PREPARING FOR 2016 EXHIBIT

Some of the paperwork for the group landscape show I was invited to participate in with three other artists arrived recently.  

The papers consisted of a cover letter including who to contact at the gallery if there are any questions, an exhibition contract describing what both the gallery and artist responsibilities for the exhibit will be and an exhibit check list with deadlines for aspects such as postcards, advertising, inventory list and artist biographical information to arrive at the gallery. 

If you are working on an exhibit, It is important to read everything received and ask questions if something is not clearly understood.  All of the galleries I have worked with have been well organized and helpful when it comes to this process.

I will need to prepare:
           1.  A minimum of 14 pieces
           2.  At least four works made specifically for pedestals
           3.  Pieces at various price ranges as works will be for sale during exhibit

This will entail:
           1.  Ordering supplies (wool, dyes, backing materials, framing materials, etc.)
           2.  Beginning studies on possible designs. 
           3.  Taking photographs of ideas for designs
           4.  Deciding what type of sculptural works to create                       

I have started going out and taking photos.  This past weekend we took a ride to Black Mountain, NC and I had my camera in tow.

There was a beautiful lake we walked around.  I like the foreground, the tree on the left and the way the foliage curves around the lake area in this photo.

 The lines of the branches under the bridge caught my eye.  I noticed after I cropped the photo that the curve fits in with my latest abstract geometric work.

 The strong verticals of these trees could make a strong composition.

Go out and enjoy the art exhibits being shown in your area, notice how the artists put the work together for show purposes and have a great day.

ART INSPIRATION FROM THE ROAD

I think those of us who are artists see inspiration everywhere.  We don't sit around waiting for it, we live it.  We look at things differently and don't have a tendency to pass things by.

We're on the road for the next couple of weeks.  Here are some photos of things that made me stop and think.

This tree was all alone in a field and had the oddest shape to it.  It just said to me "why be ordinary?"

A section of a bridge as we passed under it.  There are never ending geometric shapes in bridge designs.

A deserted hotel.  The sign says "Weekly and nightly rates".   Has anyone seen the movies "Vacancy' or "Identity"?  Enough said.  I would have stopped if we had time as there were not any no trespassing signs to be seen.  Why did it end up deserted?  Who once stayed there?

How often do you spot a tepee on the road?  Triangles and stripes are right up my alley.  What about the wood sections?  Could I begin to add wood to pieces?  

When we reached Ohio, we went on a boat ride to one of the islands.  Orange life vests were roped in overhead.  They added a bright spot of color to the gray vessel.  Nylon fabric, straps, buckles, zipper and snaps. What could be done with these materials in a hooked work?

The huge boat chain in the foreground drew my attention.  An art installation using large chain may be on a list of future challenges.

A local mural along the lakeside.  Love the tall ships and the shapes of the sails.

Never let the ordinary pass you by and have a great day!

INSPIRATION AND CREATIVITY IN ART

"Mountain Reflections", 20 x 20  Lori LaBerge  2015

"Mountain Reflections" was completed this week.  It was done totally left-handed and though I can now pick up a hook with my right hand, I can't quite bend the hand enough for the proper movement yet.  Soon!

A question artists are asked quite often is how they get their ideas.  There are times even I don't know where an idea suddenly comes from, but most of them come from continuing to enjoy the world around me.  

Everyone works differently.  Here are eight things that work for me.

1.  I tend to work whether I have good idea or not.  There are tons of scribbles and x'd out design plans in my sketchbook.  I find the way to reach an idea is to start with something, anything, and go from there to improve upon it.  There is no need to try to create the final work right off the bat.

2.  A large variety of ideas seem to come at night when it is quiet and I'm not interrupted by phones, e-mails, the nagging laundry needing to be done or other things.  I keep note cards on my nightstand.  I sift through these ideas at various times.  Some work out, others don't.

A Penland class totally open to a variety of ideas.

3.  I create better when I am alone.  While I enjoy classes and learn from them, I often find myself holding back on ideas I would normally go crazy with in the studio. I take what I learn in classes and bring the knowledge and work created there back to the studio to recreate from it.  An environment totally open to odd ideas works best for me, but is not always easy to find.

4.  Some artists I know adhere to strict working hours.  I find I tend to work between noon and 8 p.m., but I'm not a rule stickler about it.  I am definitely not a morning person and find I rarely have good ideas in the morning.  Knowing what hours you function best at can lead to better work production.

Costumes from Downton Abbey on display at Biltmore in North Carolina through May 25, 2015.

5.  I find myself exploring settings and color in movies along with the clothing the characters wear.  I look at the use of texture, horizontals and verticals and the way atmosphere and time period is achieved.  I do the same with books which veer toward heavy description.

"Without, a midwinter twilight, where wandering snowflakes eddied in 

     the bitter wind  between a leaden sky and frost-bound earth.

       Within, a garret; gloom, bare, and cold as the bleak night coming down."

The above quote from Louisa May Alcott's "A Modern Mephistopheles" compares the outdoors and indoors.  It gives a sense of color with the sky and earth.  How could we portray some of these descriptions through our artwork?

 One of my  favorite spots, the sitting area of the bedroom.

6.  A seemingly endless supply of magazines are found around our home.  Interior design, fashion and art.  I love spending a couple of hours jotting down ideas I've seen.  There are color combinations, various use of materials, and special effects achieved by the placement of objects in ads and features.  Don't have magazines, check out the local library.

7.  I often take off to the studio at odd hours to draw out a design idea.  If you have an idea in your head, work on it rather than waiting till later.  It is easy to forget.  I often need to redesign later, but the general idea is there.

"Timeless Travels"  SOLD,  Lori LaBerge,  2013

8.  Mixing ideas from different sources can lead to interesting ideas.  "Timeless Travels" developed from thoughts of traveling on the road and a night spent stargazing with my son.  You never know what your mind may be able to connect.

There are many ways in which artists work.  Accept the ways that work for you and have a great day.

CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT CITYSCAPE STARTED, CITY INSPIRATION FOR DESIGN

"City Crossing" in progress  30 x 30  Lori LaBerge  2014

Cities have always fascinated me.  As a child,  my parents took me to Montreal quite often.  I would gaze up at the tall buildings and maneuver my way through all the people on the busy sidewalks.  It seemed as if I would wait forever to cross the street as I wasn't as daring as the locals in ignoring the crossing signs, and that thought is part of which led to the design of "City Crossing".

I often look through sketchbooks and photos when deciding on a design and "City Crossing" was developed from the reflection in the photo below:

  

There is so much inspiration in the city:

 There are so many patterns in the city.  In this photo I like the square patterns in the lower center with the few circular roofing shapes around them.  The roof of the building on the left is reminiscent of Alber's Homage to the square.  The odd shape of the building on the right reminds me of a kilim type motif.  A multitude of design ideas could come from this one photo.

  

 Row houses make for an interesting pattern with various window configurations, facades and different patterns created by air vents and other roofing items.  The roof line on the further buildings has a wave type feel to it.  How about a shaped piece of art?  A work with various depth levels mimicking the row houses?  

 How about a different perspective?  There are so many angles when you look up at all the tall buildings.  This could lead to ideas about differing perspective on other subjects you may be using for designs.

 The top of this building has a pagoda type feel to it.  How about mixing different styles in one piece of art?  

 I liked the horizontal and vertical on this building.  You could use a variety of directions in one piece or do a directional series of work.  And how about the moss and vines on the side of the building that look like they are dripping.  I've been contemplating throwing paint on a piece and letting it drip down the wool.  Maybe a little Pollock?

 While visiting Charleston, I spotted these beautiful rose windows.  I already have an abstract architectural design in the sketchbook based on this photo.  I like the depth of the windows along with the flower-like shape in the glass.  A repetitive piece on circles could be an option with this, also.

  

 Another photo that is in the sketchbook as an abstract stairway.  I love the curve of the stairs.  There is also another rose window with a moulding around it that could lead to some interesting options for design.

Old dilapidated buildings are some of my favorites.  I really like going inside these when I can.  This one has large rectangular blocks of design.  I like the patches and cracks which tends to give each block a look of having columns, similar to a newspaper.  The graffiti also lends itself to possibilities.  If you don't care for letters, perhaps you could use rounded chunky shapes outlined in black as part of a design.

Design possibilities are everywhere.  Look around, think of things you see with design in mind and have a great day.

A LITTLE RUG HOOKING, A LOT OF OCEAN INSPIRATION

"Red Light in the City"  in progress, Lori LaBerge  2014

I've been working my way up the design of "Red Light in the City".  There will be one more yellow-green section to hook in.  I will change some of the position of the light and dark yellow-green in the upper left square as it is making some odd looking shapes right now. I'm contemplating using two shades of gray for the whipped edges instead of just a dark gray.  

The large hooking was left at home and I am now at the coast with a beautiful view of the ocean.  Bits and pieces of wool were packed and I'll see if I get anything done with it or simply decide to relax.  There is wonderful inspiration here and I'm having fun with the camera.

When we walked in the door we were greeted by a hooked rug.  Nice start!

Waves crashing and splashing.  So many shades of blue, white, green and beige and the sound is just magical.

I just love the hollow of this wave.  Dark olive greens really create depth when the water rolls.

Sitting on the deck, I was surprised to see this.  A pod of dolphins jumping and playing.

This dog was having a grand old time putting its paws in the water then backing away from the waves as they rolled ashore.

Fencing right off the deck will probably lead to a hooked piece.  Love the lines and shadows.

Surfboards leaning on the wall of our neighbor's rental.

This guy looked like he meant business, so I backed out of his way as he headed up the shore.

A much friendlier fellow enjoying the light breeze and morning sunshine.

Vacations can bring so much inspiration without even realizing it.  Enjoy yours and have a great day.

DOORS AND WINDOWS AS INSPIRATION

While sorting through photos the other day, I found some great shots of doors and windows. I love finding patterns in both the new and old as my husband and I drive through towns and visit new places.

I love everything about these doors.  The bars at the top, the "x" shape, the slats of wood behind the "x" shape forming stripes, the metal hardware including those great rings.  So much inspiration to draw from one doorway.

This door has a busy, complex pattern.  I love the way the ironwork looks against the striped pattern of the building itself.  The curves remind me of a William Morris pattern with luscious scroll work.  Yummy!

This is a close-up of part of a wonderful old door.  I love the combination of the diagonals with the straight boards across the top and bottom.  The door exudes strength with its geometric lines and clavos (decorative nail heads).  

These are wheel windows.  They have spokes radiating from the center circle outward.  These form a simple shape similar to a child's drawing of a flower.  The term rose windows, which some may call these, is usually reserved for more complex designs.  I love the way the stone surrounds them, giving some depth.

I love going through old buildings.  There is something about the deterioration of the materials that fascinates me.  This window is framed in metal and the rust can be seen where it has dripped down each section.  The paint on the metal has decayed with age.  This window has great character.  I can envision a painting of rectangular sections with burnt umber paint applied and left to drip over the canvas.

This window is in an old deserted waterworks building.  It has certainly taken the brunt of vandalism over the years.  The broken sections have great abstract shapes and leave much to the imagination.  The second window on the top reminds me of a cat's head.  What do you see in these shapes?

Next time you encounter a window or door, look at it in a new way, imagine all the design possibilities and have a great day!