DVArtist, Art, Food and Everyday Things

Friday Face OFF FFO

2026-11-06T01:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

A place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, photography, drawings, paintings, AI. There just needs to be a face in your blog post, a link back to my blog and please use the image below.

Thank you.

Oh I have been so busy with stuff. LOL

Other than fog we have been having very nice weather. Cold at night but the days are sunny.

I'm in the processes of making clay bells for another special order so today's faces are not mine.

Hope you enjoy.

And this is my youngest grandson and his lovely fiance.

He is in the Air force and going to University to become an MD. I'm so proud of him.

Here are some features.

Gene

Jeanie

I'll be joining Gillena

Now it's time to show me your face.
Nicole

Blue inside out

2026-11-05T08:55:17.210-08:00

Hi Everyone!

For those of your who don't live in the US and left me somewhat of downcast comments. I would like to share that the democrats didn't just win the senate and the congress seats.

In each state that has been dominated by republicans the democrats also won state seats. Dems clinched a majority of governors for the first time in 16 years. Democrats secured at least 12 new legislative chamber majorities in the 2026 midterms and captured at least 300 seats previously held by Republicans. Most notably, they picked up enough seats in both statehouse chambers in Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to secure trifecta control in those states, some for the first time in decades.

Nevada's 2nd Congressional District created in 1981 will flip to Democrats for the first time ever!

The state of Georgia!!!!! Women taking over.

Ohio dems won every state seat except auditor. The repeblican supermajority was broken by dems and the gerrymandering that republicans did backfired on them. Marcy Kaptur keeps her seat.

Ohio is now a blue state.

Can we talk Texas?

She beat Abbot

Governor, Lieutenant governor U.S. Senate, US House. Texas is Blue!!!!

But do you want to hear it from some who speaks it much better than I can write it? Check the video.

Yes, there is a LOT of work for Dems. The "thing" and his butt buddies have destroyed democracy as we knew it. The blatant corruption, the lies, the caring only for the mega rich have brought the US to its knees. But now there is hope! There is light! And the Dems that have been elected know that they have to make it better.
Nicole

It's blue baby

2026-11-04T06:01:20.653-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is a day of celebration!

This was not a twist of fate that happened last night. It was the PEOPLE showing up and letting Washington know we have had enough!

If you know me at all, you know that I am beyond thrilled.

This day will go down in history.

savor it.

Nicole

T Tuesday

2026-11-02T17:34:07.457-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is Tuesday and that means a day with Elizabeth and Bleubeard.

Sorry about Monster Monday. I was helping a friend.

Today I don't have much to show.

Here is a tiny witches broom. This hangs over my altar table.

I got this finished.

The day we had to drive to Eugene I got these photos. Inland we have a bit of a change with the leaves.

It was a very foggy day.

Like I said not much going on.

Here is my water drink.

Have a great Tuesday!

Nicole

No Monster Monday today

2026-11-02T01:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Sorry due to things out of my control there is no Monster Monday today.

I will have some for you next week.

Have a great Monday.

Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room SITAR

2026-11-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

SITAR is about ANYTHING art. Your art, someone else's art, writing, photography, the art of cooking, the art of sewing and textiles. Sharing historical art, street art, a story about art. Do you have a question or need help with art? Write a blog post and link it up here. We will all try to help with it. My only rule is that if someone asks for critique it must be done with generosity and consideration. This is a place of learning, encouragement and inspiration.

I'm writing this on Saturday evening waiting to see if any trick or treaters show up at my door. Of course since it is the night of nights I have Halloween art. These are all from Pinterest. I promise not too creepy.

and I thought this was so pretty.

That's if for me.

I will be joining Gillena

It's time to show me your art.

Nicole

Happy Halloween

2026-10-31T10:28:15.781-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Back in 2020, Rain had Thursday Art Date, TAD. For her Halloween week. I posted this village that I made just for TAD. Some of you may remember.

I had so much fun making this. You can see the original post here

What ever you do tonight be safe and have fun with all of the monsters.

Happy Halloween!
Nicole

Friday Face OFF FFO

2026-10-30T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

A place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, photography, drawings, paintings, AI. There just needs to be a face in your blog post, a link back to my blog and please use the image below.

Thank you.

I have finished all of the special orders except one. The lady that wants this spirit stick, explained that she wants it in a holder for her Altar. I told her no problem. I didn't want to use my DAS clay for the holder so I made some cold porcelain. It's really easy to make and drys hard without keeping it damp to dry.

The triangle strips are from an old painting I did. OK, not the whole painting. I really didn't like the painting so I cut the canvas and made the triangle for this spirit stick.

The top has 2 crystals embedded into the ceder stick.

I'm very happy with this. I even got my hands to do a bit of beading.

It's been awhile since my last batch of shrunken heads,

So, I dragged out one of my totes labeled "Skulls & Skeletons" and started piling things onto the table. I'm going to be honest with you, I have a HUGE stash of macabre oddities. Opening these bins is like early Christmas for a weirdo. ( yeah me) I completely forgot some of what is in there including these lovelies. I created these out of clay. With a bit of work I think I can make this a shrunken head

I really can't remember making this one. That is a mouth full of teeth.

I did find what I was looking for and have started the initial steps to creating my shrunken heads.

Now for something a little less creepy.

This next photo is for Elizabeth

The horse gently rocks back and forth.

This guy stands 3 1/2 feet tall. Along the way his tusks broke but he still has a good place in my home. I've often thought of repairing them but just haven't gotten around to it.

Ready for Halloween. Sorry back to creepy. I can't help myself.
He is a happy guy right? This is my side front window.

This is my front door window.

This is my front window. Too much glare. You can't see the wreath. I will have to try to get a better shot with the curtains closed.

It's time for some features.

Debra she who seeks

Iris

Louise

I'll be joining Gillena

Now it's time to show me your face.
Nicole

HTML

2026-10-28T08:05:08.080-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I had a different post up for today but something went wrong with my HTML. So I'm giving you this one.

The easiest homemade bread you will ever make.

This is just out of the oven.

and took less than an hour to make.

This calls for a double loaf but I cut it in half. Put all of the ingredients into a bowl or a kitchen aid in this order.

2 C lukewarm water, 1/4 C sugar or honey, 1 1/2 T yeast, 2 T melted butter, 5 to 5 1/2 C of bread or All purpose flour. 1 1/2 t salt. Mix in a mixer for 2 to 5 minutes, 10 minutes if by hand.

Cover with a warm T Towel and let rest for 20 minutes. Preheat the over 350°F or 176°C

Shape and put into a well greased loaf pan. There is no 2nd rise. Put some sort of wash on the dough. I just brushed with a bit of milk.

(however, I forgot to do that and half way in I removed from the oven and did the wash)

Bake for 20 - 30 minutes depending on your oven. The internal temp should be 190° to 200°

Allow to cool on a rack before cutting.

It's that easy.

My bread is still very hot so I will have to show you the how the crumb is in another post.

Nicole

T Tuesday

2026-10-27T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is Tuesday and that means a day with Elizabeth and Bleubeard.

Both Mr. M. and I are freezing. It's not that cold outside, 50°F, but it is rainy and windy and my house doesn't like this weather.

Now that I have all of my windows clean I need to put some insulation on them. That helps quite a bit.

For now thought, it's layers of clothing and lap blankets. buuuurrrr how is the weather where you live?

This week I've been going, going, going and getting things done like I'm 20 yo. I can't tell you how much I love this energy. I hope it lasts a very long time.

This week some of the food I made will be limited.

I'll tell you more on that later.

First we have air fried chicken legs, butternut squash and red potatoes.

Here I made Swiss Steak with fire roasted tomatoes. Mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts. The fire roasted tomatoes makes all the difference.

Then one night I made a turkey breast dinner, with mashed potatoes, my home canned string beans and my homemade home canned cranberry sauce. It was so good.

Now for the reason that these types of meals are going to be limited. Mr. M. had his kidney blood work results and all in all everything is very good. His gfr has come up putting him at a solid stage 3 CKD. The rest of his blood work was either better or stable. To keep it that way I need to exchange animal protein for more plant based protein. Next week you will see good food just different food.

Now for my drink.

Refreshing, ice cold sparkling water.

That is it for now. Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Nicole

Monster Monday

2026-10-26T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

As stated in yesterday's post. I'm so busy I can't believe all that I'm getting done around here. Yes, that means that lupus is at bay and I'm feeling great with lots of energy. This always happens to me when lupus takes a hiatus. What you may not know is when this happens, to everyone, with lupus is that it's hiding in some organ waiting to attack. It may take days, weeks or even years but it makes you think you are OK and then bam!!!

Here is the lupus monster.

Right now, I'm taking advantage of the good days.

Now for my other monsters.

I'm kind of obsessed with eyeballs.

There is something so sinister when kids are monstrous

These two reminds me of vampires.

Now for something soothing.

That's it for now. Have a very nice Monday.

Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room SITAR

2026-10-25T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

I will be very honest with you. I've been so busy helping Mr. M. winterize the house, cooking, and busy in my own art room that I am at a total loss of what to write today. Usually, I have an idea and start developing it during the week. Not this week. Sooooo after reading Tom's post for SITAR I decided to show you an Oregon Artist.

Lillian Pitt, a Native American sculptor

River Guardian. This is on the Lewis and Clark trail

10,000 years through art.

Check this link

Gifts from the Ancestors

I apologize, I'm so tired that this is all I have for now. I promise to do an in depth post on Lillian Pitt at a later day.

I will be joining Gillena

It's time to show me your art.

Nicole

Friday Face OFF FFO.

2026-10-23T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

A place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, photography, drawings, paintings, AI. There just needs to be a face in your blog post, a link back to my blog and please use the image below.

Thank you.

I'm just having too much fun. Special orders are finished and then I just made more art pieces.

Today I literally have no place to take photos. Bad lighting and art too long. So look beyond other things from my art room. LOL

One of the of the special orders is a magik wand. The lady that ordered this wanted the fringe on the side. Fine by me.

Close ups.

The weeds came from my natural area in my yard.

This is the top of the wand.

Next is the spirit doll that is another special order. With fringe she is 21" longs. This is called, "The Offering" She is holding in her hands sage.

Close ups.

She has great hair that hangs well past her dress.

She is very stylish.

The offering.

There is a lot of different fibers.

Homemade beads, and other homemade decorations.

Her hair is this very cool yarn.

Then I just went crazy.

This is the first one from the above photo. She is hanging from a small grapevine wreath.

Here is the fringe.

The second one is on a ring that I made.

She has lots of different bells

The last one is also made from a grapevine wreath.

I like all of the fringe on this one. The photo is sideways.

I actually have made more spiritual art pieces but will safe them for next week.

Now lets look at some features.

Dixie

Melbourn Street Photography.

Christine

I'll be joining Gillena

Now it's time to show me your face.
Nicole

T- Tuesday

2026-10-20T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is Tuesday and that means a day with Elizabeth and Bleubeard.

A note for help.

I know many of you visit Linda's Relaxing Lair. Norton will no longer allow me to click onto this site. I have no way to fix this and no way to get a hold of Linda to tell her about the problem. Could someone please let her know about this. Thank you.

Now to share with Elizabeth.

Wouldn't this be fun to have in the shower?

Or this for the front door? I would really like this.

This last week I steamed up a big plate of veggies.

Then put it all in a pan with a butter sauce. Veggies are so filling. Sorry this photo is blurry.

One night we had an open face meatball sandwich.

Garlic honey glazed chicken with rice and string beans.

I don't know about where you live but here we have the WORST selection of bread, especially burger buns. There is the store brand which are so small they might as well be sliders. Then there is Franz which are dry and horrible. So I went on the search for a good burger bun recipe. I have tried this before and they turned out NOT great. So last night I put together the recipe and.... OH yeah this is it. They turned out so good that I will never by buns again. These are soft but firm. They will not fall apart and tender on the inside.

Today I made homemade sloppy joes with homemade buns and curly fries. I like mine with a bit of cheese and lettuce.

With all of these meals both Mr. M. and I had good ol' cold water.

That is it for now. Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Nicole

Monster Monday

2026-10-19T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

Yesterday I put my vote into the drop box. I'm thankful that it's located outside the police station. No problems here. Oregon is 100% mail in ballots since 1998. It makes it so easy.

My week starts with my favorite kind of monsters, skeletons.

I think this one is just turning.

Here are some images to make you happy.

Elephants do make people happy.

And then there are these colorful pieces.

That's it for now.

Have a good Monday.

Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room (SITAR)

2026-10-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

Today we are going to look at

Francisco Goya.

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker. He is considered the most important Spanish artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His paintings, drawings, and engravings reflected contemporary historical upheavals and influenced important 19th- and 20th-century painters.
He was born March 30, 1746 and died April 16, 1828. He studied painting from age 13 under José Luzán y Martínez and moved to Madrid to study with Anton Raphael Mengs. He married Josefa Bayeu in 1773. Goya became a court painter to the Spanish Crown in 1786 and this early portion of his career is marked by portraits of the Spanish aristocracy and royalty, and Rococo-style tapestry cartoons designed for the royal palace.

His art went from this style,

To this dark style.

He had a severe and undiagnosed illness in 1793 that left him deaf, after which his work became progressively darker and more pessimistic. His later easel and mural paintings, prints, and drawings appear to reflect a bleak outlook on personal, social, and political levels and contrast with his social climbing which was extensive.

There is so much history on Goya that I figured this would be the best way to tell it. Ya know, much better than I could.

Or this.

That's it for now.

I hope you watched the videos.

I will be joining Gillena

It's time to show me your art.
Nicole

Friday Face OFF

2026-10-16T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

This is the place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, photography, drawings, paintings, AI. There just needs to be a face in your blog post, a link back to my blog and please use the image below.

Thank you.

I need to sit down and draw, but I have another special order so it will have to wait a bit. People do like Halloween.

Also the last 2 days we have had to turn on the heat to take the morning chill off the house. Then today we get this in the shade. We don't hit 80° in summer, so weird for Oct.

I needed some clay faces for my order. I pulled my molds out and then realized I had some faces made. Somewhere.

I did find them, ya know right where I left them last year.

These are old and some of you may remember them.

Some are made with molds some made by hand and then I make a mold for them

These don't have faces but they are the spirit pieces I use to embellish art.

Here is some pretty art from Pinterest.

Now for some features.
Carola

Kwarkito

I'll be joining Gillena

Now it's time to show me your face.

Nicole

T Tuesday

2026-10-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is Tuesday and that means a day with Elizabeth and Bleubeard.

The other day my friend called and asked if we could meet up the next day. This is my monthly group of ladies. I said sure. I also thought I have nothing to bring. We all bring a little something to munch on. I checked my pantry and there was a box of white cake mix.

Perfect. I put that into a bowl then added a pint of my home canned applesauce. I make it chunky. I stirred that up.

Then put the mixture into large muffin pan and added some streusel into each muffin.

The girls loved them.

This is the way to make muffins. They are so moist and OMG good.

Mr. M. has been doing really well so what does he get when he dose well with the CKD eating? You know it, Pizza. I don't put sauce on it just a bit of grapeseed oil over the dough.

Last week I got into my car and noticed that there was a crack clear across the windshield at the very bottom of the glass. Are you kidding me? Thank the gods we have glass coverage. My insurance likes to deal with Safelite. Fine by me. Of course the main office is in Eugene but as advertised they came out to my house.

Getting the glue cut.

The young man was very good and so precise.

It took less than 2 hours and he was done.

I'm very impressed with Safelite and will always use them if needed.

We are also getting the house ready for winter. Mr. M. has the gutters cleaned. They gather so much sand and leaves. He also washed the outsides of them. Living on the Pacific coast there is so much moss and mold and icky that gathers on homes. And lets not forget an old birds nest.

Mr. M. got it all spic n pan.

My drink for today is,

Good ol' water.

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Nicole

Monster Monday

2026-10-12T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

The start to a new week. It feels like this month is flying by.

Here are some monsters for today.

These aren't mine. I couldn't resist the eyeballs though.

Here are some beautiful aliens.

and some alien landscapes.

That's it for now.

Have a great Monday.

Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room (SITAR)

2026-10-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

I was struggling on what I would share today, while working on this years witches hat.

It's no where near finished but I like the way it's coming along.

With so many different styles of witches hats that can be purchased or made these days to wear or use as decorations, I realized I didn't know how witches hats got started in the Americas.

Tall, black, conical hats, the style we all associate with witches were first brought to America in the 17th century by English settlers. In particular by Quaker women who faced intense religious persecution and suspicion from mainstream Puritans. (men) The Quaker women were viewed with distrust as they preached spiritual equality.

16th century image.

Puritans, both men and women wore this style of hat, historically known as capotains or steeple hats. They were standard, respectable fashion.

The Quackers however, were a rival christian sect that the Puritans viewed as dangerous heretics.

( There is a whole story on Puritan laws and women's dress.) I may write about that at some point.)

For now

In 1692 when the Salem Witch Trials erupted the target wasn't a specific garment, but rather marginalized women who did not conform to societal expectation. Such as the poor, the elderly, or women who inherited property independently.

I will say now that it wasn't just Quaker women who were fighting for equality, there were some Puritan women as well.

The connection of the "witch costume" came later. By the 18th century the steeple hat was no longer in fashion. However, the cultural memory of those not-conforming persecuted women remained. When artist or printers wanted to draw a "witch" or social outcast, they illustrated them in outdated steeple hats to make them look strange, backward and sinister.

Most of the images for 18th century art are licensable. So you can look them up on google if you like.

An engraving.

I have left out a lot of witch history but wanted to give you an idea of how we got to witch hats for today. I find that women are obsessed with making them.

Here are a few.

Pinterest and Tik Tok have many instructional videos on how to make a witch hat. Easy instructions from paper mache, to cardboard, to foam to crocheting, to sewing.

Here are a few from youtube. Once you have the basic pattern you can make any size, out of any material.

I hope you try making a witch hat.

That's it for now.

I will be joining Gillena

It's time to show me your art.

Nicole

Friday Face OFF (FFO)

2026-10-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

This is the place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, photography, drawings, paintings, AI. There just needs to be a face in your blog post, a link back to my blog and please use the image below.

Thank you.

I have two new skull pieces finished for this week. They are pretty basic but I like how they turned out.

The fun part of creating the dead is that any anything can happen. Like have bloody sores.

And scorpions coming out of the mouth. I do like the way his teeth turned out too.

This one is pretty plain but I love the way his corpsy skin turned out.

And of course there always has to be a vampire somewhere in the mix.

I really like his dead skin. The flat spaces.

and then the bumps and folds and ridges of the skin.

I had to do some work on this skull by adding more to his jaw with clay. Once that dried I could add the skin.

So much fun!!!!

I'm not quite finished with the hanging skull. I do like how she is coming along though.

I have to give her new teeth. I don't really like these.

Here are a couple of cuties for you.

Those are my faces for today. How about some features?

Andrea

From the Sol

Erika N

BioArtGAl

That's it for now

Don't miss

Sunday in the Art Room.

I will be joining Gillena

Now it's time to show my your face.

Nicole

I can't believe I was a winner

2026-10-07T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm one of those people who never wins anything. Except for Bingo. LOL

Other things I just don't seem to have any luck at. Until the beautiful Mia from Craftartisita had a drawing and I was one of the winners.

I wrote to Mia thanking her and telling her she did not need to send me anything since I live in the US and she lives in Greece. I told her I was just thrilled to have been one of the winners. However, Mia being the thoughtful person that she is sent me a package and I received it yesterday. I can't be more happy with what she sent to me.

First Mia made what she calls a wallet. It is beautifully made.

The eye balls are perfect for me. Look at this stitching. This is the inside of the wallet. Very impressive.

Along with that she sent a blank book. I love blank books. Look how lovely the cover is.

In addition with all of that she sent an oven mitt and hot pad. I told Mia they are to pretty to use in the kitchen and I just might frame them.

Last but certainly not least this beautiful card.

I think my luck has changed for the better.

It also reminded me how all of us that create art have many different skills. Not just the ones we tend to show on our blogs. I had no idea Mia is an expert seamstress.

Thank you Mia for your kindness and your generosity.

Nicole

T Tuesday

2026-10-06T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is Tuesday and that means a day with Elizabeth and Bleubeard.

I did some baking this week.

Why? I'm blaming Mae. You know Mae form Mae's Food Blog. A week ago she showed a piece of toasted cinnamon swirl bread with raisins. I don't know why but all I wanted was a piece of that bread. I had to get a few things at the store and put the bread on my list. OMG!!!!! There is only one brand and I don't even remember what brand name it is. The price was just under $5.00 and the loaf had 14 slices of bread! Uhhhh no way. I will go home and bake my own.

Yes, my loaf is crooked but who cares?

I have to tell you this recipe is by far the best bread of any kind I have made.

First the rise was perfect.

I baked it in a large loaf pan that has this design on the bottom

Here is the inside. Mr. M. doesn't like raisins but he told me to go ahead and put them in. He ended up liking them. The crumb is also perfect.

Toasted with butter and I was in heaven. (sorry about the shadow)

Since I made this on our anniversary we have named this,

"Anniversary Bread."

Here is the recipe.

This makes 2 loaves or one big one.

You will need;

3/4 C warm water 110°F

2 1/4 t active dry yeast (1 packet)

1/2 C milk warmed to 110°F

1/3 C sugar, 3 T butter melted

1 egg room temperature

4 - 4 1/2 C of APF

1 1/4 t cinnamon, 1 t salt.

Filling

1/4 C sugar, 1 T cinnamon.

Place water in mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast over the top. Stir gently to combine. Let stand 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. Beat in milk, sugar, butter and egg on low with the mixer. On low beat in 2 C of flour until mixture is nice and smooth. Continue adding flour, salt, and cinnamon a little at a time until the dough is smooth. You may not need all of the flour. Switch to a dough hook and continue mixing for another 5 minutes. Or you can knead by hand.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for up to 2 hours or until it doubles in size. Punch down and knead just a few times on a lightly floured counter or cutting board. Roll dough out to a 9x20 inch rectangle. The narrow end should be as wide as your loaf pan. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and then sprinkle over the dough. At the narrow end start to roll up the dough tightly. Pinch edges well to seal.

Tuck the ends under slightly and place in a pan that was sprayed with butter flavored oil. Cover and let rise another hour or until double. P

Preheat the oven to 350°F 180°C.

Back for 30 to 40 minutes. The inside temp should be 195° Or you can test the loaf by tapping on it, when is sounds hollow it is done. Let cool in the pan 5 to 10 minutes before transferring it to a rack.

I made a huge loaf, I had to bake mine for 60 minutes.

If you try this you will not be sorry. Let me if you do.

My drink for today is,

I haven't had a 7up in I don't know how long. It is so refreshing.

Have a great Tuesday.

Nicole

Monster Monday

2026-10-05T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

I have been busy, busy, busy. I'm feeling very well these days and it is a joy to get things accomplished without pain and everything else lupus has to offer. LOL

I spent some time on Night Cafe. I mentioned awhile back that Night Cafe AI image site changed just about everything. Most of all things change for the non paying people, like me. It now takes so long to have an image generate that it's frustrating to create there. However, the other night I did.

Monsters for today.

Here are a few pretties.

Just because I feel a bit witchy.

That's it for now.

Have a great Monday.

Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room (SITAR)

2026-10-04T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

Before I get started yesterday Mr. M. and I celebrated 46 years together.

Wow! That went by so fast.

Now for SITAR.

Today I want to introduce Marjorie Strider. Pop Artist

When we think about Pop Art the names that come to mind are Andy Warhol or Roy Lichtenstein. Women Pop Artists remained behind the scenes, for one single reason. The art scene of the time promoted the myth of the male "artist-as-genius," sidelining women into the periphery of galleries and museums. Art critics often trivialized female perspectives. As art historian Lucy Lippard noted, male artist making work about the kitchen or household items was seen as pioneering Pop Art. Where as women doing similar art was dismissed as "cute" or domestic.

Marjorie Strider was born in Guthrie, OK. January 26, 1931

Marjorie knew at a young age exactly what she wanted to do and that was to make art. Later in her life in an interview she stated.

"I never wanted to be anything but an artist."

Girl with the radish

She pursued her passion formally by studying art at Oklahoma State University and the Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. After college Marjorie did moved to Knasas City and spent two years designing creative commercial window displays for the Robinson Shoe Company. She said this experience helped her hone her understanding of spatial design and three-dimensional forms.

Tierra del Fuego, 1982 Mixed media sculpture with aluminum, acrylic, glitter and sequins.

216x140cm Galerie Gmurzynska

As Marjorie began creating large instillations she moved to using urethane foam.

This medium allowed her to cast much lighter, bulbous, and free-flowing organic shapes—such as oozing liquids or exaggerated anatomical features—that could protrude multiple feet out from the wall.

Installation view of the exhibition "Marjorie Strider: Tower Project" at the Clocktower

February 26 - March 13, 1976. MoMA PS1 Archives, I.A.50. The Museum ofModern Art Archives, New York. INPS1.46.2. Photograph by Jonathan Dent.

In 1957, she moved to New York City. By the early 1960s, she grew incredibly bored with traditional, flat canvas painting. To break the monotony, she began experimentations she called "build-outs" attaching wood, cardboard, and Styrofoam to her paintings so the imagery literally burst out into the room. This unique hybrid of painting and sculpture caught the attention of the mainstream art world and launched her into the legendary 1960s Pop Art scene.

Marjorie applied her artistic concepts to everyday consumer goods and nature. She crafted oversized pieces, like structural radishes and asparagus stalks rising off the dark backgrounds.

Venetian blinds buckled and warped by flowing blue matter and Coca Cola cans pouring out thick solid waves of pink foam. Through these build-outs, she humorously attacked the male-dominated status quo of Pop Art. She actively changed how viewers interacted with space and form.

In 1964, Pace Gallery, in New York, set up and exhibit with Marjorie alongside Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. The landmark exhibition titled, "The First International Girlie Show" opened in January. The group show was highly coordinated, tongue-in-cheek artistic statement that brought together 10 prominent Pop artists to explore the theme of the American pin up girl.

Instead of being overshadowed, Strider actually became the standout star of the show.

Strider's comically provocative build-out painting, Girl with Radish, was chosen by the gallery as the official banner and marketing image for the entire exhibition.
While the male artists were painting pin-ups from a position of voyeurism, Strider used her 3D "build-outs" to push the women's physical features into the viewer's space—satirizing the sexual objectification of women and aggressively confronting the male gaze.

The show was an immense critical and media success, heavily covered by television and newspapers. It solidified Pace Gallery's presence in New York and launched Strider's career, leading directly to two subsequent solo exhibitions for her at the gallery.

Marjorie had a highly successful and prolific 50 year career, though its trajectory followed a path common to many pioneering female artist of her generation.

Marjorie Strider died on August 27, 2014 at the age of 83.

I hope you enjoyed meeting Marjorie.

That's it for now.

I will be joining Gillena

It's time to show me your art.

Nicole