livingstonestudioartblog

serenity stones

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:42:00 +0000

serenity stones group1, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I'm feeling so fortunate to have this time to stay inside and see what happens every day in the studio. These new faces emerged this week, and they make me smile...I hope they do the same for you. The stone dictates the shape of each piece, and although it is time consuming to apply layer upon layer of paint, it is at the same time a very medatative process and gives me the surface texture I love. There is nothing like a stone in your hand to make you feel connected to everything, and these are from the island I love, so I feel like I'm there while I work on them. Everything is white outside today..we had the most beautiful snow storm yesterday! The sun is shining and the sky is blue (as you can see from the shadows in this photo), so I'm back to work to get more photos while the light lasts. Have a wonderful weekend..I hope it's serene... xo sue

Via Flickr:
hand sculpted paper clay over stone, paintied with acrylics and accented with colored pencil

Happy Saturday!

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:40:00 +0000

sthappymonster1, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I was sculpting serenity stones (photos to come) and this little guy popped out! Trying to stay wide open to what ever the muse sends my way, and hoping it brings a smile to you, as it did me on this cold winter day! A reminder not to lose the "silly" factor I guess. Thanks for stopping by...xo sue

Snow and owls...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:42:00 +0000

owl ornament2, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I woke up to a couple of inches of snow this morning....Just enough to make everything look fresh and pretty, but not enough to bother shoveling..perfect! I'm way too busy to add something else to the list! You too? Happy weekend to you! xo sue

Via Flickr:
One of a kind sculpted paperclay owl ornament or wall hanging..lots of sparkle..

The birds come to life..

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:01:00 +0000

The birds come to life.., a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

From little white blobs to happy, colorful birds...this is how I've spent the last two days! The photo doesn't show the detail and subtleties, but you get the idea. I will try to get better pictures tomorrow if we get a little sun. These were supposed to be really simple with lots of glitter on them, but they knew what they wanted to be better than I. It's always better to slide over and let the muse do the driving, don't you think? :-) Thanks for looking! Hope your evening is warm and cozy! xo sue

My Happy Mess

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:58:00 +0000

my happy mess, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

The MUSE is in the HOUSE! I love being back in the studio..playing and watching what emerges. Hours go by..I forget to eat, comb my hair, take out the garbage, but it's a happy place..where time is measured only by the light in the room. I have the full spectrum light bulbs in all the lamps now, hoping to trick my body into thinking it's still summer when the days are long and warm. These little birds (that look a little like fish to me!) were born after 11pm last night..I just made one after the other until I was too weary to make more. It will be fun to see where they go from here. I need to finish some things so I have room on the table to work again! I hope your Tuesday is a good one! xo sue

Gratitude/Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:38:00 +0000

Hearts remind me of love...the symbol XO, a kiss and a hug. I am working on hearts right now..it just feels right this time of year! No one can accuse me of being traditional! I am grateful and give thanks for all of you and everything in my life..no exceptions. xo Sue

New handmade treasures for the gallery website..Marcia Mannisto and more

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

I've been working long hours trying to get the website updated before Cyber Monday! Here are a few of Marcia Mannisto's eyeglass, (scissors, ipad, cell phone, use your imagination for all the possible uses) holders made from recycled fabrics and felted wool. If you're like me, and have a dozen pair of reading glasses around the house, these little bags would be a beautiful way to keep them safe, and FIND them! Who could miss these beauties? If you've been visiting the galleries or website the past years, you probably remember Marcia's beautiful mixed media dolls.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT weekend! xo sue

Back in the studio..

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:56:00 +0000

Back in the studio.., a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I couldn't stand it anymore..I had to sit down and play this weekend! It may be a mirror frame..if I can find my mirrors! ;-) I'm still unpacking and it's been over a month since I returned to Illinois! My house has been my creative outlet these past weeks. I've been busy having the storm damage (from summer) repaired and it's amazing how a skilled person can transform a wreck back into a normal looking home. I have also been painting walls and some of the older surfaces in need of a face lift. It is so gratifying to add a color to a wall or make something look fresh and new again with a little paint. As I was organizing the studio I touched this little wood frame, and felt compelled to sit down with a pen and draw! Yesterday I pulled out the colored pencils, and....many hours later...another surface, completely altered. Hope it brings a smile... Have a great week! xo sue

Exciting news, MORE exciting news and "Back to my "other" life!"

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:05:00 +0000

The first exciting news...(heart bursting with joy)... the arrival of Kaydence Anna Marie Campbell, my SECOND great granddaughter! I know, it's impossible to have great granddaughters when I'm only 35 (in my mind), but we seemed to start our families early the last three generations, and the more the merrier! Mom and baby are doing great, and her big sister is very happy too.

The NEXT exciting news is...(jumping up and down here)...the beautiful Erda purses we sell in the gallery in the summer will be available on our website now. Not only that, but you get to choose your leathers or fabrics, the wonderful women at Erda make your purse, and ship it to you directly! The best part is....you pay the much lower price offered on our website !!

AND....this is just the beginning! Glad to be back! xo Sue

Meet The Artist's..In Memory of Ellen

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 11:48:00 +0000

This year our "Meet the Artists" show and sale is dedicated to the memory of Ellen Hill. Ellen was a dear friend, an incredible blessing in my life, and I will miss her beautiful smile, wicked little laugh, and kind spirit. She gave up her vacation time to help Mary at the Toy Museum every year, and loved every minute of it. She was tireless when it came to helping others, and I feel the loss of her presence at our show this year so very much..she loved coming and being a part of it (she made jewelry too!) I feel her here in spirit. Thank you Ellen...I wish I could hug you one more time.

Faces in the Garden II

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:15:00 +0000

Faces in the Garden II, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

Do flowers make you feel this way? I wonder if flowers feel this way..I'm pretty sure their spirit is pure joy. I'm under the weather here, but so happy to see the flowers in the garden again. This one is packed away for the Livingstone Studio opening Memorial Day weekend. If you're on the island come by and say hello..all the shops are open and we have special sales, treats and give- aways to celebrate! See you soon Beaver Island! xo sue

"Tides" paper mache/handspun yarns bowl

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 07 May 2011 15:50:00 +0000

"Tides" paper mache/handspun yarns bowl, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I may have mentioned finding a stash of unfinished pieces from about 12 years ago when I was cleaning a storage space last fall. It is so much fun to get these pieces finished and bring something new to them. My color themes have changed over the years, so it has been fun to revisit the work of a younger me, and find I'm still feeling a connection with it. I still love the idea of using recycled materials and natural fibers or found objects in my work, but I originally started using them partially because I love natural materials, and partially because I had so little money I used what was seasonally available from Mother Nature or the Beaver Island Transfer Station! The time invested in making the paper pulp, sculpting and painting is just crazy, but each piece is hopefully infused with the joy I feel while I work.

I have purple, yellow, red, and multi-colored tulips in my garden right now..when I can have the windows open, the smell is heavenly! I wish all who are Mother's or have Mother's a Happy Mother's Day, and a good weekend! Thanks for stopping by! xo sue

Sneak Peek...heading to the island gallery in two weeks!

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sun, 01 May 2011 17:24:00 +0000

Handmade paper and driftwood bowl, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

Putting the finishing touches on lots of new things for the season ahead. These take so many hours to make, but I loved every minute! Happy Sunday everyone! xo sue

Healing Angel Sculpture...just in time

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 19:05:00 +0000

Healing Angel Sculpture, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

On this wild, windy day I am sending thoughts and prayers to the South and all the places that have been devastated by Mother Nature's fury the past two months. I hope we live up to the example the Japanese have set in our time of healing and rebuilding. I saw examples of that grace on the news last night when they showed the way people were gathering and protecting the most personal treasures they were finding in the ruble..an ultrasound photo, or a photo of a past generation that had fallen from an album or detached from it's frame. People were helping each other, even though they were homeless themselves. Compassion and right action..a beautiful thing.

This "Healing Angel" sculpture was created years ago..when I made my first series of "Dream Keepers". Spring came, and studio time was over, so she was in a box in a storage space for years. I found her this past fall and just finished her this week. Her hands are big..and that's intentional because she does healing work. I saw an infinity symbol for balance, and added a crystal at the top of her head to keep the channel open for spirit to work through her. She is on her way to a special person as soon as I can get her safely wrapped and mailed.

I hope you all have some sunshine, flowers..or a few warm breezes this weekend! Thanks for stopping by! xo sue

The bugs awaken...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:00:00 +0000

The bugs awaken..., a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

Sorry for my absence..March madness is behind me now. Starting to think aobut all the creatures coming back to life..including those of us who go into deep hibernation in the winter! All the hours of light, open windows (maybe this weekend) and little flowers showing their colors just above the earth's surface now. Migration is close...enjoy the time you're given and celebrate the bug's return! ;-) xo sue

Via Flickr:
Handpainted stones..the bug series..now we're having fun! ;-)

Faces in the garden..the spirit of flowers

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:49:00 +0000

Faces in the garden..the spirit of flowers a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

Finishing some pieces that were started last spring..I just love opening boxes of unfinished work at this time of year! It feels like buried treasure..I just need to dig a little and find out where they want to go. This piece was black, so I really felt it's spirit needed to be set free. I thought it may be soft pinks and greens, but a little more fire showed up..I guess that's no surprise when you look at the paintings I've been doing lately. Hope she brings a smile..thanks so much for looking!
xo sue

Sun Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:34:00 +0000

Sun Celebration
Originally uploaded by livingstonestudio

The sun has been streaming through my windows the last two days, and I noticed it was still light out after six pm. last night...time to celebrate!! I'm finishing up a few things I have been working on for some time now...grateful for the time I have left in the studio. Soon it will be time to head back to the island and get the little galleries open. I'm looking forward to that too..just not quite ready for it yet. I hope you are all having a good week so far...thanks for stopping by!
xo sue

On Evenings Edge

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 23:43:00 +0000

On Evenings Edge
Originally uploaded by livingstonestudio

I often feel like evening swoops in unexpectedly each day as I work. I sometimes notice the dimming light, but often there is complete darkness outside my window before I realize evening has come. I feel the chill as sunlight is replaced by moonlight and ritual of closing curtains (to keep the heat in the house), feeding the cat, turning on lights and preparing food are upon me again. Where did the day go (?!) is something I frequently feel...especially when I'm working on a painting like this one. This small painting took me all week to complete, but time stood still for most of it. Only hunger and thirst pulled me away. Flowers, birds, butterflies, clouds, suns, moon, stars, trees, fields, happy colors make me feel like spring is around the corner..even if it's just in my painting for now. Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping by! xo sue

Radiating love

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:40:00 +0000

Radiating love
Originally uploaded by livingstonestudio

A happy little painting to remind us that spring is around the corner, even though it's hard to imagine with all this snow, ice and cold outside my window. It's on the website under "New Work". Thanks for looking! xo sue

Little carved hearts

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:50:00 +0000

Little carved hearts
Originally uploaded by livingstonestudio

Lots of "heart art" coming out of the studio this week. Should they be hung, framed, or made into refrigerator magnets?! I've made colorful pieces too..they are all around 2.5" x 2.5". Feedback welcome! More coming... Have a great weekend! xo sue

Heart series...family

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:22:00 +0000

Heart series...family
Originally uploaded by livingstonestudio

When the world outside my window is turning whiter by the second I seem to be birthing work with spring themes or bright colors. I love the snow, but we are expecting two feet of it by tomorrow, and I've shovelled twice already! I've moved my car to the end of the driveway so I won't have as much to dig out if I need to go somewhere, but my plan is to stay in and see what else takes place in the studio. Wishing everyone a cozy warm place while Mother Nature takes the wheel! xo sue

Soaring Heart

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 17:31:00 +0000

Soaring Heart
Originally uploaded by livingstonestudio

February will be here in a few days, and although I was never really crazy about "hearts" in the past, I've come to love the symbol. When I find a heart shaped stone on the beach I feel like I've been given the most precious gift. It is such a simple shape, and I love carving, sculpting, embellishing...seeing a face or a scene appear as I work. They make me happy...and I'm off to see what's waiting to come "through" next. Have a wonderful, "love"-ly weekend, and thanks for stopping by! xo sue

Serenity Stones..or, What Happens When You Don't Fight The Flow!

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:49:00 +0000

serenity stone peace
Originally uploaded by livingstonestudio

Do you fight your own flow of energy? I have just had an epiphany about this! Winter is difficult for lots of us who need lots of light to feel our best...that, and the fact that I lead the unpredictable life of a full time artist during the winter months...can lead to some anxiety and sleepless nights. I was engaged in combat with this until I tried something different...flow with it, let it be, call in the angels and get to work! I have found that when I get up...even if it's 4am, I work happily in the studio for hours..in p.j.'s, with uncombed hair..in the early morning silence. This is the time where ideas flow and I feel the most connected to spirit. I get to see the sunrise now, (as well as the early sunset), and I'm grateful for that..and the "wake up!" call.
Thanks for taking time to stop by...may the flow be with you...xo sue

Gourd 3

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 16:54:00 +0000

Gourd 3
Originally uploaded by livingstonestudio

I just wanted to share the most recent piece I've finished. I actually started this one before the others, but each piece seems to have it's individual "birth day". More photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/livingstonestudio/ Happy Sunday..hope you're staying warm and cozy..it's really cold in Wonderland this morning! Thanks for taking time to look...xo sue

Seeds...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:57:00 +0000

gourd20111vw
Originally uploaded by livingstonestudio

I have just finished my second gourd this month..this one reminds me of germinating seeds. Winter is always a combination of hibernation, rejuvenation, soul searching, creativity...a time to meditate and plant new seeds in the warm, fertile soil of the psyche. 2011 could be a very colorful year if these first two gourds are any indication! Wishing you time for stillness and creativity too... xo sue