PLUM, located in the heart of historic Shepherdstown, WV, features handmade jewelry and accessories, also wall art. Imagine a brick-and-mortar Etsy. I loved PLUM as soon as I stepped in the door, it looks and feels like it belongs in San Francisco – a town near and dear to my heart.

And if you haven’t been to Shepherdstown, it’s worth the trip. It’s a very creative, attractive, tiny college town that reminds me of so many cool places that I’ve been. You’ll find it is less than a 2 hour drive from Washington DC.

My work The Journey is now available through PLUM (above the black & white photographs). The pieces are being sold individually for $150, you can buy 2 or more for $125 each or the full set of 9 is being offered for $925. Please contact PLUM directly to purchase: 304-876-2200

Cari Aliveto Rosen, designer and owner of PLUM, crafts one of a kind sterling silver pieces completely by hand. She specializes in hand stamped jewelry, which gives clients an opportunity to customize their jewelry.

I love the set of earrings on the right, the miniature barrels have an industrial feel, reminding me of some type of pipe fittings. I imagine them feeling smooth and solid to the touch, with a nice weight to them.

PLUM also features the architectural photography of David Rosen. David captures the beautiful historic buildings of Shepherdstown, then performs magic on the photos to create one of a kind works of art.

I like David’s art because of the intense, saturated colors. Also, many of his pieces have these otherworldly technicolor clouds that seem to reflect the storms of excitement and passion I find inside myself.

Today I am taking the set “The Journey” to show a boutique, hoping they will show my work. I’ll let you know how that goes. Also, I am going to The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in Frederick, MD to scope out their gallery spaces – I am going to submit a proposal for a solo show and they suggest that the artist ‘choose’ their gallery (of course they will actually decide) and so I want to take measurements and some pictures and figure out what size I might like to work with in those spaces.

I have not been painting much recently, for a variety of reasons. None that great I have to admit. I think I just got caught ‘out of the flow’. I have seen this with myself before, and that once I’m out of the energy of creating it takes a certain amount of force to step back into it. I have been here for a few weeks now, and the pressure build up is getting to be too much. This morning while still laying in bed, I could see and feel the creative energy moving around inside of me in a circular motion, something like a river being dammed up.

I feel newly committed to ‘polishing the lamp’, to do whatever I have to do to get back in the flow of the art. I feel so much happier, richer, more YES when I do.

Also, I came across a recent obituary for Helen Frankenthaler – !! – An Abstract Expressionist painter that I had never even heard of before and whose work feels like mine (at least to me). I feel newly inspired to paint on raw canvas, in addition to the heavily layered mixed media pieces that I have been concentrating on. I used to do diluted acrylic washes onto loose, unprimed canvas a few years back, but eventually stopped b/c I didn’t know how to frame them and the art sat dormant in storage forever. I now feel the opening to A) stretch them onto bars after painting them and/or B) learn how to frame art properly, i.e. put them under glass (having someone else frame them at the size I’m looking at is prohibitive). And, I really want to learn all about Helen and her art.

I want to comb through the ‘local museums’ – all the ones that I can easily see in a day or perhaps a weekend. (I did mention that I live ridiculously far out and away from any major city didn’t I?) I want to see Helen’s work in person, I want to drink her art in. I also want to find some of Jackson Pollack’s art. They both painted on raw canvas and then found a way to frame and hang their works. I really want to learn about this…

I have to run now, busy day – I hope you have a great weekend!!

PS – feel free to email me or to comment here. I received a lovely email from someone I connected with on Twitter, I was happy to hear how my work and writings have inspired her. Love to hear from you!

The artwork is mine, from 2010 sometime. It is postcard size, acrylic over raw canvas, apparently I called it “The Dollop”.

I am super excited about starting a new year. What a great feeling it is to have a clean plate before me, to start life new in a way. I feel so much buoyancy and momentum within me, even though it’s Winter and I’m usually slow and low this time of year. ;)

I can feel and see the wide-open raging river of creativity inside myself like I have not seen it in a while. It is *so* powerful! I see this image of stylized ivy growing, blooming and bursting forth in an amazing palette of colors. I love the Creativity within myself! I have a new commitment to really LIVING my love and passion for color.

One way this is already showing up is in my home. Since having triplets almost 7 years ago I haven’t had the time or energy to care for and create my home. Most of my home-time has been used strictly for cleaning (and let me tell you, with triplets there is a high cleaning demand). I already gave my living room a once-over, rearranging furniture and considering colors and details that I haven’t even thought about before. Taking a few steps in the right direction feels so good.

Something I haven’t shared with you before is my love of clothes. It comes from the same passion I have for art and color, but with a more personal experience. I have had dreams about clothes and original clothing designs for years. I considered going to fashion school a few times along the way… I guess now as far as clothes go, I am more interested in really developing my own personal style (and wardrobe) *and* I want to help other women embody and express their true essence and deep beauty through their clothing and personal appearance. I have already helped a friend of mine: a singer-songwriter who wanted to develop her physical and visual presence while on stage. I will be posting notes and pictures soon.

I also expect this to be a banner year for me in Art. I plan to take on several new commissions, I’ve already ordered supplies for one and have several others in the works. I will be applying for a solo show at a local Visual Art Center. So far I have only had shows at coffeehouses, which have served me well but I’ve stayed with them longer than necessary. I have been talking with the owner of a delicious art-boutique about joining their family of artist-craftspeople – fingers-crossed. I don’t know what else is coming my way, but I want, I need, to create and be creative. And I can feel myself opening to both receive and give more of the goodness…

So much momentum right now – I hope that you too are excited and gushing with the dawn of 2012 and it’s array of new opportunities. Any new goals or aspirations you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them.

By special request, I’ve compiled this listing of all available “minis”. I started making these miniature mixed media works in the Spring of 2009. I initially created them one at a time, now I make them in groups of up to 10.

Each piece is approximately 6 x 8 inches, framed. One can be purchased for $150, two or more for $125 each.

These small pieces are quite lovely in that they can be displayed separately or in groups of 2, 6, 9, 20 – whatever fits your mood and the intended space. Mix and match colors from the different sets to suit your decor.

I enjoy working at this intimate size and will continue creating “minis” to be sold in singles and sets. Start your collection today!

Click on thumbnails to view the artwork at a larger size.

Horizontal

Vertical

Also, take a look at “The Journey“, a newly-completed series of 9 minis that is currently being offered only as a set.

The Journey ~ A Story in 9 Parts
acrylic, paper, ballpoint pen on board
each panel 6 x 8 in, individually framed
$150 each / $125 each – 2 or more / $925 all 9

This series is now available through PLUM in Shepherdstown, WV. Click here for details.

Getting Started portrays a girl whose life is beginning anew. Her coat of many colors speaks to a history filled with ups, downs and uncertainty. She is at a crossroads in her life and is waiting for Guidance.
The Directory is in response to her prayer. It is a spiritual map, with hints, references and visual clues that will open only when she is ready.
Reaching Beyond is the striving. The child has the Jewels in her heart, and she wants to know them so badly. She has been given the vision and it is hard for her to be patient.

The Mystic comes forth and gives Her Wisdom, offering space to breathe deeply. All will happen in Life’s Perfect Timing.
Free to Move is freedom from the inner labyrinth of fear and limitations. She races forward, hair billowing behind her. At this moment our girl knows no doubt.
Refusing to Give is a test. The vision is in her heart. There is desire. Will she have the stamina to stay the course even when faced with adversity? How will she make it through?

The Opening is a breath of fresh air. The next step has been taken and life expands once again, there is ease, the water is flowing. Her heart swells.
Raw Abundance is a treasure trove. Our girl discovers riches beyond her wildest imagination. Gems of Truth, Love and Certainty, found only in the heart. She will never be alone again.
Portraiture radiates confidence. Our heroine has completed her journey. But there will be many more as she has now tasted the joy and satisfaction of spiritual accomplishment.

Has your heart taken you on a challenging journey lately? How did you handle it? What did you discover about yourself that you didn’t already know?

Click on the thumbnails below to see enlarged images of the artwork.

Last night I went to DISH Bistro in Charles Town, WV to give an “Artist Talk”. Never have I gone out of my way to speak in front of a room full of people that I have never laid eyes on before. In the days coming up to the talk, I imagined myself presenting to a room of 10 or 15 people. I would go back and forth between being nervous (even panicky) and feeling confident when I would connect with that yummy place inside myself. The reality of the situation was actually very different than I had envisioned… This is usually the case isn’t it?

There were only a handful of people in the restaurant when I arrived. I set up for a couple of minutes, tried to look busy for a few more, met the folks at the bar, and found out that Mary, the person who had won my art at the 6th Annual Art for the Animals charity auction had come to the talk.

While I was imagining speaking in front of a small crowd of people, in reality I had an intimate talk with Mary and her 18 yr old daughter Shannon, a graphic design / art student at the local U about, well – Art.

While I could feel and hear those dreaded “what an abysmal failure” voices trying to push into my psyche, I kept my focus on what was Real. I stepped out of my comfort zone. I invited all sorts of people to come and witness me being vulnerable. I made a lot of new contacts. I tested the waters. I was nervous, but I did it. And now I am looking for the next step to take. It seems as though just saying “yes” to my inner guidance has given me more than having a whole room full of eyes staring back could have ever given me, especially since I’m new at this and the mere thought of that is daunting…

Thank you Mary and Shannon so much for coming to see and hear me last night, for spending time connecting with me and for allowing me to connect with you. I really enjoyed our time together.

Already on the ride home last night I could see good things coming from putting myself out there and holding a *talk*. I could feel that I should be out there giving talks quite often, and maybe even teach art classes and workshops. And while some of these ideas are down the road a bit, the baby steps I took last night and working up to last night helped things to move. I have the image of one bike pedal being pushed down the other pedal swinging back up to the top – propulsion and momentum. I just moved forward a bit.

Top of the page: Heaven’s Haze, the artwork that Mary selected to take home from the Winner’s Choice Art Giveaway. And, oddly enough, at home this morning – from a collection of about 25 entries, I drew Shannon’s name for the other Art Giveaway.

TOPIC: “My Dog Could Paint That”, an oft-heard sentiment addressing the common belief              that abstract artists don’t have any *real* talent and that Abstract Art doesn’t have              value b/c it’s not *real* art. This along with the the relative question, “What IS Art?”              anyway??
WHEN: Sunday, Nov 20th, 6:30 pm
WHERE: DISH Bistro, 213 W Washington St, Charles Town, WV 25414

I am giving away 2 of my postcard-size mixed-media pieces.

GIVEAWAY #1
“Long Bodies” (just above) is to be given away. This piece is currently displayed as part of a 20 piece installation at the front of DISH. To enter to win, print your Name, Phone Number and Email Address on a card and drop it into the brown vase near the installation. The winning name will be drawn during the Artist Talk. You need not be present to win.

GIVEAWAY #2
Winner‘s Choice – This opportunity is available exclusively to those present during my Artist Talk. When you get to the Talk, find the collection vessel and drop in a card with your Name, Phone Number and Email Address. The winner will choose 1 piece of art from what is available on the wall. Click on the above thumbnails to see what you could win.

I am also currently exhibiting several larger pieces at DISH, take a look.

My work will be displayed at DISH through January 2012.

If you like my art & want to be in-the-know about future Artist Talks, Art Giveaways, and even my latest Commission, sign up to receive blog posts directly to your email inbox. I blog once a week. Find the subscription box in the far-right-hand column of this page, under the photo of yours truly.

Joy in Common, The Dream, Revelation, Bittersweet (from Top to Bottom)
acrylic, ballpoint pen, paper, fabric on board
6 x 8 in, framed
$150 ea / $125 for 2 or more

I named this series of 4 “The Relationship” because relationships are messy. They’re muddy and complicated, but they’re also containers for love and joy. The series runs in a bell curve, at least that’s how I see it. Joy in Common is the first phase of a relationship – the “getting to know you” phase. The Dream is when a couple has fallen so hard for the other that they are in La-la Land. Revelation is where the feet start to hit the ground again and the Honeymoon phase gives way to Truth and Reality. Bittersweet comes from simultaneously being aware of a fantastic, well-rooted love tempered with the pain of everyday challenges and complexities.

I recently installed these 6 pieces in the home of a client, they are from the Biography Series.

I have been struggling with having enough time to dedicate to my art lately. I was so sure that once my kids were in school that I would have more space to be creative. Ironically, life seems to be more chaotic than it was before! Things are crazy before school with at least one child melting down daily and sometimes two. I then have 6 hours to myself before I have to pick up the kids and some of that time goes to the dishes. I feel so pressured to “quick, create!” that I just get stressed out. It’s a ‘contraction’ rather than an ‘expansion’ as my friend said. I’m finding it hard to work under these circumstances.

Can any of you relate? How do you handle things?

Celestial Sky (top), Earthbound (bottom)
acrylic, ballpoint pen, magazine on canvas
6 x 8 in, framed
Available through silent auction, see below.

My local art store, Howard’s Arts and Frames, is holding their 6th Annual Art for the Animals charity event. Artists were asked to create and donate artwork on 5×7″ canvas or illustration board. Howard’s then donated the framing, bordering each piece as they saw fit. All proceeds will go to Guiding Eyes for the Blind!

When I decided to participate, I flashed on an image of an abstract dog collaged from ripped paper. But when I really sat down to create these pieces, the last thing I wanted was to do something literal. (I know, you’re surprised.) I also like to work in the moment, and at that point the image of the dog was old news to me.

I still wanted to create art that was relevant to the theme, so I connected to the relationship people have with their dogs. Celestial Sky was born out of the joy that people experience and share with their dogs. Earthbound began with an vision of a dog playing fetch at the beach on a hot Summer day.

Donations accepted through silent auction. Bidding runs through October, 26th, 2011.

If you live locally or want to make the trip…
Closing Reception – Oct, 26th, 6:30-8:30pm
Silent Auction closes – Oct, 26th, 7:30pm sharp!

Howard’s Art Supplies & Frames 1256 Dual Hwy Hagerstown, MD 21740

For those of you who don’t live anywhere near Hagerstown, MD, Howard’s will accept phone bids up to 6:00pm on the 26th. If you win, and if you pay for shipping, they will gladly package and mail you your new artwork.

301-733-2722 or 800-899-5410 toll-free

For those who want a piece of my art at a (potentially) great price, take your chance!

UPDATE: Both of my pieces sold at $50 each!