New art: the script for "Exposure"

I'm the kind of (art) nerd who writes a running commentary on my own life, inside my head. Especially when we're traveling as a family. [You know, something like "She bit her tongue to avoid yelling at her children and tried to look calm as she corralled them through the TSA checkpoint."] I don't know if it's a good thing, but I cast us as the Brave But Vulnerable Wanderers during that unpredictable journey between home and destination.

Have you ever put one of your mental scripts down in ink or paint?

So I used this old photo of TwoBoo to express that vulnerability. In reality, he was just staring off into space and in no danger. But his expression captured that uncertainty I so often feel when I'm on the road with my children.

I created symbols of permanence and comfort on his (my) journey: a home...

... a representation of plenty.

To me, the feast symbology above means less than what a house represents: the structure is literally shelter from the cold. 

But I still like the "offering" aspect of the feast platter. So with help from my fellow artist Satira and her power tools...

I made the "offering" more three-dimensional.

And because none of us travel these paths alone, I added fellow pilgrims in the distance.

"Exposure" will be my "wow" piece at the Best of the Northwest next weekend. Please come see me and my work at Booth H-12 (one of the long booths against the wall) and I'll show you the details up close!rta

Now opening at the Convention Center...

Thought I was only working on getting ready for Best of the Northwest? Oh nononono. I'm getting ready for a second big exhibit! If you follow me on Facebook, you saw some photos from "Onyx Fine Arts Collective: A Decade of Art" at the Northwest African American Museum...

To celebrate the next decade of art, "Real and Imagined Spaces" is on display at the Washington State Convention Center. Guess who's invited to the artist reception? You are.

Here are a few visual cues to find the galleria...

Make the trip to the reception -- you won't be disappointed! Come up from a different state if you have to, like my in-laws did...

New art: "Exposure"

Whenever our family travels, it's like an adventure/disaster-prevention saga inside my head. Which of course means I have something new to explore in my artwork. Do we have all the bags? Did we forget anything? Where are the kids?

Are the kids going to get "playful" during the airport security check? Is anyone looking at them with a little too much interest? Wait -- did we forget anything...? Feeling a bit at sea, if you will.

I've finally set down some of my epic (anxiety) onto a 36" x 48" panel -- my largest yet. 

I'll give you the behind-the-scenes next week -- stay tuned!