a small piece in the silent auction, so I was a little nervous about whether or not anyone would bid on it!

I was tickled when three people bid on it and it sold for $85!

Today I will be int he studio working on a piece for an upcoming gallery show of portraits. Mine will be quilt portraits...at least that's the aim. I reserve the right to change my mind and collage, paint or mosaic a portrait if I decide to!

Lori In Chains

Okay, all I want to do is get down in my studio and CREATE!

But that's not exactly feasible.

My house is a wreck. The laundry pile is a mountain. There is no food in the pantry, or the fridge. The dogs need baths and exercise, as do I. Thank you notes need to be written and mailed. A pair of shoes needs to be returned. A check needs to be deposited in the bank. And most important, my daughters' talent show performances need to be directed and perfected.

I guess this makes me a desperate housewife.

Cigar Box Kokeshi Doll

I was invited by the Holter Museum of Art to take a cigar box and make it into a work of art to be auctioned at their June fundraiser, "Havana Nights."

I made my cigar box into a Japanese Kokeshi doll.

The Japanese scroll inside says,

"In the cherry blossom's shade there's no such thing as a stranger." ~Kobayashi Issa

Artsy Fartsy

For the last several years, well ever since I heard about it, I have wanted to go to an artists' retreat called Art Fest, which is held every spring in Port Townsend, Washington. I bring it up every year to my husband, who. like most men, doesn't get hints. He often doesn't get clear suggestions. It takes a physical blow or something like it for an idea to sink in, especially when it is one that requires change in his routine or money from his account.

So, while we were out for Thai food a few weeks ago, I decided it was time for my annual Bring-Up-Art-Fest conversation. Lo and behold, y'all, he said, "I think you should just go."

I said, "Excuse me? Do you have any idea how much it's gonna cost? After I pay for the classes and lodging and then meals and supplies and travel...it's gonna be more than a thousand bucks." He responded (God love him!), "Well, if I had the chance to go to Alaska to catch salmon, I'd go; and it would cost a whole lot more than a thousand bucks!"

I love this man!

So, I started choosing what classes I'm going to take and figuring out if I should drive the 13 hours or spend a few hundred more to fly. That's when I was feeling a little lonely about it. I mean, why doesn't god give me a friend or two who enjoy creating? All my friends are badass athletes or would never leave their families or have no extra money...none would do what it takes to join me for Art Fest.

But I do have one wacky, zany friend who loves to create. She is a single mom, though, so a lot of obstacles are there for her, but she is at least spontaneous.

I though of her immediately when I saw on a blog that there was an essay context and the winner gets a free trip to Art Fest. I called said wacky friend and told her about it. She called me back 10 minutes later and said she wrote up something and sent it in.

Well...she won! so we are going to Art Fest!!!!!

Today we are going to get together and try to come up with cool little knick knacks to join in the trading that goes on among the participants. I love the feeling of excitement building, getting my stuff organized and ready for something fun.

My one concern is that I will come back form this event and want to quit my job and be a full time artist.

It could happen.

Art Fest, Here I Come!

I'm finally going to Art Fest!

And I am so excited to get together with artist from all over and play and learn and laugh together in Port Townsend, Washington.

Go here and check it out:

http://www.teeshaslandofodd.com/artfest/info.html