Elysian Studios Art

Featured Artist: Joe Higgins

Categories: Featured Artist

“Emily Dickinson sought an identity in a society that offered few choices- mother, person of faith- to women.  Dickinson rejected the revivalists and rarely left her room, where she met God, the Devil and the details of meaning and poetic space on her own terms.”

-Joe Higgins

“Alone I Can Not Be” original Monotype by Joe Higgins

I had the great pleasure of viewing “Emily Dickinson, Unplugged” last weekend at Zip 37 Gallery in The Navajo Street Art District.  This solo show by Monotype Artist, Joe Higgins, is an aesthetic adventure into the poetry of famed recluse Emily Dickinson.

Poignantly graphic and stark in color, Joe’s newest body of work is a compelling visual tribute to Emily’s beautiful writing and tragic solitude.  Verses and phrases of her poetry provide the creative spark to his imagery.  Her obsession with love, death, writing and the choice to remain cut off from the outside world is conveyed in the stark lines, isolated figures and muted colors of Joe’s Monotypes.

“Transmission” original Monotype by Joe Higgins

I particularly love this piece, titled “Transmission,” which explores the idea of Communication.  Thoughts quietly handwritten at a desk transmit ideas from the author.  But do they stay there? Are they confined within the house or building where they are written, or are they transmitted and dispersed across other lines of communication, like telephones, and the internet?  And how long does it take for the ideas to transmit from one place to the other, and what venue has greater weight?  

I find it fascinating that Joe decreases the scale of the elements that traditionally have more power.  A sturdy telephone pole looks like a child’s plaything next to a cold, closed house that shows no sign of love or affection on top of the strong, bold desk- the only source of warmth and heat in the image.

“Study” original Monotype by Joe Higgins, Collection of Erin Fickert-Rowland

I was also fond of this little piece, which I couldn’t resist bringing home with me!  I love the calm, quiet grey swaths of color, and the dynamic inky lines that compose the chair.  Joe uses the image of the simple desk chair often in his work, so I felt this piece was indicative of his style.

You can learn more about the process of making Monotypes by taking a workshop with Joe Higgins at the Denver Art Student’s League.  He also writes about his process and shows on his blog “Squishtoid”, where “it’s squish or be squished!”

Joe Higgins’ work can be seen regularly at Zip 37 Gallery in the Lower Highlands neighborhood of Denver.  His solo show runs through August 21, 2001.  Joe also braves the elements and can be found at many outdoor Art Festivals in Colorado, including Salida, Boulder and Denver.  He is a very active member of the Denver art community and has a promising career ahead of him!

Spread The Love, Share Our Article

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

photo by C. G. P. Grey via Flickr

Ever had the opportunity to attend an event, but found yourself without a date?

Recently, I was invited to attend the opening reception for the Butterfly Pavilion’s Annual Photo Contest.  It was on a weeknight, and school had just started.  The boys had sports practice after school, and it couldn’t be rescheduled.  I would have loved to share an evening of dinner and cocktails with my husband, but someone had to stay with the children.

What to do? Skip it, or just go?

I told myself, “Just Go!”

Photo by andrewrennie via Flickr

When negotiating with myself about what to do, I began to weigh the pros and cons.  I would have a chance to be a part of an event that recognized local photographers (pro).  I would have a chance to connect and outreach to people that have similar interests (pro).  There would be free admission to see the butterflies (pro).  There would be free food and cocktails (pro).  I will have to miss the boys’ practice (con). I will have to go by myself (con)?

I had everything to gain and would only lose seeing one practice in addition to spending a little awkward time by myself.  You know what I thought? “I’m not really that unpleasant to be around! I think I can handle hanging out with myself for a few hours.  I’d either meet a few new interesting people or just take my phone and notebook and enjoy some quiet time to jot down a few ideas.” 

As creatives, we have to take risks.

Image by Southern Arkansas University via Flickr

If you are starting your own business, like me, don’t miss an opportunity just because you don’t have the “buffer” of another person to attend an event with you!  What’s wrong with a quiet evening out by yourself to simply enjoy people and receive a little appreciation for something you’ve done?  Put yourself out there!

If you rely on someone else’s schedule to be free, you may miss out on a great chance to spread the word about your business, or make connections with other great people.  You don’t have to show up and be the life of the party.  Don’t be afraid to say a few friendly hellos, answer questions when they are asked, or just stand quietly with a smile on your face.  There’s a lot to be gained just by listening to a crowd of people!

Image by Scoobyfoo via Flickr

Take Risks. Don’t be afraid to go alone.

Sometimes that even means just submitting an entry to a contest you know nothing about.  Maybe you know your piece won’t win or be selected.  Enter anyway. 

“Spread Your Wings” original photo by Erin Fickert-Rowland

Submit the best work you have at that moment, and learn about the process. I wasn’t prepared with an exotic photograph of an interesting bug out in the wild, which is what they were looking for. My best shot was from the Butterfly Pavilion itself. If I didn’t submit it, however, I wouldn’t have been invited to attend the reception.

I am thrilled to say I had a great evening sharing “oohs” and “ahhs” with complete strangers over some pretty amazing photographs!  I was also able to spend a few moments with the beautiful butterflies fluttering around, and even saw one hatch from its cocoon!

Spread The Love, Share Our Article

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

“Monet’s Garden”: New Necklace Design

Categories: jewelry

My new necklace design was inspired by this beautiful purple enameled key made by Laura Guenther for Blue Antiquities. Immediately, I began to think of the precious nature of a vintage key.  

What would inspire someone to wear it? 

The key to a secret place…a beautiful place…a secret garden… Monet.

The purple beckoned the pinks and greens.  Natural elements soon followed: pearls, botanical shapes, and a sweet little Vintaj brass bird (seen better here).  In fact, the gorgeous tones of the hand-finished Vintaj brass components were an easy choice to complete the design and accentuate the key.

I dressed the necklace up for a day at the office or special meeting by pairing it with a simple knit tee under a cream blazer.  However, this could be worn around town with a drapey solid-colored  knit tee and jeans, or with a simple, flowy summer dress to a garden party!

Spread The Love, Share Our Article

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•