I’m proud to announce that I have an art show featured at Citrus Salon in Downtown Martinez until the end of July. It’s been a while since I’ve had anything hanging, so this is a big deal! Everyone is invited to the opening night on Friday, June 1st, from 6pm-10pm. Swing by for some wine and music.

I titled the show “GEOMETRY” for a number of reasons, but a couple being that Geometry was my favorite math class in high school and lately I’ve just been obsessed with shapes and spacial relations. It was really fun to put my own organic twist on a traditional and calculated concept. You can see a few of the pieces in my portfolio found here.

Join me on Friday, June 1st. I’d love to see everyone there!

Logic, 48” x 60”, acrylic on canvas

While on pinterest today, I came across Clare Conrad, a stoneware ceramic artist from England. I fell in love with the texture and color of her work. See more of her work at www.clareconradceramics.co.uk.

CLARE CONRAD :: Artist Statement

Unique stoneware ceramics that try to capture the poignant beauty and drama of weathering and corrosion – the point of balance between existence and decay.

I find the vessel form the most satisfying to use and enjoy the traditional method of wheel-throwing, which adds to the sense of capturing time. I like the simplicity and elegance of form achievable with throwing ribs to eliminate finger ridges and use’T’ material – strong, coarse clay – mixed with a smooth white stoneware to give strong, rugged, yet finely balanced pieces.

For many years I have experimented with methods of colour application to the surface of my pots, having been entranced by the peeling paint and sun-faded natural colours in Southern Europe. In recent years living near the coast has added a contrasting strand to my work – stark, white chalk, deep green/blue sea, erosion and natural colours and markings of flints. I use vitreous slips, which I mix and intermix from primary stains and apply to the exterior surface whilst the pot is still damp. The interior matt, slightly sparkly, glaze is a dramatic contrast to the rugged exterior. I like to make fine-walled pots, so stoneware firing ensures that the piece is strong and durable.

All photos and information from www.clareconradceramics.co.uk.

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.

- C. S. Lewis

Gerhard Richter is an important artist in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries; his work spans nearly five decades. Visit www.gerhard-richter.com to view his work and learn about his life. Here are some of my favorites.

ABSTRACTS

Untitled, Ohne Titel (1985) 60 cm x 89.5 cm, Oil and pencil on paper

Abstract Painting, Abstraktes Bild (1995) 36 cm x 51 cm, Oil on canvas

Abstract Painting, Abstraktes Bild (1990) 29 cm x 37 cm, Oil on canvas

Abstract Painting, Abstraktes Bild (1995) 41 cm x 36 cm, Oil on canvas

Abstract Painting, Abstraktes Bild (1995) 61 cm x 61 cm, Oil on canvas

ALPINE

Mountains, Gebirge (1968) 102 cm x 92 cm, Amphibolin and charcoal on canvas

Swiss Alps, Schweizer Alpen (1969) 70 cm x 70 cm, Amphibolin on canvas

Mountains, Gebirge (1968) 200 cm x 160 cm, Amphibolin and charcoal on canvas

Who needs wallpaper when you can simply use a stencil? I was referred to www.cuttingedgestencils.com recently and fell in love with their Geometric/Allover Stencils.

According to Cutting Edge Stencils, you can stencil an accent wall using these geometric and allover stencil patterns and get a stunning look for a fraction of the price of designer wallpaper! It’s easier and faster than you might think, even beginners get great results. With stencils, DIY wall decor is easy. Durable and strong, these stencils will last long time and can be reused again and again.