Denise Aumick ~ Wild Thread Studio Art ~ Life Among Many Mediums

Pastel Abstract

2012-01-22T05:35:00.001-08:00

Karen Stiehl Osborn posted the photo above on Facebook yesterday. I asked her if I could interpret it in a painting. She gave me her blessing.

So last night I picked up pastels for the first time in - like forever. I've never done an abstract with pastels. I'm not even sure how I feel about this painting but I do know that I liked visiting this medium again. All that layering and rubbing (or adult finger painting as someone I know calls it) really speaks to me.

More Gellies

2012-01-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

Messed around with gelatin plate printing on this snowy Saturday morning. I'm pretty satisfied with the results and find that Golden fluid acrylics work really well on the gelly plate. I have some other art plans for this weekend....that involve a photo taken by Karen Stiehl Osborn. Karen is an incredible multi-media artist. More later....

Gellies!

2012-01-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

My daughter came to visit today and since I had the gelatin plate ready for printing we decided to give it a go. Of course I completely forgot to take work-in-progress photos but some of the more successful results are below.

The first two are mine. I was just getting into the groove when we had to stop and Feed The Boys as it was getting late in the day and they wanted to get on the road before dark. What a drag when life and commitments interfere with ART!

Heather made the two below. This first one is quite sweet. There is lots of very subtle texture in the background that doesn't show well in the photo. It's very serene and lovely.

This one of Heather's also come out quite nicely. She added some detailing and enhancements with colored pencils. Pretty good for a first go around with gelatin printing wouldn't you say?

Winter Endeavors

2012-01-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

Made this vessel last week. It needs to be scraped, sanded, glazed and fired. Right now I'm thinking I'd like to put this in a cabinet that has a window as the door.....Guarded Memories....of course I need to find (or build) the right cabinet. Hmmm...trips to antique/junk stores? Gee, what a horrible thought.

Today I have prep ready to do some gelatin printing. A media friend I haven't visited in quite awhile. I plan to take wip photos and - if all goes well and I remember to take the photos (sigh) - I'll post a small tutorial to this blog....stay tuned...

Musings

2012-01-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

At varioius time I consider myself an art quilter, a fiber artist, a pastelist, an acrylic abstract painter and a mixed media assemblage artist. Lots of mediums in which I try to voice what moves me, what inspires me, what speaks to me. I work to manipulate mediums so they allow me to express my fascination with disintegration, beauty out of ruin and the continuum of life. Of course the age old question rears it head from time to time...I get what I'm striving for but does the message appeal to others? In other words, are my artistic expressions successful?

Lately I have been creating pod type vessels that dance around imagery evocative of other worlds, ancient ruins, secrets and memory keepers. An online art friend who I have known (and actually met) for many years now hit the nail right on the head when she said my latest clay creations reminded her of Myst and Riven. I had no idea what Myst and Riven were until I did a bit of google researching. Take a look and see if you agree. Some of these images are so beautiful and mysterious they have already provided me with much inspiration. Game On!

Monotype Gelatin Prints

2012-01-02T08:13:00.001-08:00

Scrapped the Marks 6x8"s in lieu of some monotype gelatin prints I did awhile back. These will be submitted to the Beacon Open Studios gallery call. I forgot how much I love gelatin print painting and the effects that can be achieved. 2012 will be a great year to do some more!

More Marks

2011-12-31T07:40:00.000-08:00

This one is made of molding paste, cheesecloth and lots of paint layers. The one I made yesterday? It was bothering me this morning so I proceeded to add more paint and achieved a mess! I'm going to work on it some more and see if it can be salvaged....chances are not good but we'll see....

Marks

2011-12-30T11:49:00.000-08:00

Making some 6x8 abstracts to submit to Beacon Open Studios. Come join the fun. No entry fee, no juries, no theme, no stress.

Memories

2011-12-28T06:00:00.001-08:00

I often find the unexpected thoughts of quiet memories to be the sweetest. I hold them dear to my heart and know that these help define our lives as much as the larger events that shape us.

This assemblage is comprised of fired, glazed and painted clay pods, an antique wooden pencil box and vintage nails. It measures 6" high x 9" wide x 3" in depth.

Start of The Pod Farm

2011-12-17T12:52:00.000-08:00

This is one of the pods that came out of the gas kiln this week. I am certainly seeing this in an assemblage in front of that vintage, ethnic looking wrench Melanie brought me the other week. I have a blessed week off between Christmas and New Year's. A week that I usually fill with time spent seeing friends and family and....ART (hooray). I have visions of pods dancing in my head, also have an itch to pick up the pastels. Oh, how sweet anticipation can be.

Organic Baby, Organic

2011-11-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hand built clay pods...about 5" high...these will get glazed and fired...hope to use them in an assemblage.

Genesis

2011-11-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

Besides cooking, cleaning and eating too much I am usually able to snatch creative time during the holidays. This is my first in what I hope will become a series based on imagery of pods. The pods in this assemblage are darker than they appear in this photo and have more visible texturing that I wasn't able to capture with the camera. They are created out of paper clay. The shelf objects are pieces are lava my daughter brought back from Hawaii for me. "Mom, can't you use these in your art?" Uh, huh. The 'shade' are altered pages from a National Geographic.

For another piece I plan to work on a larger pod made out of clay that will be glazed and fired.

Hope all of you are enjoying your days and filling them with something much more rewarding than going chain store shopping.

Time Traveler

2011-11-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

Time present and time past

Are both perhaps present in time future,

And time future contained in time past.

If all time is eternally present

All time is unredeemable.

What might have been is an abstraction

Remaining a perpetual possibility

Only in a world of speculation.

What might have been and what has been

Point to one end, which is always present.

Footfalls echo in the memory

Down the passage which we did not take

Towards the door we never opened

Into the rose-garden.

~ T.S. Eliot

Nuno felt made from hand-dyed silk, wool roving & cheescloth - burnt. Artist created paper. Painted acorn shell. Hand stitching. Vintage wooden sticks. Mounted on a painted canvas. 8x10"

Opposites Attract

2011-11-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are doing a together thing...we actually do many together things but this Thing is art related. We are messing around with clay, slips and glazes in our friend's tricked out ceramics studio. Being an engineer head he tends to be very precise and is learning to throw on a wheel. His glazes are very carefully applied in a scientific method kind of way. He creates art in direct opposition to my methods. Care to hazard a guess as to which piece belongs to who?

Snowy Fall Day

2011-10-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

This was what was going outside my studio window yesterday afternoon. Snow in October? A mini-blizzard in October? One of the wonders of living in the Hudson Valley. What's a woman to do? If you're me it means you do ART and try your hand at nuno felting.

I created a base layer that I then added stitching and dyed masa paper to. This piece is about 5x7". I'm not quite sure how I'm going to finish and mount it. Maybe burn the edges? Maybe attach it to a cloth wrapped piece of canvas? Decisions, decisions...This might just be the piece I submit to the WRS's annual Members Show but what orientation? Decisions, decisions...

Red Eggs Nested in Ruins

2011-10-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

My friend Melanie tells me I should post the sizes of my paintings. She said this after seeing one painting in person and saying "who knew it was this large?" Coming in at only artist trading card size (2.5" x 3.5") if seeing this painting in real life one would have to say "who knew it was this small?"

Small Wonders

2011-10-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I met Laura, a lovely and talented collage artist who does lots of artist trading card sized art. Her collages are chock full of emotion and sentiment. I found them quite compelling. Laura frames these wonderful 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" pieces of art in larger white mats and they look fantastic. The large mat pulls you right in to view the small jewel they contain. Laura's work inspired me to create more ATC sized work....and....so...I did....(available in my Etsy shop should the spirit move you).

2011-10-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

Found some silk scarf blanks the other day when I was digging through some stuff looking for something else (of course I didn't find the other something else). I haven't dyed in awhile so I thought I'd give a whirl. After the first dye bath/batching I randomly applied discharge paste and then spent time ironing it away. Think I'll do another 2 tomorrow in a different color pathway.

Thoughts on Change

2011-10-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

What would happen if there were never any changes? Would it be a better world, more enjoyable life if everything were stagnant - even if one's current environment is filled with contentment? If everything (and everyone) were always status quo would that by itself produce a negative change since this is not the natural order of the universe? Giving up control but still taking charge via pro-activity must surely be a rewarding path - yes? Here's to all of you with faith and hope that steps forward will create their own positive energy resulting in experiences that are exciting and rewarding.

Yum

2011-09-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

Ok....can I just tell you....I am now officially psyched on exploring more with pottery. The glazes are The Deal...all the layering, scraping & resisting I do in my paintings and textile dyeing have a huge relationship to the effects I'd like to achieve with glazes. When I glazed this I was after a fossilized effect. I'm happy.

Stacks

2011-09-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the sum can end up equaling more than the individual parts (such as well oiled and tuned partnerships). Seth Apter is encouraging artists to take a photo of a stack of stuff or things and post it on their blog on 9/21. Seth will coordinate the links to your blog from his blog. Check it out.....see Seth's Wed, 9/14 Altered Page blog post on how to participate.

Life

2011-09-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

It can hang by a thread, it can be enhanced by potions and brews, it can be as strong as steel or fragile as glass...but...we only get this one as we know it...so...here's to all of you who try to make it the best you're able and are able to shrug off arrows that may sling your way...and to those of you who have reminded me that the icky stuff just isn't all that damn important.

Escapes

2011-09-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

I started this painting last week during the wind and rain of Hurricane Irene. Other than rattling windows, causing our pond to overflow and inconveniently knocking out power for 24 hrs we didn't have much to complain about. Yesterday we drove around northwestern Ulster County in the Catskills. In this mountainous terraine, Irene's torrential rainfall caused extensive flooding resulting in the loss of homes, businesses and roads. I finished this today with the theme of escape and gratitude on my mind....there was not any loss of life in our region as a result of Irene.

Contributing

2011-08-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

I received official word this week that an image of one of my assemblages plus a bit of commentary I wrote will be included in Seth Apter's book, The Pulse of Mixed Media. The book - a real book - is due out March 2. Seth seems to be a popular guy in the mixed media world - besides creating some cool and interesting mixed media art pieces he is a mixed media promoter extra-ordinaire.

Now...some of you might be thinking 'wow, she must have a certain amount of prestige in the alternative art world to get published'. NOT SO. I have found that getting your art published in magazines and books involves chutzpah more than Master Artist status. If the idea of being published is enticing to you - make art and then go out an promote it. Promote it by proposing an article you can write for a magazine on a subject or technique, promote it by connecting with other art world people via the internet and live shows, promote it by honestly talking with other people about their art and sharing your thoughts and experiences and, finally, promote it by being what makes you an artist in the first place - by using your creativity.

I live in the Hudson Valley of NY. Hurricane Irene is breathing down our necks this weekend. Should prove interesting.

Perelandra

2011-08-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

Many of us have lives inside our minds that don't reflect much of the real world or actual situations but are gee-normous indicators of our internal wishes, wants, desires, and - well - souls. As I create an abstract I know that what evolves as the painting unfolds is from deep within these recesses and is part of the essential makeup that is me. Some of the best abstracts are not consciously created - the energy flows from the body and spirit. The paint is only a vehicle.

Construct or De-construct

2011-08-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Night photos being The Worst aside....this is the finished sculpture that was glazed and then fired over the weekend. If you click on the photo it will get larger and you can see some of the detail. Have I told you I love glaze? And the carbon that is created and fired into pieces when you place them at the top of the kiln? I do believe I will be making more clay assemblages....have an idea for one with a bottle....oh my...the brain is on over load!

2011-08-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

I have a new art friend, Lynn Isaacson, who makes some great pottery. I am especially taken with her 'lizard' (her words) glazes. I went to her tricked out studio last week and came home with clay, books and tools and an assignment. The assignment was to make stuff so I could join in the firing and glazing that will be going on at week's end. Soooo...I went home with not much of a clue...and started messing around. The wall in the back will have antique, rusted nails secured to it after it's glazed and hopefully - if they don't blow up in the kiln - the front left pieces will become pendants for necklaces. The curved piece on the bottom right...well I'm not sure what direction that will go in....it was my first attempt at being a pottery artist. If these pieces don't turn out too bad I'll post 'after firing' photos. Maybe I'll post 'em even if they turn out horrific.

2011-07-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

A small portable Secret (5" x 2.5") to keep close throughout the day.

Portals

2011-07-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

So many roads, so many possibilities...sometimes the issue with choices is the unknown. What about this, what about that? The trick is to be able to make a rational decision based in reality...and the realities in any given situation can be diverse and complex. Crystal balls not withstanding, it's often difficult to know which door to choose....door #1, door #2 or door #3? The consequences can be a bit higher than those of a game show.

Another Visit

2011-07-18T04:14:00.000-07:00

Back in the day I used to sell art work on Ebay. It was mucho fun and I made many friends in the Ebay group chat rooms (some of whom I have met in real life and remain friendly with to this day). Every month a NibbleFest Art Contest was held. Artists would post auction pieces for a week and - get this - the starting bid was only 99 cents. This was a contest where the winner could certainly be the buyer! Anyhow, this contest is still running and the next one begins on 7/20. I plan to put this mixed media collage ACEO (look it up if you don't know what these darlings of the Ebay world are) up for auction. If you're interested in seeing what NibbleFest art work is up for auction (some of which will be good) go to Ebay later in the day on 7/20 and type in NFAC in the search bar. Also, keep checking back daily for additions because - remember - these are artists posting the auctions....we aren't always the best at organizing ourselves to meet deadlines so listings will continue to be posted throughout the week.

Cause and Effect

2011-07-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

Wow...was I ever influenced by the moon last night. Stayed up way too late and woke up much too early. I'm blaming it on the moon...since it - certainly - couldn't have anything to do with the fact that my mind was racing a hundred and twelve miles per hour.

Homage and Continuum

2011-07-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to an auction. A couple was moving to another country and needed to sell the contents of their home so I didn't feel as weird as I do when attending an estate auction. (Isn't it a bit unsettling to be purchasing the remnants of someone's life? I always have this feeling I am violating the person and try to pay reverence to that person even while winning something at a good price.) Anyhow, we bought 3 antique clocks at very reasonable prices...actually a bit too reasonable...but we will love and enjoy these clocks as much as their many previous owners have.

Pictured is an assemblage made from an altered antique box, antique nails, wooden gate image, brass found object, cobalt bottle, old wire and vintage watch part.

2011-07-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

I struggled with this for good parts of both yesterday and today. It is on a very large stretched canvas (16x40) and I've come to realize that I like working on 140# watercolor paper much better than canvas. Anyway, the photo isn't the best but it gives you an idea of the piece. Odd, but the piece looks much more like it's title in person......Crumbling Walls.

Tomorrow night we're going to hear the NY Philharmonic and see fireworks....where?....at the site of the Woodstock Festival...now known as Bethel Woods. I love where I live.

Freedom

2011-06-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

Messing around this morning with some exercises from this book. I took a painting that wasn't working and smeared gloss gel on it - thick. Then when it was tacky I combed into the gel with a plastic fork and then let it dry completely. After that lots of layers of transparent paint were applied, partially pulled up in places as it suited me and then more layers were added. I might still need to add some accents but it's time to let it sit for awhile and go pick some strawberries.

Reveal

2011-06-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

Painted again today. Hooray.
Anyone out there care to share their thoughts on abstract art? Do you like it or is it something you can live without? Why? Who is...or are...some of your favorite abstract artists? I don't have a lot of knowledge about abstract art (yep, I'll admit it) and I'd love to learn more.

Unveiling

2011-06-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Modeling paste, acrylics, water and alcohol applied with brushes, credit cards (painting is a better use for them anyway), fingers and wadded tissue paper. This one will be for sale at my new 'When I'm Able' blog. Have a wonderful weekend everyone...try to keep it creative and flowing with acceptance.

2011-05-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I put some finishing touches to "Runneth Over" and brought it to the
Wallkill River School for display. This is the second assemblage I've put into WRS's gallery. Shawn (the director) told me kids are quite fascinated with them. Assemblages are such a unique art form that many people just can't relate or don't 'get them'. My friend Canace, an assemblage artist extra-ordinaire, has a posting on her blog for an assemblage give away. Please click on her name and see her work (and put your hat in the ring for the prize!).
I am most curious so I'd like to ask....do you - can you - relate to assemblage art? Why or why not?

Back to the Roots....

2011-05-26T05:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with my friend who had just returned from taking a class with Dorothy Caldwell. Melanie showed me this marvelous hand bound book of some exercises they had done during the class. I was inspired! It has been awhile since I've messed around with textiles but this morning I grabbed some previously dyed organza, plunged it into a coffee/tea bath (to further stain and earth-i-tize it), then burned it using a candle and incense stick. It remains to be seen where the journey will go from here...perhaps some handstitching...perhaps some more embellishments...we shall see...but isn't it tres organic and rustic looking?

Head Runneth Over

2011-05-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

I am going through a difficult patch right now that involves making certain decisions that will have a significant impact on my life. No, I'm not contemplating a divorce (never, ever) but still; it is a choice that will bring a major change to my life. Trepidation of the unknown results once this choice is made and its path determined is the source of many sleepless hours, distracted daily living and endless internal questions to which there are no answers - at this point in time. Touche to the first lines of M. Scott Peck's book 'The Road Less Traveled'....
"Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths."

The assemblage above was started last night at 1am. My cup runneth over and so does my head.

Blessed

2011-05-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

The happiest of Mother's Day to any of who have provided love, guidance and support to a child at any time...whether for years or a few precious moments.

This is an art quilt assemblage type of piece I did about 5 years ago that was illustrative of both Mother Earth and my own feelings of abundance.

Today I was hit by some inspirational thoughts & ideas for a new assemblage that - I hope - will illustrate how truly blessed we all can be even in the face of adversity. Stay tuned in the weeks to come because this one is going to take awhile to realize.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2011-05-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

It needed more layers....and still may not have enough....

2011-04-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

It is spring and it is Easter. I just finished this and now I'm going to start special dinner preparations....to include lobster tails and scallops, wild rice and asparagus....life can be good!

2011-04-19T04:38:00.000-07:00

Got these nifty double mats complete with backer boards and archival sleeves. I like how it presents the 8x10" abstracts. Meanwhile...plans are getting firmed up for a short getaway to NYC in May. Where will we stay? The quintessential embodiment of bohemian - the Chelsea Hotel (nope, can't call it the Hotel Chelsea). Fun, fun, fun.

2011-04-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

It's funky, it's fun and it's interesting - in person - it makes you look and look. Renaissance of Wonder. Made from a vintage cigar mold, secret potions in test tubes, paper images, Grolsch beer caps (yep, enjoying the contents of one now), antique wooden dowel and compass sphere. It looks very cool hanging on a wall. Maybe I'll bring it to my day job and put it in my office. Most everyone there doesn't understand me as it is....good to keep the mystery going.

2011-04-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Going to the hardware store NOW to get some muchly needed attachment items...also need 2 bottles of a certain beer (more on that later)...hope to have this finished today....have - what I think is - a great idea for a sculptural element at the top...stay tuned.

Renaissance

2011-04-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

After one of my assemblages was accepted for publication in a book Seth Apter is writing for North Light Books I seem to have found renewed enthusiasm for this medium. This morning I began casting secret potions for inclusion in a piece that was - in part - inspired by these words from a Ferlinghetti poem ".....and I am awaiting perpetually and forever a renaissance of wonder." Stay tuned for further updates....

Intensity

2011-04-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

This one took me 6 friggin' hours to get to a point where I could even stand it! Ugh, why do we artist type of people do this to ourselves? I think I'm going to do a nice simple pastel painting next. These abstracts are sucking the life out of me.

Meanwhile....as I was in abstract hell....my friend Melanie was across the work table from me quietly going about the business of creating some great layered collage papers. I think she let out a couple of suppressed giggles while listening to my lunatic rants about the abstract I was creating.

2011-03-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

I believe that abstract art is one of the purest art forms. When an artist creates intuitively - from their gut - they are channeling an essence of themselves into the piece. If a viewer is then drawn to the piece I believe they have connected to that essence of the artist on a deep, inner level. Canvas, modeling paste, tissue paper, cheesecloth, organza, other fibers and lots of paint went into this one. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one. If you like it what pulls you? If you don't care for it what bothers you? Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine has been more than fine.

Window of Opportunity

2011-03-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

I am toying with the idea of taking a week long class this spring with the incredible mixed media abstract artist Mary Todd Beam. It will mean dropping more than a few bucks but I do like her work and wonder if I could suck up some of her knowledge, tips and tricks while pushing my artistic envelope. Steve is more than supportive of my doing this....so what is my hesitation? Anyone out there care to share their thoughts and experience in regards to taking an intensive class for days on end? Was it worth it?

Super Moon

2011-03-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

So far today I've been able to spend mucho time painting (yea). This abstract was inspired by the anticipation of tonight's perigee moon. Steve and I are planning to spend a quiet evening at home sitting on the front porch (perhaps sipping an adult beverage) and watching the incredible sky show tonight.

And tomorrow? Maybe - I hope - it's going to work out that I'll go see this show. Can you say inspiration extra-ordinaire?

Promises

2011-03-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

"To everything there is....a time to build up...a time to break down....a time to dance...a time to mourn....a time to cast away stones...a time to gather stones together...."

Any of us who believe we can control our destinations, our paths are sorely mistaken. The universe and our Earth will do what must be done no matter how advanced our human engineering, achievements and technology.

Prayers and blessed thoughts to those who are suffering, afraid or bewildered.

Thaw

2011-02-27T13:59:00.000-08:00

Take pieces of an antique quilt from the 1800's, torture some Tyvek on top of the woodstove, open the door to let out the cookin' Tyvek fumes, fray some cheesecloth, acrylic paints, pigments and finally lay down some stray fibers. Earth - renew thyself!

Can't See the Forest for the Trees

2011-02-20T16:49:00.000-08:00

I live very close to this great artist friend and every once in awhile, when the moon is right and all the stars are aligned, we are able to spend some creative time together. This afternoon we messed around exploring mixed media art. I created this piece from part of a failed textile piece, modeling paste (please don't ever take this away from me), other fibers, a shell fragment and a healthy dose of paint. Can I spend every Sunday afternoon like this? Please?

Abstract Painting Class

2011-02-20T04:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I gave an abstract painting class at the Wallkill River School. The participants were great and, even though I was exhausted at the end of the day, I had a wonderful time. Sue and Linda made some great mixed media pieces. Meanwhile, Jennifer and Jessica, the two teenagers? They just flew into combining different elements and techniques with a freedom that was awesome to watch. Next time I must remember to bring my camera so I can post photos of the class and the art that is created by the participants! All I can show & tell is the piece above that I made during the class.

In the Thick of It

2011-02-13T13:40:00.001-08:00

Right now I'm coping with quite a bit of stress and turmoil that can be directly attributed to my day job. It is not fun and, after 5 years, I believe it's finally dawned on me that life there is not going to change no matter how idealistic and optimistic I choose to be. Soooo...while I'm figuring out what my next steps may or may not be...I began work on a very personal assemblage. While this is not finished, the guts have been decided. Was nice to spend a bit of time doing what it is I love to do.

Can you read the title of the vintage little leather book?

I-N-F-E-R-N-O.

Imagery

2011-02-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

I seem to use the image of hearts often in the art work I create. They can convey so many messages...there are purple hearts, blue hearts, passionate red hearts, gold hearts...you get the gist. This abstract was created with acrylic paints, modeling paste and cheesecloth on 140lb watercolor paper. I think I'll frame it and bring it to hang in the hallway gallery at the Wallkill River School for February....ummmm....the theme of the month being 'love' (surprise, huh?).

2011-01-29T05:06:00.000-08:00

Yes, I added more layers to this painting. Now it is done - except for a decision on its orientation. No matter how it is turned I think the painting's sensibilities are the same and conveys a message of organic ancient-ness (how's that for a can't-find-the-right-words description this early morning?). Right now my leanings are towards #2, I like the 'cradle' effect...but that could change. Any thoughts out there, anyone?

Un-Earthed

2011-01-15T06:12:00.000-08:00

Last week I was asked to participate in a painting demonstration during a gallery reception. I started this that night. This morning I woke up with images flying through my head (kind of like sugarplums dancing but a bit less merry) so I grabbed a cup of coffee, squeezed out some paint and began layering. This might be done...or not...but for now it's going to stay on the easel so it can be contemplated and considered.

Luna Moth

2011-01-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

I like the night just before dawn approaches. There is something about this time that seems a bit magical, a bit unearthly....a promise of things to come, the mystery of the unknown and the anticipation of possibilities.

Painted with pastels yesterday and today..yea! This will be my submission for the 'Night' theme and will hang at the Wallkill River School hallway gallery...since I am now...drum roll please...a represented artist there.

Happy New Year to all of you.

Fine Tuned and Secured

2010-12-29T05:19:00.001-08:00

Fini....someone I know is suggesting I make lots and lots of these...a collection...not sure what will happen once there is a collection but the joy just might be in the journey.

Passages

2010-12-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

Sometimes too much of a good thing is - well - too much. I've come to realize that I have closets and drawers filled with art work. Some of it interesting, much of it mundane. I've also come to realize that while I may be a jack of all trades I'm not really a master of any. I think it's time to take an art break. Time to take stock of this art filled life and consider what is or what is not - worth it. I could use a bit of R&R.

Second Secret

2010-11-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

Today a gallery in Warwick, NY was so incredibly validating of my assemblage pieces that it brought tears to my eyes. They WANT as many pieces as I can produce. They couldn't say enough about this art work...even The Husband Person (who lives with my flighty creative self so all this art stuff doesn't impress him all that much) was taken with how thrilled the gallery owners were about the pieces I brought in for show and tell.

Pictured above is "The Second Secret". It will be on display at the Collage Gallery in Warwick, NY in the near future. Oh...and...by the way....The Husband Person named this body of work I'm doing - "Reclamations". Perfect.

It feels like Christmas already!

The Newest Passion

2010-11-24T09:21:00.000-08:00

Last night my totally awesome husband walked in the house with a gift for me....a new, top o' the line Dremel tool kit and work station. My very own power tool! What more can a girl want? Assemblage creation heaven, here I come!
This piece is a WIP (work in progress). The box is prepared but nothing else is secured or hooked together so changes could still happen!
Does anyone out there have a favorite assemblage artist? I'd love to hear whose work you find interesting.

The First Secret

2010-11-11T04:18:00.000-08:00

I am a yard sale scout, antique hound and junk connoissseur. People sometimes look at me as I'm picking up old broken parts of stuff and I bet they're wondering something like "Is this woman crazy? Does she live in a small house filled with 43 cats?" Noooooo (well maybe a bit on the crazy part) but what does happen is these old items are realizing a new life in art land. This piece is called The First Secret. I already have ideas for The Second Secret and The Third Secret. Perhaps they will help me to discover the meaning of life....

2010-11-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

Take masonite board, coat it with gesso, apply torn pieces of gelatin printed papers, scrape on some modeling paste, layer on acrylic paint, rub back and pull up said acrylic paint, layer on more paint, pull back (you get the idea), add a final image of torn paper and call it a day...or rather a night, yesterday at about midnight.

The Secret

2010-11-03T05:37:00.001-07:00

Quite a number of years ago I spent some time messing around creating assemblages. I've been trying my hand at them again. The assemblage I'm currently working on demanded the creation of a potion in a bottle that would appear other-worldly and mysterious but not creepy. This is the result. I'm happy and work will continue....by the way....The Husband Person has given me great suggestions to use in the assemblages....maybe we should consider a partnership?

2010-10-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't painted in - like - forever! Last night I went to WRS and joined in on the Thurs evening pastel studio class. It felt really good to be with a bunch of other people doing what we like to do. Have I ever told you how much I love, just love, the texture you can get with pastels? Soooo luscious.

Building

2010-10-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

Rust with shimmer, worn wood with patina, the old, the vintage and the interesting...these are things that I am drawn to and covet in antique stores, estate sales, auctions and junk piles. I have been inspired to create an assemblage for months. Today I gathered some treasures, started altering them a bit and attaching them together. The finished piece measures about 9" long & 6" wide. It looks kind of cool hanging on the wall.

Roots

2010-10-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

I spent most of the weekend steam cleaning carpets and upholstery - wheeee...lots of fun....but at 4pm this afternoon I started messing around with a gelatin plate that I had stuck in the fridge this morning. I was going after imagery that would evoke remind one of this time of the year. I think I'm going to call this Song of the Shawangunks.

2010-09-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at the Wallkill River School I gave a class on abstract painting that turned into being more of a Mixed Media abstract art class. We had a ton of fun and the 6 hrs (whew!) flew by. The participants were amazing. They were adventurous and dug right into creating texture and images with found objects, rubbing alcohol, plastic, molding paste, etc. I brought my camera but - of course - forgot to take photos. The piece above is what I created. We're going to do the class again in November and they want to mess around with the 'fabric paper' that I make. I heard a few "oooohs" when I described this mixed media 'paper' that is made from sheer fabric and can be either machine or hand stitched. I'll try to remember to take photos during that session!

2010-09-09T04:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's a good idea to let things set for awhile before deciding if they are done or not. Case in point, I added more to this painting afterwards - after wondering if it was done. It's much better I think than before...looks more like my voice....lots of layering and complexity.

How do YOU know?

2010-09-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

I started this acrylic painting yesterday and arrived at this point today. I never know when or if enough is enough. Is this painting finished? Or should I go for more layers? Are there rules? If so, what are they???? When I started this I was going after a textured painting with an organic nature. I'm contemplating layering more organic shapes and marks but I dunno...I just dunno.

2010-08-29T06:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to a benefit show to raise money to help maintain the arts in the Saugerties school district. Saugerties and Woodstock are sister towns and, as such, can lay claim to being the stomping ground of many fine - very fine - musicians. Besides other world class musicians Theresa Williams, Larry Campbell and Amy Helm performed an incredible set of their gospel inspired music. Larry Campbell (do a web search) is a 2 time Grammy winner who has toured and played with Bob Dylan among others. Amy is Levon's daughter and a founding member of Ollabelle whose gospel/roots music brought healing to the NYC's lower east side right after 9/11. Apparently Ollabelle's music reasonated with so many people seeking solace that every Sunday night the club they played at would be packed with a diverse crowd ranging from punk rockers to financial execs. Theresa's clear, strong and gutsy voice and her strong stage presence added a depth and dimension to the trio that made you sit up and listen.

I love Ulster County and, while there are many other beautiful places, I really can't imagine living anywhere else. This morning I was inspired to create a roots type of painting. Other than the music that comes out of these hills, what evokes Ulster County more than the Catskills and a red farm building?

2010-08-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

Yes! Some more gelatin plate monotype prints. Today, two of my great art buddy friends came over and we got up close and personal with the j-e-l-l-o stuff. I'm going to try sandwiching these pieces between glass and soldering the edges with copper. Yes! Yet another technique/skill to learn.

Gelly Adventures

2010-07-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

All of these are gelatin plate prints created with unflavored j-e-l-l-0, acrylic paints, stamps, and paper resists on watercolor paper. Try it, you'll like it!

Not Just For Jello

2010-07-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

Last night while watching Precious (yes, I like intense movies and stories) I stiched this. The base is gelatin printed fabric - if you click on the photo it will get HUGE and you can see more detailing. At the end of this month the Wallkill River School will have its annual Starving Artists Sale (side note: starving - I'm not) and I've been asked to participate. I'm going to offer small textile pieces attached to painted canvases at good (great) prices since these seem to popular whenever they've been presented at the school. Also, today I plan to mess around with gelatin printing on paper and see what ends up happening....and then if I add a few pastels and oil paintings to the sale, I just might end of offering a real mixed bag of art. Can you say multi media?

Seeking Olana

2010-06-07T04:18:00.000-07:00

There seems to be an insidious mentality that has invaded the working world environment. It is the "be thankful you have a job" culture mindset. Now, don't get me wrong. I do understand that in this economy, where 1 out of 10 people are out of work and some of the other 9 are working at jobs that pay them chump change, my day job affords me a decent salary and benefits. What is difficult to accept (and I try to always live in a either a state of acceptance, joy or enthusiasm) is the fact that many of us are working longer hours and trying to stay on top of work loads and living up to expectations that might be accomplished easier by 2 people. So....last night I was looking at an unfinished painting of my dearly beloved Catskills wishing I lived the quiet relaxed life I always envisioned for myself there...inspiration hit and I grabbed the oil paints and went to it. I am constantly searching for beauty, peace and serenity....Olana embodies all of those elements and if I can't literally live it, I can be there in my mind.

2010-05-30T05:21:00.000-07:00

Finished with hand stitching just about ready to be mounted on a painted canvas. Have a great day everyone.

2010-05-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

People have told me that the art I create...whether in fabric, mixed media or pastels is filled with a sense of emotion. The first time I was told this I was a bit taken aback and considered it a lone remark. By the 3rd expressed observation in this same vein I started to believe it. Then I started to analyze it. I like earthy. I like organic. I like real. I like heartfelt. I like substance. I like deep thinking. I find these qualities attractive in people and in art. The work in progress above is constructed from my own surface designed fabrics. It may not be a masterpiece but a lot of real work, effort and feeling went into its creation.

'Tis the Season

2010-05-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

What better thing to do with this beautiful warm weather and committment free weekend than mess around with surface designing cloth? I was inspired to try potato starch resist dyeing and I'm pretty darn happy with the results. The pieces above and below might end up as whole cloth that I'll add stitching to...maybe...I don't think I can bring myself to cut them up...not these....

2010-05-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

Still messing with the oils. This is a work in progress - have to get up the nerve to finish the porch. This is painted from a photograph that was taken by my friend at Olana. Olana was the home of Fredric Church, who along with his buddy Thomas Cole, did some very famous paintings and become quite prominent in the late 19th century art world. They are quite the ticket around here in the Hudson Valley.

2010-04-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

My creative life has been quiet the past couple of weeks although I recently began working with oil paints. This picture is my second oil painting, done in class yesterday. I find oils very freeing. I seem to be able to work with them quickly - much more so than pastels or textiles. The instructor works without mediums so we just put the paint on our palettes and go for it! I'm in love.

2010-04-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

My latest work in progress pastel painting. That pink fruit is known as dragon fruit - very cool color! On another note...I have some batting in a dye bath right now and plan do some intuitive hand stitching on it tonight. I miss those quiet evenings where I would spend hours meditatively stitching.

2010-03-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who takes some great photographs. She often catches images of old, rusted antique and vintage items. Many times when I see a photograph of hers the first words out of my mouth are 'can I paint this?'. She recently emailed me the photo above wondering if I found it of interest. Yep. See the outline drawing below. We're considering creating a show that highlights her photographs and my paintings of them. Might be kind of cool.

This Magic Moment

2010-03-15T16:50:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday was the reception for my show at the Wallkill River Gallery. As the emerging artist (or emerger as I like to joke) my work was featured in a separate room right across from the main gallery. Shawn Dell Joyce and Carrie Jacobson were showing in the represented artists rooms.

The photo above were my pieces highlighted on the mantel. The 'stack' are small framed textile pieces.

This is another wall with more pastels and a textile piece.

A wall with textile pieces.

The wall of abstracts. While I received many, many wonderful thoughts and comments on all my pieces it seems as if the abstracts were a hit with both men and women. People wanted to know my techniques and how I created all the layered effects.

And the three of us (from left to right) Carrie, Shawn and me. Oh and that magnificent painting of cows behind us? Carrie's.

2010-03-07T05:03:00.000-08:00

The same framing method (like I used for the ATC in the post below) works just as well for larger pieces. The textile focal piece on this one is about 13x14"" and it's secured to a 16x20" painted canvas that's inserted into the black chunky frame. I really do like this presentation.
Hanging my show today in the gallery today!!!!!

2010-03-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

I finally found a way to display ATC's that take them beyond their small size. I stumbled upon these frames that work perfectly with a 3/4" thick painted canvas inserted into them. I think this presentation looks clean, polished and modern while showing off the textural elements of this mixed media piece perfectly.

On another note I hang my show at the Wallkill River School tomorrow. It's been a creatively busy last couple of months trying to get art finished for this. All told I finished 4 (or is it 5?) acrylic abstracts, 9 (or is it 10?) pastel paintings, 2 largish (for me) textile pieces and 6 of these small textile/mixed media studies. I wish that I had a few more things but it is what it is!

2010-02-27T05:06:00.000-08:00

A little mini painting I did yesterday...measures 5x6" from frame edge to frame edge. I think I'm going to post this for sale in my Etsy shop and see what happens. I haven't updated that shop for ages - time for some new merchandise!

American Beauty

2010-02-26T04:26:00.001-08:00

Fini...or just about...now to figure out how to get it to a framer in 12" of snow.

2010-02-25T05:26:00.000-08:00

Getting there but haven't quite arrived yet....need to work on the headlights, the front fender, tire, background and a few other places. So far I have about 7 hours of work in this with - maybe - another 2 more to go. Whoever believes that painting doesn't require dedication and work is very wrong. But it is - most definitely - a labor of love.

2010-02-22T18:39:00.000-08:00

Beep, beep...work in progress coming through. What's better than an image of an old rusted truck? Especially a big hunkin' 24x24" image? I think I'm going to call this one Americana Baby. Two wishes....1.) I don't screw it up as I continue and 2.) I get it done in a week so I can beg the framer (and pay him way too much money, no doubt) to have it framed in time for my show.

2010-02-19T18:29:00.000-08:00

Inspired by a photograph of a marble! I love the textures and portal feeling of this piece I did tonight. I was experiencing painting withdrawal...hadn't done anything all week...so I came home sketched this out and proceeded to add the pastels. Layer upon layer of pastels.

2010-02-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

A difficult photo but you get the idea. Art quilt mounted on a painted canvas and then set into a plain black frame. It really does present very well when seen live.

2010-02-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

Scored these marvelously rustic and cool watch parts yesterday during an outing with my friend Art by Canace . I'm seeing them embedded in painted and distressed modeling paste on a canvas, with some handstitching and other added textured elements. I see it in mind although I'm not quite sure how I'm going to go about executing the vision. Creating art can - sometimes - be a series of problem solving steps. How well the problems are solved tends to determine the final success of a piece.
On another note, it seems many other people (myself included) are spending time in FaceBook land. If any of you have FaceBook pages and want to connect I'd love to receive a 'friend request' from you. I'm on FB as Denise Aumick. I know FB is the latest social site and...no doubt....soon there will be another social site that comes on the scene but - hey - flexibility can be a great trait, don't you think?

2010-02-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

Yes....I still do textile work! This piece is now ready for some hand stitching with some nice chunky natural linen thread. I surface designed all the cloth used in this piece by dyeing, gelatin printing, silk screening, breakdown printing, painting, discharging and/or a couple of other treatments that I can't remember right now.

2010-02-03T05:59:00.000-08:00

All together now.....awwwwwwwww. What stories are hidden in an old, worn pair of baby shoes? The unconditional love, the hope, the promises, the devotion, the paths that will be traveled.

2010-02-01T04:20:00.000-08:00

Work in progress....What is sweeter or tells a better story than an old worn pair of baby shoes? I hope I can do them justice - stayed tuned.

2010-01-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

I actually did some textile work the other night. I started free motion quilting on some surface designed silk and it seems to be coming out kind of well. I plan to finish for the gallery show in March. Meanwhile I'm on such a pastel kick. I can't put them down. Pastel dust is flying all over the sun room. Finished this bleeding heart interpretation tonight.

2010-01-24T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hayrolls in a Shawangunk Ridge field. Fortunately these agricultural icons can still be seen around this area in the summer and fall. These provide such a nicer view than a strip mall or a new house devoid of character.

Now I'm going to try a presentation experimentment with ATC's. More to come.

2010-01-22T04:38:00.000-08:00

In the Hudson near West Point, there is a castle on what is called Bannerman's island. The Bannermans built the castle as both a summer home and a storage facility for their ammunitions buisness (!). The castle is in ruins and will cost millions to repair but holds a fascination for most people in the Hudson Valley. I did this pastel painting from a photo my multi-talented friend Canace took when she was given the honor of being allowed access to the island. There is something beautiful in the process of disintegration and I tried to capture that in this painting.