Author name: emily

Merry Christmas: The Nativity in Art History

Plans and Car Crashes

I keep replaying it in my mind.  I was leaning forward, turned to hesitantly ask my husband if my 6 year old son had brought his Japanese soda bottle with him from the restaurant.  He has a cute little collection, and I didn’t want him to get upset (or drive back to the restaurant) when he realized he had left it.  Suddenly, my husband yelled loudly…something like “Oh My God!” or “He’s Gonna Hit Us!”…and I heard the deafening crash and felt the terrifying impact.  All I remember was screaming, struggling to turn to make sure my son was ok in the backseat as our car spun out of control through the intersection, and then jolting into a sudden stop.

You just sit there for an instant, stunned, wondering what the hell happened.  You realize you are ok, and the adrenaline kicks in as you struggle to evaluate the situation and assess everyone else.  That moment… that moment… it’s one of those moments that will haunt you the rest of your life.  You are not in control, and you are helpless to protect those you love most in this world. 

I turned, and realized my son was ok.  My husband quickly exited the car to get him out.  We were fine.  “Thank you, God” was all I could say as we hugged each other on the side of the road, realizing other people had stopped and were getting out of their car to help us.  Our car had been driving through an intersection and was hit at a good speed by a young man trying to turn left from the oncoming direction.   He drove directly into the back of our car as he was turning into the intersection.  He was fine, though he totaled the entire front end of his car.  Our car, had minimal body damage, but all four wheels were almost unidentifiable… the tires completely twisted and melted off their wheels.

Plans…. what was meant to be a simple evening out for a special dinner turned out completely different.  Our car is now in the shop, our bodies are sore, and our spirits are traumatized.  We can’t do much about any of this until Monday.  Our weekend was planned with cleaning and Holiday preparations, and next week was planned with a trip to the mountains to snowboard.  I planned on writing a blog post about great gifts from Etsy artists today.  I planned on starting to run again on Monday.  I think the people who stopped to help us last night planned on continuing on their merry ways for the evening.  The young man who hit us probably planned on having fun with the other passengers in his car.  My mom, who came to help, planned on finishing her Christmas shopping.  I had planned to mail those last few Christmas cards that were on the dashboard of the car.  But it didn’t work out that way…

We plan, we prepare, we make responsible decisions (and we should or we’d all be a mess!)  But sometimes life happens anyway.  It’s humbling.  It’s scary.  It’s completely unpredictable.

So I am thankful… thankful for my family, and for our health and safety. I am thankful for our friends who care for us.  I am thankful for the kindness and goodness of strangers, who have hearts big enough to stop their own plans to help someone in need.  I am thankful for our country, and the men and women who serve and protect us: police officers,  firefighters,  soldiers.  Mostly, I am thankful for a God who loves us, protects us, and forgives us for all the times we screw up, giving us another chance to get it right. 

Artists at Play: Lorelei’s “Stormy” Bead Challenge

Introducing …

“Irreverent Couture” by Elysian Studios

a new line of studio jewelry featuring bold combinations of fiber and beads

This statement necklace features sewn strands of silk, polyester and cotton fabrics in complementary colorways of slate and teal.  Glass, stone and pearl beads have been artfully arranged and handsewn on the necklace, with some strands cinched by black metal chain.

The fibers have been allowed to fray, creating a natural fringe.  In place of a traditional clasp, the necklace has been bound with a silk cord.  This glamorous piece makes a statement with even the simplest of outfits, and can be worn casually or to a more formal event.

Grey Cardigan by Elle, White Turtleneck by energie, both available at Kohl’s

The beads and theme were chosen by Lorelei Eurto and purchased from Michael’s Arts and Crafts: Peacock freshwater pearls, gunmetal chain, faceted mother of pearl ovals, chunky black nuggets and some glass that is transparent with silver edges.

I’d like to thank Lorelei, for organizing this blog hop, and her amazing eye for beads, that have now inspired two necklaces of mine.  I would also like to thank my steadfast model, Darth Vader, who stood for hours without complaint whle I built this necklace!  Maybe he could use the Force to bring me a dressform for my next project!

For more inspired pieces, follow the blog hop list below, and have fun!

http://lorelei1141.blogspot.com/ http://threeredbeads.blogspot.com/

http://starcitystory.blogspot.com/ http://erinsiegeljewelry.blogspot.com/ http://www.thistlefarmarts.blogspot.com/ http://therabbitmuse.blogspot.com/ http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/ http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com/ http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com/ http://jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com/ http://formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com/ http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com/ http://deborahmpurdy.blogspot.com/ http://beadhappytoday.blogspot.com/ http://pinkicejewels.blogspot.com/ http://craftyhope.blogspot.com/ http://gr8findings.wordpress.com/ http://tropicbeads.blogspot.com/ http://melissaruth.com/blog/ http://maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com/ 
http://beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com/

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Artists at Play: Snowboarding

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him: Mountain Luxe

Stylish and rugged, some gifts for him inspired by the Rocky Mountains!

From top left, clockwise:

Aviator Sunglasses by Carrera (Nordstrom):  Around town or on the hill, protect his peepers from the intense reflection off the snow.  A stylish stripe races across the top and down the arms of these shades, with Carrera’s signature inset at the bridge.

Small Batch Bourbon (Small Batch): A delicious cocktail after a hard day of playing outside is a wonderful gift, and a small batch bourbon is a complex balance of taste and flavor.  You can find a selection at your local liquor retailer.

Handmade Soap in Mahogany (mosoSOAP): No girly shower gel: An old-fashioned soap for an old-fashioned shower.  Added spices of cardamom, vanilla bourbon and allspice round out the rich woody scent in this handcrafted soap available through Etsy.com.

National Park Graphic Poster (Ranger Doug’s): For his office or man-cave, he can dream about the mountains even if he can’t be on them.  An entire series of original WPA Designed Posters are available at this website.

Snow Shoes (REI): He’ll love being able to trek easily in the fresh mountain air with a pair of snowshoes. Providing excellent value, the Atlas 830 snowshoes are great for beginning and experienced snowshoers alike, offering traction and float on flat terrain and packed trails.

Sorel 1964 Pac Boots (Zappos): A great pair of waterproof boots take him through all kinds of terrain, and these are stylish enough to take him to a casual dinner or drinks with friends. 

Rag Wool and Leather Gloves (Hickoree’s Hard Goods): Premium Rag Wool will keep his hands warm, and the leather palms allow him to hold onto his gear in the cold.  Hickoree’s Hard Goods is a great site for all kinds of manly goods.

More Gift Guides to come!

Giveaway Announcement: Art Bead Scene Ornament Blog Hop

Holiday Gift Guide: For Her: Mountain Luxe

Can’t take her to Telluride? Here are a few gorgeous gifts to bring some Rocky Mountain Luxury to her Christmas!

From top left, clockwise:

Sheepskin Rug (Ikea): At the foot of the bed or at the edge of her tub, this is the fluffiest, softest thing her feet will touch all day. They are readily available online, and some discount stores, like Costco carry them.

Keurig Single-Cup Coffee Brewer (Bed Bath & Beyond): For the kitchen (or even more luxurious, the bath) she can have a piping hot cup of her favorite coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.  If you are setting up a coffee bar in the boudoir, be sure to include a tray, coffee cups, non-perishable creamer, and stir sticks. 

Joan of Arctic Boots (Sorel):  These boots are both practical and gorgeous for the city, the slopes, or hot toddies at the lodge.  ’nuff said.

KOMO Neck Garland Scarf in Burgundy (PeekoApparel):  She  can snuggle into this scarf and face wind and snow, all while looking completely glamorous.  Available in multiple colors at PeekoApparel’s shop at Etsy.com.

XOXO Cuff in Gold (Janet Mazorie): To a formal event, or on any casual day, her arm will glow (and many people will comment) when she wears this statement cuff. This is a handmade piece available only at Etsy.com, learn how to shop here.

Stay tuned for more Holiday gift guides!

Artists at Play: Art Bead Scene Ornament Blog Hop

Art Tour: Shopping in Breckenridge,CO

I adore Breckenridge! It is the quintessential Ski Resort Town.  Not flashy, but sophisticated enough to keep you coming back for more!  I never have enough time to just wander, as other members of our group have things they want to do as well (like I said, lots &lots for everyone to do!)  This Black Friday was spent shopping local boutiques, and I want to highlight the fabulous finds we discovered!

Being in this shop just makes you feel like you are cruising around on their signature bike, happy-as-can-be.  It has adorable handmade goods by a variety of artisans, at very reasonable prices!  I was shopping with my mom, and we both had to stop and decide what we were buying, ’cause there was no way we were leaving without picking up something cute to remember our day!  I bought three prints on cards by Cathy Dailey Designs, that I will be framing together.  Her images of birds and dogs crack me up!  Visit her Etsy shop here for originals (they are so reasonably priced, I would have bought one at the shop if they had any on hand!)

My mom picked up one of these delicate necklaces made by the shop-owner, which she will layer with other silver chains and wear all the time!

This adorable shop specializes in clothing and accessories for women and children: Handbags, belts, appliqued clothing, jewelry… there’s lots to keep you entertained!  I had my eye on this cute clutch- I love the design! Alas, it was just too small for this mom who is always toting everyone else’s stuff! Then, because I really wanted the purse, I talked myself out of a pair of earrings that were so dang cute (and well priced), that I think I am going to have to call the shop! Ever do that??

This small shop had wonderful customer service!  We were encouraged to try on, and showed many styles that suited our needs.  Leather, knit, plain colors and patterns, there was a lot to choose from! They had a wide variety of fingerless gloves, including this yummy arm-length style in cashmere! 

“The Bay Street Company”

This deceivingly little shop has a ton of merchandise! From books to candles to handmade guinea hen sculptures, you are bound to find something you can’t live without!  I had my eye on the fabric ram’s head, and these stacked rock sculptures.  Unfortunately, our significant others were calling, as they were reserving a table at our favorite spot for dinner, so we had to hurry on our way!

“Breckenridge Bead Gallery”

This is an itsy-bitsy shop, off-the-beaten-path, but worth a stop if you’re a beader!  Amazingly, it’s hard to find a local bead shop in the Denver suburbs, so I enjoyed the change in selection!  I picked up these Chinese lampwork beads to use as focals for three necklaces I have planned.  The shop had lots of different beads to choose from, and some wonderful beaded jewelry to purchase!

Next visit to Breckenridge will be all about the galleries, and we’ll explore what fine art they have available.  But today was fun, lighthearted shopping! Plus, we had hiked it up and down the sledding hill at Carter Park that afternoon, so we were tired…and on our way to Eric’s for a beer!

Halloween: “Welcome Foolish Mortals”

Featured Artist: Katharine McGuinness




“Tutti Frutti” monotype by Katharine McGuinness

Discovering the work of Katharine McGuinness was a  wonderful moment of kismet for me this year.  When touring Denver’s Santa Fe Art District for their monthly First Friday Artwalk, I entered Spark Gallery and was immediately delighted by the saturated color and energetic shapes of these monotypes on paper, which were hung like mobiles throughout the gallery space.  They twirled and danced as I walked around them, and I was captivated by their stunning compositions and rich texture. Katharine has an amazing eye for color and a mastery of abstraction.  Often abstract works can lie flat and emotionless on their canvas or paper and get monotonous to view.  These shapes seem to interact and move with each other, and the viewer has merely caught a snapshot of their action.  Drawn in for a closer look, you begin to see the layers of color artfully built upon one another and gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship of these pieces.

“Birthday in Chinatown” monotype by Katharine McGuinness

Shortly after I saw Katharine’s work at Spark, I wandered into her booth at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, which is one of the largest, most prestigious annual arts festivals in the country and very difficult to be accepted into.  This time I was able to meet Kate in person!  She is a delightfully energetic woman, who happily shared information about her work and success with me, and I am still inspired by that conversation!  Kate currently has a show at Zip37 Gallery, in Denver’s Navajo Street Art District, through October 31st.  Her work is priced very reasonably ($800-$900, framed), and I highly recommend adding one to your art collection!  I had the opportunity to talk with her about her work at the show’s opening, and laughed frequently at her analogies and wonderful stories.

Elysian:  “I am not familiar with the monotype process, can you explain it to me?”

Katharine McGuinness at Zip37 Gallery

McGuinness: “A monotype is a painting done with lithography inks onto a printing plate.  I determine my composition, mix my inks and roll them onto the plate with a brayer.  I control which inks go next to each other, and then transfer the colors in many layers with a press onto 100% rag paper.  The paper is pure white to start, but there is none left when I am done! Some images may be similar, but each one is made completely by hand.  There is no edition, and each piece is unique.”

Elysian: “What artists are the biggest influences on your work?”

McGuinness: “One of the biggest influences on my work is music.  My process is similar to jazz.  I used to play the guitar, so I relate to the rhythm and movement of music.  As far as artists go, I hate to look too much at others, because I want my work to be it’s own, and artists can’t help but steal ideas from one another.  I do love Rothko and Villard.”

Katharine McGuinness at Zip37 Gallery

Elysian: “I also see a lot of Kandinsky (one of my favorite artists whose imagery was strongly influenced by music)”

McGuinness: “Yes, in fact I named one of my pieces after him!”

Elysian: “How do you know when a piece is finished?”

McGuinness: “It is so important that a piece doesn’t look overworked!  Its like a delicate pizza dough that you skillfully toss in the air and as soon as it’s right you stop!”

“Swimming Up Stream” monotype by Katharine McGuinness

Elysian: “Which piece in the show is your favorite?”

McGuinness: (pointing)  “Swimming Up Stream”

Elysian: “That is my favorite!  I love the black!”

Kate and I had a great time discussing her work, and her show is beautiful!  I look forward to seeing her next show, especially how she chooses to display her pieces.  She always gives thoughtful consideration to the viewer’s ability to interact with her work and see it as clearly as possible.  You can view more of her work on her website at http://www.mcguinnessstudio.com/ , and be sure to stop by her show at:

Zip37 Gallery

3644 Navajo Street (Highlands)

through October 31st

Art Tour: King Tut at the Denver Art Museum-part 2

In my previous post, I covered the basics of preparing to visit the King Tut exhibit at the DAM, but if you can’t get to the museum, I’d like to share some of my favorite pieces in the collection.  All of the pictures in this post are from the book “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharoahs” by Zahi Hawass.  This is the Official Souvenir Guide to the Exhibition.  Dr. Hawass is an impressive archaeologist, and I’m amazed at how much he continues to discover and share about Ancient Egyptian culture. If you listen to him speak about his discoveries, or watch him on a National Geographic DVD, his joy and excitement shines through and is contagious! 

There are three major focuses of the artifacts in the King Tut exhibit: The Pharoahs, The Treasures, and The Household.

The Pharaohs:

“The word ‘pharaoh’ comes from a Hebrew word in the Old Testament referring to the ruler of Egypt, derived from an ancient phrase, per aa, meaning ‘great house.’ ” says Hawass.

1. “Funerary Mask of Psusennnes” ,gold inlaid with lapis lazuli and black and white glass.  Solid gold masks like this were used to cover the face, head and chest of the Pharaoh mummies. The cobra and false beard point to the royal and godly status of Pharaoh, and gold was believed to  be connected with the light of the sun, one of the major gods in Egyptian religion.

2. “Sculpture of Amenhotep IV” , sandstone.  Akhenaten, also known as Amenhotep IV, was King Tutankhamun’s father, who controversially changed Egypt’s worship from the sun god “Amun” to the sun god “Aten.”  In fact, King Tut’s name at birth was Tutankhaten, and changed to Tutankhamun after he inherited the throne and restored worship to Amun. This lage and impressive sculpture of Amenhotep IV once “stood against large square pillars in the colonnade of the King’s temple to the god Aten at East Karnak,” says Hawass.

3. “Amenhotep III” , plastered and painted unbaked clay.  There are different significances to the crowns portrayed by the Pharaohs.  This portrays the “blue crown”, or “war crown.” The statue of Amenhotep IV (#2) portrays the “double crown” which symbolizes Pharaoh’s rule over both Upper and Lower Egypt, and the Funerary Mask (#1) displays the “Nemes Headdress” which is the most common crown we associate with Pharaoh, and symbolizes his divinity.

4. “Colossal Statue of King Tutankhamun”, quartzite.  This is a gorgeous statue, and it’s worth the trip to the DAM just to see it.  It is one of a pair of statues found in the funerary temple of Ay and Horemheb, two very influential Egyptian leaders at the time of Tut’s reign. The smooth belly, contrasted with the striated skirt and intricately painted details of his face are something to behold.  This is why we are still fascinated with Ancient Egypt!

5. “Statue of Hetep”, stone.  Another example of fascinating and influential Egyptian Art is this abstract block sculpture of Hetep, who probably served in the court of Amenhotep I.  It depicts a seated figure and focuses on the carved hieroglyphic inscriptions, rather than characteristic details of the figure itself.

Art Tour: King Tut at the Denver Art Museum-part I

Featured Artist: Tim Baron Illustration



“Sci-Fi Theologica” by Tim Baron


Tim Baron is an extraordinarily talented artist and illustrator whose work I have admired for years.  He has an entertaining variety of subject matter to which he delivers a unique style!  Tim consistently produces subject matter that has a passionate heart, whether it is about the Gospel, children’s books, the current dangers facing teens, or a painting of a monster statue his daughter gave him!  He is a  a self-described, comic-book and action figure addict (to which I can totally relate), graphic designer-by-day, and family man. 

One of my favorite works by Tim is this beautiful drawing of Jesus saying “Let the Children Come to Me”.  Tim has an amazing ability to put a lot of emotion into simple gestures, which makes his characters graphically stunning. (I also secretly admire his ability to turn sounds into cool words like “KZAAK!” “BOFF!” and “MUAHAHAHA!”)  I recently caught up with Tim to gain more insight into his process, and find out about his newest projects.



“Jesus said ‘Let the children come to Me’ ” by Tim Baron



Elysian:  “When did you make your first comic book and what was it?”

Baron:  “Hmmmmmm….I believe I made my first comic in early grade school.  My best friend Curt and I were obsessed with Transformers.  We made up these Transformers stories that we would write and draw comics for.  Each of us would work on it for a while and then trade off.  I still have some of them. 

 As far as comics go, I’ve been obsessed with them since before I can remember.  I was first introduced to super-heroes on shows like “The Electric Company” and “The Bozo Show.” I do have a very early memory of going to the grocery store with my Mom and buying what I believe was my first comic book.  It was an issue of Green Lantern where he fights Star Sapphire.  I would always stand and look at the comic rack when I went to the grocery store with my mom.  I loved pouring over those books, and a lot of those same covers still stick in my mind.”

New Painting and YouTube Demo

Artists at Play: Lorelei’s Michael’s Bead Challenge

Featured Artist: Angus Wilson

The Artful Life: Painting a Recipe: Peaches

“The Lonely Peach” oil on canvas, mounted on board by Erin Fickert-Rowland

Colorado’s Palisade Peaches are famous for their firm, juicy, delectable smelling flesh, and I am mourning the end of their season!  At $0.98 a pound, I kept buying bags full, intending to freeze some, but they were just too irresistible!  We did manage to save enough to make this delicious cobbler though!

Pecan-Peach Cobbler from Southern Living Magazine,

 June 2010 Click here for printable recipe

*note, I only used 2 pie crusts and just sprinkled sugar and pecans on top of each layer.  This was easier and much less fattening! Be sure to watch for browning on the nuts, and brush a little milk on the very top to prevent burning.  I also did not cut apart the crust to make it look fancy…I don’t have that kind of time!

Ingredients:

12-15 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 cups sugar

2/3 cup butter

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 (15 oz.) packages refrigerated piecrusts

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

5 tablespoons sugar, divided

Sweetened whip cream (or vanilla ice cream) to serve

The Artful Life: Painting a Recipe: Green Chiles

“Longhorn Chiles” oil on canvas, mounted on board by Erin Fickert-Rowland

Growing up in New Mexico as a child, I have many memories of roasting and drying large quantities of green chiles.  I still adore them in just about everything, including my own recipe for Green and White Chicken Chili! Serve with cheese quesadillas and enjoy!

Click here for Printable Recipe

 

Green and White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 fresh mild green chiles, seeded and chopped

1 packet McCormick’s White Chicken Chili seasoning

1 can diced tomatoes with Mexican seasoning

2 cans chicken broth

2 cans great northern beans, drained

1. Heat large pot or dutch-oven over medium heat.  Add olive oil and onion, and cook until translucent.

2.Add chicken and cook until done.  Remove chicken and onion mixture from pot, and set aside.

3. Add garlic and green chiles to pot (add a little more oil if needed).  Cook 1-2 minutes.

4. Return chicken mixture to pot.  Add chili seasoning packet.  Cook 1 min.

5. Add all remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 1-2 hours.

6. Season with salt and pepper as desired, and top with dollops of sour cream.  Serve with cheese quesadillas on the side!



Green and White Chicken Chili



The Artful Life: Painting a Recipe: Raspberries



“Breakfast with Raspberries” oil on canvas, mounted on board by Erin Fickert-Rowland I am starting a new series of fruit and vegetable still lifes, and I love to cook, so I want to share both my painting and a delicious recipe for you to enjoy at home! Click here for printable recipe  Berry-Berry Brownie Torte from “Best-Loved Hershey’s” *note:original recipe calls for 3/4 cup raspberries and 3/4 cup blackberries, but I used all raspberries, I also substituted Lite Cool Whip for the heavy whipping cream! Ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine 1 1/4 cups sugar,divided 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/3 cup Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa 1/2 cup whipping cream 1 1/2 cup fresh raspberries, rinsed and patted dry

1. Heat oven to 350 F.  Line 9-inch round baking pan with wax paper, then grease.  Stir together flour, baking soda and salt.  Stir in chocolate chips.

2. Melt butter in medium saucepan over low heat.  Remove from heat.  Stir in 1 cup sugar, eggs and vanilla.  Add cocoa, blending well.  Stir in flour mixture.  Spread mixture in prepared pan.

3. Bake 20-25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky.  Cool in pan on wire rack 15 minutes.  Invert onto wire rack; remove wax paper.  Turn right side up;cool completely.

4. Beat whipping cream and remaining 1/4 cup sugar until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form.  Spread over top of brownie.  Top with berries.  Refrigerate until serving time.

Makes 8-10 servings

Berry-Berry Brownie Torte