Wishing all of you all good things in all ways.
Holidays...
Retro Christmas |
Yule Man Michael |
Winter Fairy |
Festival of Light - for Amy & Sadie |
Solstice |
Lou & Patti Happy New Year |
Each of these collages emerged from a single image that caught my eye. The image became the anchor of the piece and a theme emerged; a typical working flow for me. I didn't intend to do these as companion 'women and men' pieces, but they did follow each other, so maybe they are all part of the same tribe.
The anchor in Flowering Women Beings is the center image of the woman in the blue coat with the large fuschia flower. The original image had an oversized flower, which I expanded and also used as a motif. 'Ladies' of all styles and eras came my way. And then the flowers joined in. It was an advernture. I don't recall when oversized flowers became one of my image totems, but they seem here to stay. The Crows don't mind.
Flowering Women Beings collage |
Pharrell Williams standing next to a yellow chair was the first 'men in chairs'. I liked the amplified color in the image and was amused by the single chair. I thought it would be a great element in a collage, but somehow, I thought of adding another 'man in chair' and I was off. Some of our 'men' were already in my collection, like this particularl David Bowie. The hunt for chairs was also great fun.
Men In Chairs collage |
Halloween is a holiday my friend Michael and I celebrated together; liking all things 'ooky and spooky'. Totems and symbols. This year he is not with us and at first, I wasn't in the mood to do a collage, but then if just felt right to celebrate with him the day of the thinning of the veil, opening into other realms.
This collage includes an 'icon' of Michael with glorious bat wings; bats being one of his totems. I began these Michael icons at Christmas, before his passing. I'm not sure he ever saw the card I sent him in Yule costume. Since then his icon has shown up in collages and cards in various guises. Interestingly to me, they are based on a somewhat recent photo Michael sent me, but with time and distance, I never actually was with him looking this way. Yet, it seems a perfect way to hold and honor his energy.
Hallows |
This is a very personal collage of mine, first created several years ago and updated a couple of times. My sister, Jacqui is an 'update' and she is prominent in the front. Behind her is Michael as how I most remember him.
Day of the Dead - Dia De Muertes |
Regarde' my dear ones.
Anthony and Rose, my parents. Elizabeth, my Grandmother. Julia, from Chicago days, Peter dear friend and archeology compatriot, Helen, dearest soul friend, Julia, wise friend, Martha, soul journeyer, Oscar, dancer with Wicca, Christian, mystic, Dave, astral journeys, Pat, magical being, Michael, brother in spirit, Jerry, mystic and artist, Jim, opener of realms, Jacqui Rose, precious sister.
Till another time.
Now some of my collages have become 'historical' as the buildings they include are no longer there; some literally gone and others beyond repair and will be gone.
Just prior to Hurricane Helene, a devastating fire on the main drag of Dock Street, completely destroyed the Duncan's on The Gulf restaurant, a gift shop and the kitchen and other damage to our most favorite restaurant, Steamers.
Steamers is a place that always felt like home; where we would be greeted each year as we returned by name and with our drink by Leanna, the manager. Sadly, this year, she died in a car accident on New Years Eve, the day before we arrived, and along with the town, we mourned her passing and celebrated her.
Steamers may return eventually. The store on the first floor, Island Trading Post, was wiped clean of it's inventory and fixtures by the surge. The burned parts of the building are completely gone, aided by the hurricane.
Steamers |
Fire damage on Dock Street, prior to Hurricane Helene |
Happy Dock Street View |
Big Deck |
Far Away Inn, a quaint, long-term Cedar Key feature, probably cannot return. You'll note the Pirate in the photo is featured in this collage.
Pirates, Flamingos and Tiki Bar - Far Away Inn |
Admire - Far Away Inn |
Far Away Inn Judys |
Cedar Key Pizza |
The Prickly Palm |
1842 Daily Grind - Not the Country Store |
Beachfront Buddha - Beachfront Motel |
2nd Street Cafe and Betty |
Chairs from the 2nd Street Cafe in the street |
Surge Damage - Hurricane Helene |
Many other buildings and homes were destroyed and impacted by the storm, But a motto popular in Cedar Key is 'Cedar Key Strong', showing their resilience and determination.
This sign was at the Cedar Key Market, a eclectic, funky market [the only in town besides the liquor store]; first posted after Hurricane Hermine in 2016. When we were there in January this year, the market had yet to reopen after Hurricane Idalia damage in September 2023. I have not learned of its current status.
The Opening gathering was indeed a most lovely time. Friends, family, supporters of the Wayne Theatre and those just looking to see the art, all gathered and celebrated with me. It was such an incredibly supportive feeling evening.
As most people were local, one fun thing was the exclaimed recognition factor of the locations or the 'Where is that??'
On Main Street - Waynesboro, VA |
Retro Main Street |
A truly lovely couple shared with me that they had recently gotten married right there in the gallery space. They purchased the Wayne Theatre collage as a remembrance! A delight!!
Welcome to the Wayne Theatre |
I also had interesting chats about the Crow motif in my 'Inner Region' collages. Apparently, many people are drawn to Crow, so much so, that a couple of Crow works will be going to new homes.
Urban Woods |
As I said in my last post, Liz Moss and her team did a fabulous job of designing the show; one of the first things people commented on. Everything wonderfully highlighted the pieces.
Here are a pre-show panorama photo.
The Gallery, opening night! Lovely!!
Most Happy Indeed! |
My exciting opportunity is almost here! I had a preview of the show and Liz Moss and her partner did a fabulous and creative job - naturally! - of designing the show.
If you are in our area, please do drop by and celebrate with me on Monday, August 26th, 5-7 PM at the Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro, VA.
Here's the link to the Gallery announcement at the Wayne Theatre Website.
Here's the link to the Waynesboro Theatre Events Page on Facebook. Say you'll be there!!
The show is focusing on my 'Regional' collages, anchored in photos of the area, landscapes, mostly in Waynesboro, but also Staunton and Charlottesville. As well a group of my 'Inner Region' collages; landscapes of 'inner and other'.
I especially like the 'mural' collage series. Waynesboro has quite a few fantastic murals and more continue to appear. Inspiring!
The mural for this collage, Flowered, is on Main Street, near the Wayne Theatre. Apropos!
Flowered collage |