Peggy and Dan

 I met Peggy and Dan a couple years ago at The Green Onion pub (Utica, NY). They are such a nice couple! Interestingly, they used to work in Washington, DC as federal agency statisticians (right up my alley). They both like my artwork and have purchsed several pieces over the years (including two of my personal favorites). They have been inviting my to their home to see "the Specht wall" for a while. One thing or another always conflicted with the times. But this week, I was able to go. It was SUCH a nice evening of conversation (I even had a glass of red wine... a treat for me; because I typically avoid it as it sometimes gives me headaches the next day). Here's a couple shots of "the Specht wall". It such a heart-warming experience, when my artwork is appreciated the way Peg and Dan appreciate my collages.

"Pre-made"?

I purchased a piece of art at a recent auction, mostly to get the vintage frame. When I got it into my studio, I coated the "base image" and it looked great -- very rich patina on the mat, and an interesting image to which I thought I could add some elements. I was reminiscing about a previous purchase that I had made years ago, with which I did the same thing (see blog post from February 12, 2012!). I was playing with some collage additions last night in the studio, and really like the way it seems to be progressing. I am considering adding a transfer element to this piece too (I can "see" it). Of course, now this is probably the third, or fourth, or fifth project that I have "in the works". I think it's time to try to focus again, and get some pieces finished ;-)

Notice the white spot (it's a "ding" in the original... but it looks like I made it to be a star or moon for that orb. I LOVE it!)

 

Miscellaneous

 Well, I just wanted to post a bit of an update about what I have been up to this week, creatively. I taught my last collegiate class this past Friday, after a 36 year career. It was bittersweet, of course. I am looking forward to retirement and dedicating even more time to my creative outlets in collage and music. I was so happy with a surprise visit from my good friend "Goody" (from Boston) on Friday. And we had a VERY good jam session with Gabe at his studio.

In addition to that, I spent some time this week, exploring/experimenting with this LOVELY image...

auction book

 I went to an auction last weekend for the first time in a long while. I really enjoy them! But of course, I certainly don't "need" any new materials for making collages; I have enough stuff in my basement to be able to do collages for the next decade (although it's always nice grabbing a nice frame or two for cheap). I'm very excited to have gotten a book from 1855 as part of a lot of mostly throw-away books. I absolutely love the quality of the engraving in these antique books (you can feel the dimensionality of the ink on the page. And these images are simply lovely and inspiring. One of the problems with a couple that I am showing here, is that it would be very difficult to cut/isolate the strings on the harps (for example, if I want to isolate the image of these beautiful women). But I'll deal with that if/when the problem presents itself. For now, I am appreciating the beauty and quality in these images. 

Thoughtsgiving 2025!

 And another art-related activity for today... the 2025 edition of Thoughtsgiving lapel pins! Thoughtsgiving is a holiday that I made-up with two of my colleagues (Brad Emmons and Jason Denman) in 2010. Every year (almost) I have created collaged lapel pins to be distributed as part of the celebration of Thoughtsgiving. This year, I am pleased and honored to say that the pins were a collaborative effort between me and my friend and textile artist, Maisie Janda...

Art Expo 2025 at 4 Elements Studio in Utica, NY

 So excited and honored to again be included in the annual Black Friday art expo at 4 Elements Studio in Utica, NY. I have 21 pieces in the exhibit, including some brand new pieces, and some pieces from quite a while ago ("priced to sell"). So many wonderful artists from the central New York area showing their works.

"Mirage collage"

Last night, I helped a friend move a big, heavy mirror out to the side of the street for garbage. When we set it against the tree, I saw the reflected image and surroundings and knew it would make a good photograph. It came out much better than I had expected. This image looks SO much like a collage; but it's a "raw" photograph with no filter or other manipulation... like a "mirage collage". I think it's SO cool!