The next Algoma ArtWave is this Friday, June 10. Looking forward to spending the evening at Bren Sibilsky’s. It’s such a low pressure event that even though we’re “working” we have a great time. I have been working on commissions and a repair, so I don’t know if I’ll have any new work to bring, but you just never know what the week will bring! Summer season is starting, so it will be fun to see who shows up.
Haven’t been writing lately, too busy finishing up projects in the studio. While I wasn’t making Christmas presents, I did have a couple of projects that I promised would be completed by the 25th. Nothing like delivering an installing the morning of Christmas Eve to beat the deadline! Anyway, I did manage to make a couple of people happy, first with the delivery of stained/fused glass awards for an endurance riding group - I hear one is going to stay in Wisconsin and one is going to Illinois. Been doing these for a few years and it’s always a challenge to get them just right.
Next, was a set of 4 stained glass cabinet doors for a local home. I hadn’t worked with lead came for a while, so it took a bit to get things figured out again. Once the first one was done the rest came together much easier. These were the Christmas Eve installations. Turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. The challenge here was getting glass that looked great without much light coming through (the client did have lights put into the cabinets, but the light level is pretty low). As you can see from the single door image photographed in a window, the glass is really different and wonderful with transmitted light as well.
This project and the re-learning curve I had to go through to get it done has led to my New Year’s Resolution: design and fabricate at least one new stained glass panel a month using both lead came and copper foil. And this is in addition to the other commission pieces I have to work on. Should help keep me ready to go on any traditional projects that come my way. I also want to do at least one new glass “painting” a month. Maybe I won’t be going crazy the month before the Studio Tour if I can keep this up!
Well, 2010 is close to being a memory, and 2011 is almost here to start new. I wish everyone a Happy, Safe, Healthy New Year!
Our winter wonderland
Well, the Art Studio Tour 2010 is history. The turn-out was good, not great. Absolutely beautiful fall weather kept some families from spending their days visiting studios I’m sure - and I don’t really blame anyone for wanting to enjoy this bonus summer weather. I’m guessing about 150 people came through and I met some wonderful people. Had a great group of middle school kids from Oconto Falls come early on Friday. What a pleasure they were. Sold a glass painting that had just come out of the kiln. I do think it was my best so far, and an appreciative couple from Milwaukee took it home. Even the picture of it came out pretty darn good - see for yourself!
Now, the planning begins for 2011. It will be our 10th anniversary, so we will have to find some special things to do.
Ok, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. Life has a way of taking precedence over updating my blog. It has been a hot, humid summer, and while I’ve been getting some work done, the gardens have needed care and the horses have taken a bit more of my time than usual. At any rate, I finally figured out how to finish off some of the glass “paintings” I have been working on. I guess it’s working since the first person (beside John and myself) to see the first one I finished bought it today! Thank you Cheryl! Some of the bases are made from fused glass, some will be granite or marble, and some stone from our own property. It’s fun figuring out what will work best with each painting. Some are below - I hope you enjoy them!
This is the one that sold today. The painting is about 3/4 inch deep, with 5 layers of glass fused together, and the base is made from fused/cast glass. I had the painting around for a while, but was nervous about polishing the edges to finish it (sometimes the polishing wheel grabs a piece and flings it across the room - not much glass will survive that kind of treatment!). Just last week I decided to go for it, and am so happy that I did!
Last year, about this time, I was at a party on the bay of Green Bay and took a picture of one of the most magnificent sunsets I had ever seen. I’ve been working on paintings of that scene since. My first attempt is very large and is waiting for a rough stone base to be finished. The one here is about 9” X 12”, with a black fused glass base. One thing I love about the sunset paintings is how they change in different light, just like the real thing.
A scene along the path at the Eau Claire Dells in the Wausau area. We took a couple of days during spring break to explore the central part of the state and enjoyed an afternoon walk through the Dells area. The river was high and close to it’s peak spring flow. It was wonderful to hear the roar and crash while strolling through the woods. We don’t experience that nearly enough! This painting is about 8” X 8”.
I will post some more as soon as they are finished. First I have to work on some more recycled bottle jewelry before the Harvest Festival at Parallel 44 Winery this Saturday.
