What Weird Techniques Do Artists Use in Aloha?

“From modeling paste to scrapbook paper or glued on gems, or plant material, I use many things. I sometimes will finish a piece in Photoshop to give it that final oomph.  It just depends on my mood and if it fits the piece,” says mixed media artist, Katrina Fowler.

Ana Quinn, ceramic artist, says, “First, I spray a glaze on a bisqued (once fired) piece, then draw and paint images with colored under-glazes over the glaze. The subject matter of my paintings is often related to anthropology which I studied in school.   I’ve taken images of the visions I saw painted in the Paleolithic caves of France, petroglyphs of NW Indians from the Columbia Basin, and the stylized paintings of the ancient Mimbres Pueblo Indians.”

Wonder what other weird technique or process you’ll get to see during Washington County Open Studios? October 18 and 19 from 11 am to 5 pm, 40 artists will be demonstrating their techniques for you. 

“I use a French technique called “Serti”, explains silk painter, Patti Isaacs, “which roughly translated means boundaries.  My paint is Procien dye.”

You can see art in the making October 18 and 19 from 11 am to 5 pm in the suburbs and country during Washington County Open Studios.  Get a tour map and directions FREE at www.washcoart.org 

Ask an Artist: Bonnie Burbidge, Painter and Jewelry Artist.

Ever wonder how an artist becomes an artist?  Why they make art? Where they get their inspiration and what you’ll see when you visit their studio? 

Here’s your chance to get find out.

What inspires you and how does that come through your art?

“My inspiration comes from Nature and ordinary things.   On my daily walks I take in, A sudden birdcall, a twig with moss, the clouds changing shape, a shadow melting in grass. Nature is so astonishing; it leaves me breathless, and hopefully flows in to my Art.”

Why are you an artist?

“I really love the romance of my studio. The Watercolor, Oil, the touch and feel of the paint as it moves across the paper or canvas.  The feelings of the brush, is as important as seeing what the brush puts down.”

When people come to your studio, what will they see you doing …what part of your process?    

“I will be painting a watercolor still life and creating jewelry.”

What’s your favorite part of your process?          

“The Most exciting part of my Painting process, is the relationship I have with the subject matter,  it could be a Lavender field, a Humming bird, or people walking on the beach, it’s the pure joy of expressing how I see them.”

You can see more of Bonnie’s work and visit her studio during Washington County Open Studios tour October 18-19^th from 11am to 5pm.  And on her website bburbidgefineart.com

Meet Laurie Svec: Mixed Media Artist.

Laurie’s interest in art started early in life.  It was the inspiration and encouragement of a special teacher that got her started on her artistic path.

“My interest in art started with my 7th grade art teacher. Norma Lachelle is still living in Corvallis and is 91 yrs old.  She inspired me with her enthusiasm and joy for art, plus my parents put me into some private art classes that I enjoyed. Basically - I found out that I really enjoyed paints of all kinds, papers, colors, getting messy, and creating something unique that has never been created before and only mine.” 

Creating gives Laurie a chance to bring her soul and her spirit of adventure to life.

“My favorite part of my processes to create my art is the excitement of trying new materials and techniques. Also with watercolor painting, I need to have a subject that is very soul touching, otherwise I lose the thrill of the process.” 

Inspiration pops up everywhere for Laurie.

“I cannot help but be intrigued by patterns, colors, shapes. and textures. I get interesting ideas that pop into my mind or I see art and/or craft work that excite me and I want to try to replicate it somehow or make it work in my own style and use it in my own work somehow.” 

Invention is another inspiration to Laurie.  Though we may see eggs as food, Laurie sees them and other non-traditional materials as art media.

“I have been working with egg shells for over 40 years. Painting and decorating egg shells, and cut out shadow box style Christmas ornaments. I have used ostrich, rhea, emu, goose, duck, turkey, chicken, pigeon, dove, quail, cockateel, and finch eggs. Recently I have experimented with egg shell mosaics. I have an ongoing commission with the Japanese Gardens where you can find my Japanese paper wrapped eggs for sale in the gift shop.”

I use Tyvek building material and paint it with metallic acrylics and then heat it to form interesting 3D sculptures that I can put into shadow boxes. I saw a tutorial online about how to do this and it was fun to work with.

I have invented my own evaporative abstract technique using indelible inks and Yupo paper which is slick plastic paper. This technique originated from a solar watercolor technique I learned about through an article in the Oregonian many years ago. I played with different papers and different paints/inks, and came up with my own idea. I still use both techniques and enjoy the magic that happens after the paints and inks dry.” 

Here’s some of what you’ll see at Laurie’s studio during the Washington County Open Studios Tour, October 18-19 from 11am-5pm.

 “Art studio visitors will likely see me working on Japanese paper wrapped egg shells. I hope to have some eggs at different stages of the process available to see. I will try to have an evaporative ink painting in progress too - under a gooseneck lamp to warm the ink and water. The Brownian Movement helps to evaporate the color onto the paper in unusual ways.”

You can see more of Laurie’s work and visit her studio during Washington County Open Studios tour October 18-19^th from 11am to 5pm.  And on her website at www.villagegalleryarts.org/laurie-svec

A Chat With Ana Quinn, Porcelain and Stoneware Artist.

In this blog series of artist chats, I’m hoping to help our artists and visitors get to know each other better.  So, let’s imagine we’re all sitting around a table with a cup coffee or tea listening to Ana share her art journey.

Ana, what got you interested in art?

“I am an artist because I have always loved working with my hands, creating.  My favorite great Aunt Blanche was a painter and an inspiration as is my close friend, an amazing oil pastel painter, Jane. As I’ve watched Jane develop her art, I’ve been inspired to reach ever higher with my own.”

What’s your favorite part of your process?

“I love working tactilely with the soft clay especially throwing forms on the wheel.  Of late I’ve begun painting images on my pieces.  Though somewhat tedious, I’m surprised to discover how much I enjoy this process. First, I spray a glaze on a bisqued (once fired) piece, then draw and paint images with colored under-glazes over the glaze.”

What inspires you and how does that come through your art?

“The subject matter of my paintings is often related to anthropology which I studied in school.   I’ve taken images of the visions I saw painted in the Paleolithic caves of France, petroglyphs of NW Indians from the Columbia Basin, and the stylized paintings of the ancient Mimbres Pueblo Indians.”

What weird and different material or technique do you use?

“These days I’m bound to add a cat or two to platters, as my husband and I share at least two cats.” 

When people come to your studio, what will they see you doing …what part of your process?

“When you visit my studio you may see me drawing or painting on pots.  You may also possibly see me trimming a ‘leather hard’ piece on my wheel.  Trimming refers to carving a ‘foot’ on the bottom of the pot, which also reduces the weight of the piece.”

You can see more of Ana’s work and visit her studio during Washington County Open Studios tour October 18-19^th from 11am to 5pm.