Monday, June 29, 2009

CAROL BARTON'S WORKSHOP

Thinking back on happenings in June, the Friends of the Art Library at the Durango Arts Center sponsored a very "happening" workshop on paper engineering, given by Carol Barton of Glen Echo, Maryland. All kinds of pop-up and movable paper structures were taught and everyone in the workshop went home loaded with lots of models, ideas and inspiration. For more information link to Carol's blog.

Participants Deborah and Amy

Carol Barton

Sunday, June 28, 2009

NOVEL CONSTRUCTIONS: CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS CREATE MONUMENTAL BOOKS

A review by Shirle Gottlie from Art Scene, California

"Novel Constructions" (through August 16 at Long Beach Museum of Art) consists of eight large scale constructions by six female artists who work within in the "book art" genre. Yes, these are essentially books, but no, you cannot grab any off the shelf to hold them in your hands. Most literally, you will encounter an oversized book. But then there is a room papered over with diary pages, pages formed into a large sacred ring, the text of the "Odyssey" cut up and reshaped into a labyrinth. Lots of "Wow" in this show.

Excerpt from the review in July newsletter of Art Scene, California

You have to see "Detritus" to believe it, only to discover that the facts behind Mary Ellen Long's installation are as exciting as the finished project. Using essential ingredients from nature, Long has created a faux forest that stretches the length of the gallery. Lying on the floor of this make-believe wilderness are seven handmade paper books constructed from decomposing paper. Displayed among fallen leaves, they lay opened at the base of cast-paper trees that range from 1 to 7 feet tall. Every year for the past 18 years, Long stacked pages of handmade paper outside her Colorado studio before it snowed. In the spring, after the snow has melted, she retrieves the paper and goes to work. Noting the transformation that has taken place due to nature, time, and decay. Long uses the paper as material to recreate her forest scene, time, and decay. Now, almost two decades later, "Detritus" culminates her annual ritual, as well as an exceptional exhibition.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

SUMMER WORKSHOPS

Books from the Japan Journal Journey Box, 2009

JULY AND AUGUST WORKSHOPS in my home studio.

July 18 - Papermaking - basic "kitchen " techniques, western and eastern style methods, emphasis on local fibers

August 1 - Collage - basic techniques, understanding of adhesives

August 8 - Book Arts - review of all styles, bindings and sculptural forms with hands-on learning

August 22 - Eco-Art - visualizing environmental at, tour of artist's outdoor art, opportunity to create your own "nature art" 9-3 - $50.

The first three workshops are from 10-4 and cost $65. which includes all materials. The workshops are for beginning to experienced. Small classes will allow consultation on individual projects.

sign-up through my email wmelart@yahoo.com

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

DURANGO ARTS CENTER ANNUAL JURIED SHOW

Winter Pressing 08-09: Writing

This year's exhibit was juried by Shelley Horton-Trippe of Santa Fe, New Mexico. My accepted work used a variety of media (charcoal, sand, sumi ink, conte crayon, and scorch on natural-altered paper). The theme refers to nature's markings, automatic writing and written language: emergence, development, and disappearance. The reception was Friday, June 5. The show runs until June 27.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

HIGH FIBER

Encyclopedia

One of my handmade paper-wrapped books from the Encyclopedia series is part of the exhibit HIGH FIBER at the Conrad Wilde Gallery in Tucson, Arizona. The show runs from June 6th to July 25th. The reception is Saturday, June 6th from 6-9 p.m. The Guest Curator was Catherine Nash. I am sorry not be be able to attend the reception. A catalog will be available and can be purchased by calling 520-622-8997.