Showing posts with label Mixed Media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mixed Media. Show all posts

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Make Mine Mini


When I began working in mixed media several years ago I started with some square panels of wood that were 2.5" x 2.5" on up to about 5.5" x 5.5". I never intended to make it a habit of working on a such small scale but it was fun so I kept at it. Only problem was I never felt like I had enough time for creating. I can't remember where but I read about the "5-10 minute rule" that it sounded worth giving a try. I would pop into my studio for 5-10 minutes in the morning before I left for work, glue a few things, cut or paint a few papers, then get in another 5-10 minutes when I got home and sometimes again before I went to bed. I was amazed at how much could be accomplish this way. I'm lucky enough to have some bigger blocks of time these days but I can still put that rule into action when the schedule gets crazy and creativity time is hard to come by.

Late last year Cloth Paper Scissors magazine announced a readers challenge called "Make Mine Mini". It was a call for art work that was 4" x 4" or smaller. I had an unfinished 2.5" x 2.5" piece so I made it my goal to get it finished and send it in for consideration. In January, I found out that I was chosen as a finalist and might have my work published in a future issue of the magazine. They didn't let anyone know ahead of time so I had to wait until the May/June issue came out. Looking through my issue when it finally arrived in the mail and there it was, my work on page 87! It's always a thrill to see your work in print. 


© K Johnson  "Grounding"


Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Just getting started...

Nothing like a pile of old rusty washers to get me started on some new mixed media pieces. These were a gift from my husband when he was cleaning out the garage.


I've never used any metal in my work before so this is something new and different.





I have no idea where these are going right now, I'm just enjoying the process. 


Thursday, January 31, 2013

Where have I been?


 In the studio cleaning...





Starting on some new work...





and bringing this just finished piece to New London's Hygienic Art Gallery for its 34th annual Salon des Independants exhibit.

© K. Johnson 'Sacred Ground' - 8.5"x 5.5" collage on paper

Every January, even on the coldest of nights, this show in New London draws a big crowd. You never know what might be on display when the rules are No Judge,  No Jury, No fee, and No Censorship.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tis the Season


I enjoyed the opening of the Art=Gift show at the Hygienic Gallery on Saturday night. What a great job the show organizer and resident artist Susan Hickman did putting this show together. It looks fantastic!

Sierra Drift is the name of a new series of small mixed media pieces I worked on for this show. I'm so happy with them that I plan on doing several more before I call the series complete. Here are two of my favorites. 
 
 © K. Johnson 'Sierra Drift #2' 4" x 4" mixed media on wood

© K. Johnson 'Sierra Drift #3' 4" x 4" mixed media on wood
 
This was the first year the participating artists were given the option to make ornaments.
I was so excited when the email with this info arrived. I haven't done anything crafty like this in a very long time. It was so much fun. A nice variety of ornaments are now decorating the front windows of the gallery.


I found an old dressmakers pattern in a thrift store a couple years ago that had green and red cutting lines on it instead of the usual black. It was so interesting I had to get it and figured I'd use it for something someday.
 
To make this ornament I glued the pattern paper to the front and back of pages from a garden book and then cut out petal shapes when dry. The petals and small wooden beads are strung together with wire and finished off with a button and raffia ribbon for hanging.

The show runs through Sunday Dec 23rd. Stop by and see the works of other local artists including Laura Gaffke, Diana SartorMillie Donovan and Sadie DeVore. 
 



Sunday, September 30, 2012

Beat the Deadline

I heard about the Prayer Flag Project and the Call to Artist’s for an exhibition at the Oceanside Museum of Art by following the blogs of Jane LaFazio and from my friend Ileen who has been making flags since the project began. I was really excited about this exhibition because I lived in Oceanside for 13 years before moving back east and I always loved visiting the OMA.

I just barely made the deadline for sending in my flag. I was in a bit of a panic the day I was bringing it to the post office to mail – I lost track of time and got there barely 5 minutes before they closed.  I’ve been having a problem with procrastination the last few months - very bothersome because this is not like me at all. I've been making a real effort lately - I don't want this to become my new bad habit!

© K. Johnson 'Serenity' 8"x 5" Mixed Media, Fabric
This is the flag I sent in for the exhibition. One of the most peaceful and calming things I enjoy is walking on the beach.  I can really relax and love finding bits of driftwood and sea shells along the way.  My intention and wish for making this flag is for everyone to find and enjoy that special place that brings them peace and serenity.

Yea! My flag did get there on time.  Jane posted a picture of a group of flags ready to hang and you can see mine in the top left of the photo.  Aren't they all gorgeous? After all my worry I see they extended the deadline. The museum will keep hanging the flags as they arrive so it sounds like you have until Oct 14th to send one in. Show dates - Oct 15th - Dec 31st, 2012.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Busy, Busy, Busy

Aren't we all this time of year?

There are several upcoming events I've been getting ready for. These are some of the new "mini" mixed media pieces in progress for the ART=Gift show at the Hygienic Gallery in New London, CT.






A few of the finished pieces I dropped off at the gallery yesterday morning.

'Gounded' K. Johnson 2011
'Taking in the Sun' K. Johnson 2011
'Tumbling' K. Johnson 2011
 Opening Reception is Saturday, November 19, 7-10 PM 
photo by Millie Donovan