Jen Worden-Mixed Media Artist

Assemblage Challenge – Carla’s Stuff

Jen — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:52:51 +0000

Check out the coolio glasses!

Next up and currently on the “ponder table”, Carla’s stuff! Some very cool textiles including dyed cheesecloth, cowhide and lace edging. The glasses I might snarf for myself.

Only four more days of the Tour and then I’ll be back in the saddle again … the training saddle that is, as my knee feels ready to start tackling something other than walking. The last set of shots has taken longer to get over so I’m hoping those ligaments are finally tightened up for good.

Have a bunch of new projects to whet my appetite … an altered shoe show courtesy of Tricia’s Ten Women Gallery and my interest in canvas work has been peaked too. Took this photo of Granddog Figs & Stella hanging out watching the world go by and I can just see it as one of my scenics. Time to haul out the Epson to the studio!

Dog Days of Summer

On a roll…

Jen — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:35:26 +0000

… apparently. As the days start to heat up, I head to the studio which provides a bit of respite until 4 o’clock or so when EVERYWHERE just pulsates. Been hearing the tree frogs whine earlier and earlier each day. Dog days of summer indeed!

Anyway. On to Teri’s stuff!

A few years ago I did a collaboration with Deryn Mentock. She asked me to create an assemblage that would hold a necklace she’d created based on the theme Valley of the Bones. I loved the idea and indeed, enjoyed the finished product (you can see it here). As I kept pondering Teri’s objects, I was divided. I definitely wanted to incorporate that glass rod … swoon… but my initial idea of a piece of jewelry couldn’t fathom its weight. Then it occurred to me … assemblage AND jewelry. In doing so, I had to use a few key pieces of my own, but I’m pretty pleased how they both turned out. You be the judge!

Boxed angel

Necklace

Assemblage & Necklace

Judah and Teri, these will be sent out this week sometime! On to Carla’s stuff…

Assemblage Challenge – Teri’s Stuff

Jen — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:53:07 +0000

Currently on my “ponder” table:

Assemblage Challenge - Teri's Stuff

Teri’s stuff came so lovingly wrapped …

Teri's stuff lovingly wrapped

… and is a very interesting mixture of things she’s picked up on the streets, in the parking lot, on the beach (I think because one of the pieces was filled w/sand!) … concrete marked w/cross hatching, rubber circles, smooth pebbles, wee toys … the detritus that we overlook as we make our way through our days.

It’s going to be an interesting challenge to create something cohesive, something to honour … commemorate … these treasures. I’m waffling between standard assemblage and a piece of jewelry. Teri, do you have a preference??

In case you’re interested I’m also posting a better photo of Cynjon/Judah’s finished piece below.

Apocalypse Now

Jen — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:54:31 +0000

So there have been earthquakes in Ottawa, tornadoes in Midland and Jen is in the studio. Yes dear readers, the end IS nigh!!

Some of the unsold work that has been at The Flying Pig was returned to me, so I’m adding them to etsy. I figured, Why Not?!? But if you see something you like and for whatever reason don’t want to go through etsy but want that piece, lemme know and we can work out a deal!

Long-timers may recognize some of the mixed media pieces from artsomofo way back when – 2007? 2008? Ack! Can’t remember. A favourite of mine, if for no other reason than its title makes me smile “Sometimes A Frog Prince Is Just A Frog”, with the central metal piece dating back to when I did Stephanie Lee’s book project by project.

Sometimes a frog prince is just a frog - detail

And. AND! I finished Cynjon … Judah mea culpa Mr. Man! …’s assemblage challenge (hide your eyes if you want to stay surprised). I know. I can’t quite believe it either. Here’s the finished piece … a rather HORRIBLE photo but ’twill have to suffice for the time being.

Assemblage Challenge - Cynjon/Judah

Teri, your “parts” are being pondered on the table … can you BELIEVE it?!? I know. Me either!!

ETA: A MUCH better photo of Cynjon/Judah’s finished piece:

Assemblage Challenge - Cynjon/Judah's Finished

Holy Hell Part Deux

Jen — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:22:31 +0000

Keith Lobue's Poetical Modesty

Holy Hell!

Jen — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:20:08 +0000

Keith LoBue’s recent post “Poetical Modesty, Part I” is enough to make me throw up my tentative metal working tools/skills and give up the ghost. If you don’t visit Keith’s site, be sure to read this post at least. The enormity of his current project and the intricacy of the construction, not to mention his most amazing skills, is mind boggling. Here I am struggling to just wind wire and he’s making the next great “thing”. Zoinks!

Sketch of Poetical Modesty Copyright Keith LoBue

Hello? Hello? Anyone here??

Jen — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:54:02 +0000

Guess I’ve been pretty quiet. Seems I’ve hit a giant dry patch. The Muse has gone AWOL. I stressed and panicked for awhile. And then I just slipped into that wretched hole of shruggingness. You know the one? Where you end up giving up on yourself? You know that even putzing in the studio isn’t going to solve anything? Yep. I’m there.

So. I’m trying to resign myself to this stage. Trying to be good humored about it. Trying to remember that my Muse WILL return, usually with renewed interest and projects aplenty. Trying to be kind with myself and not descend into the blame game of …”But last summer you said you COULDN’T do anything because training was taking all your energy. You aren’t training so why aren’t you out there (pointing to the studio accusingly) WORKING?!?” Okay. So kindness hasn’t quite won. But I am trying!

So there’s something else to look at other than my whinging, here are some photos from my “Inspiration File”.

The collab that keeps on giving

Jen — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:04:38 +0000

After what seemed like months … well, okay, it WAS months … I finished my page in Seth’s “Contexture” and shipped it off. Keeping with my resolve to not use “the uzzhh” (aka the combination of Quinacridone Gold & Mars Black), I applied only variations of neutral papers, a splash of gesso and titanium white. Oh! How I longed to slosh a glaze or two of the uzzh. But I resisted. And added more whites. More textural elements using molding paste and thick paint pressed through sequin waste and plastic mesh. But I was really missing that contrast.

Perhaps it was the Olympic influence but I hauled out the reds. Kind of the furthest away from the grungy look I normally rely on. Initially I planted 3 squares at the bottom of the right hand page but hated it. Overpainted with titanium white then worked the cadmium red through the sequin waste. Hmmm. Not. Bad.

Here’s the full spread:

Now I have to get to my own book, “Shine”!

Another Assemblage Challenge done

Jen — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:20:43 +0000

I know. I know. It took me forEVER to finish this. But it has been sent off and I’m now playing with Cynjon’s contributions. Here are some photos of Fin’s finished piece (click to enlarge):

And here’s the finished piece:

Now on to work on Cynjon’s:

Razor Baby

Jen — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:45:30 +0000

This necklace has been sitting in front of me staring me in the face since my last post (oh! second to last post!). I knew I wanted to add a “head” to the bottom and I had one picked out but I couldn’t figure out how I was going to attach it. (it didn’t have any usable holes)

Out to the studio and found one of these frozen charlottes … I’ve actually made plaster casts of this wee one but wanted the aged look – not that I can’t age the plaster ones but well, I just wanted to use an original! … it already has holes at both arm & leg locations so it was simple to add wire.

I wanted the attachment to be clean – and the original head would’ve required more (besides I want to create a wire cage for her so she’ll have to wait for another incarnation!) – so a simple circle of flattened copper suited this baby well.

The copper mesh ribbon was a nice addition, I thought!

Something about the top still didn’t sit right. The transition from neckline to the flat of the razor felt …erm… uninspired. So I added a couple of chains w/some dangles for movement and interest.

I’m playing w/backgrounds for finished works. Can you help me? Which do you prefer? Wood or quilt? And do you like to see necklaces worn?